Adult-FanFiction.org : Cartoons

Fiery Heart	By : Lania Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > Het - Male/Female Views: 2950 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
- 3
Author Note

A little note on chapter three here. Originally, I had two different versions that resulted in two different kind of character developments. After having a friend review it for me, she thought it would be best to blend both versions together.

Fiery Heart: Chapter Two

Lania fingered the soft cotton of a tunic, smiling at how nice it felt. She took in a deep breath and wandered further into the small shop that was perfumed with orchid incense. Behind her, hat on, was Iroh, who smiled at the girl as she wandered through the different styles of clothing that were laid out before her.

An elder lady whose hair was pulled back in a very tight bun and held by wooden sticks wandered up to Lania. “Welcome to my shop!” she greeted kindly, with a small bow. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

Lania froze for a moment, blinking a bit. “Um, yes… I need.” she held the end of Zuko’s tunic out with her fingers. “Something that fits a bit better…”

“I should say.” The woman said with a tisk. “Wearing boys clothing…goodness.” She stepped around the table, and began to sort through some of the clothing pieces. “What kind of budget are you on?” she asked.

Lania looked back at Iroh, who held the money. “Not much of one...” he said gently, stepping forward. “Only a couple gold pieces.” He said.

The lady seemed to consider this for a moment. “Well, no silk then.” She said sadly, knowing that she would not make much profit off these customers. “I have some wool and cotton sets if you would like to see them. Not much as far as color range goes, but still sturdy.”

“That would be wonderful.” Lania said with a meek smile. The lady led her towards the back corner of the shop where there were piles of cloths, none nearly as nice as the ones up front. Gently, Lania began to sift through the piles.

“With your dark hair…” the lady droned on. “I would go with light tans… like this.” She held up a tunic that was split to either side to allow the legs to move freely. It had a high collar, and went down far enough to touch the wearer’s knees.

Lania stared at it, than accepted it, feeling the cotton. It wasn’t bad quality at all, and when she held it to her body, she found that it stopped just short of her knees. She looked over at Iroh, who raised a brow and nodded approvingly. Looking at the lady, she smiled. “Would you happen to have a set of black pants and a black waist band to go with this?”

“Of course I do!” the lady said enthusiastically. She disappeared for a moment, leaving Lania and Iroh alone. It was then that Lania searched for the price tag, biting her lip.

Iroh stepped next to her, glancing at the price. “Not too bad.” He said cheerfully.

Lania turned to him, looking up, her eyes wide. “Ir---Omushii, I cannot accept this…” she said in a pleading whisper. “I really would prefer to earn it on my own…”

Iroh shook his head gently, and placed a hand on her cheek. The bruises that once marred her face had faded and only whispers of darkness remained where the injury had been at its worst. He felt her pull away slightly, and her gaze instantly dropped away from his. “We are doing this… because we want to.” He said gently.

Lania could feel tears beginning to form, and frustration was rising in her. She’d grown up on the ideal that she had to take care of herself, and that if she depended on others, she would be let down. Why doesn’t he just…understand? She turned her gaze on him, her eyes hardening slightly. “Why?”

Iroh smiled, then chuckled, letting his hand drop from her cheek. “You are worried we will demand something in return?”

Lania felt her mouth twist. Yes.

“Listen to me.” Iroh said, placing his hands on her shoulders. “We saved you, because what those soldiers did to you… It was not right.”

“But I am in the way.” Lania protested, looking at him. “Your nephew hates me…”

This time Iroh laughed heartily. He patted her shoulder and stepped away, leaving the girl looking dazed. “He may not seem it, but he is actually very caring. He does not hate you, he just does not know how to act around you.”

Lania blinked, but before she could retort, the lady returned.

“Oh I found just the right sizes for you!” she proclaimed.

***

“Look at you! Now that is how a lovely girl should dress!” Iroh said as he walked Lania out of the store. He had insisted that she wear the new cloths, and had the shop owner bag up Zuko’s old outfit.

Lania rubbed her arm and bowed her head down as she noticed a couple people glance over. “Please…” she said gently. She felt very nervous around people, especially armored ones, like the ones standing by a nearby fountain.

“Shall we stop and buy some supplies?” Iroh asked, holding his arm out to Lania. She accepted, and he leaned over, whispering gently. “It is alright. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He reassured her. Truth be told, he was purposely exposing her to the attention in efforts to ease her walls down. He’d had a glimpse of her personality when she returned from the woods after hunting, and he wanted to see more of it. The shy, quiet girl that she was hiding behind was not going to improve her situation.

They walked along the street until they came to another shop that had traveling gear. Iroh ushered her in, holding the wool flap aside for her. “We need to get you a sleeping bag.” He said with a shrug when she gave him a curious look. “Unless you’d rather continue to share with Lee…”

Lania blushed furiously and muttered a negative response. As she passed under the wool cloth, she noticed a small alley off to the south side of the building. It was deserted, except for a few shabby looking vendor stands. Biting her lip, she continued into the shop, an idea was brewing in her mind.

***

Night had fallen, and Lania was thankful for the cover of darkness as she entered the town. She glanced behind her to make sure her counterparts were not following her. She felt guilty… she’d lied to both Iroh and Zuko.

This isn’t smart. Her mind screamed at her. She knew it wasn’t, but she was desperate to ease her companion’s troubles. In the guise of going to bathe in the river, she’d returned to the town, and she intended to earn a good haul of money.

Going back to a town with fire nation soldiers. So smart Lania. They have no clue where you are either. Her mind continued arguing. She was terrified, but her pride was pushing her. This was the world she knew, and she did not want to keep hiding from it. What if you get captured? What if they bind you again? What if they—

STOP! She screamed mentally, squeezing her eyes shut tightly. She could feel her heart pounding with fear so hard that it reverberated in her ears. Taking a deep breath, she waited to see if the nagging voice would return, and when it didn’t she decided it was safe to continue on.

The alley she had spotted earlier seemed to be an ideal place for all sorts of people. As she entered it, she noticed several small groups of people standing around. None of them paid much attention to her, as they all spoke in mutters and whispers. For now they had their own matters to attend to.

She set a hat on the ground—Iroh’s, she had taken it when he wasn’t looking. She stepped back for a moment to gather herself, and take in her surroundings. She was a decent ways away from the entrance, which was where the middle of the town was and where most the guards were stationed. There was no dead end, so Lania safely assumed that she’d be able to loose any soldiers that came in.

She closed her eyes and willed her heart to stop beating so fast.

***

Iroh frowned sadly as he stepped next to a darkened building across from the alley that Lania was in. He’d known almost instantly that she was not going to bathe… she’d taken no soap and nothing to dry herself with. He was hurt that she had snuck away from him and Zuko, and even more hurt that she’d lied to them.

However, his old heart was forgiving and calm. She is doing this of her own free will… which means that she is getting better. From the outside, Iroh could see that there was truth behind it. She’d taken it upon herself to do something about her current situation, and that took courage. For a moment, fierce pride welled up in the old man, and even though she had lied to him, he couldn’t be angry with her.

Chancing a closer look, he dodged behind one of the buildings that created the alley. He crouched down, effectively concealing himself behind some shrubbery that surrounded the front of the building. He could see Lania clearly, and he also saw his hat… on the ground. So that is where it went…

A flash of orange brought his attention back to Lania, who stood there, hands out to either side, flames dancing on her fingertips.

With one smooth motion she spun, and dropped to her knees, her arms continuing in one graceful circle, creating a ring of fire. Deftly, she sprang up on her toes and bounded outside the circle, one hand above her head and the other planted on her hip which she stuck out purposefully. The fire flamed high, and in response she spun through it, the flames circling around her form to follow their master’s movements.

Lania smiled as the familiar warmth trickled through her body as she embraced her element. Her fire principle was based around taming the flames, which meant she had to know how to control her emotions. Anger and passion were the main driving principles behind all fire bending, and when it came to the dance, passion was the emotion typically used. In honesty, it was the only one she knew.

She bounced onto one foot, kicking her leg back and arching her back and chest forward, her right arm held out to her side, and her left one above her head. The fire trailed along the shape of her body, in a ribbon-like path flaring at her fingertips. Yes… you control it now.

Iroh watched, his eyebrows raised, as the timid young girl he’d come to know suddenly became an embodiment of passionate fire. When she moved, the ring of fire would follow, swirling wildly around her, up her arms and down her legs. Even when she would spin and toss her hair, the fire would crackle and flare in response making it seem as though every movement was alive with a burning essence.

The alley was suddenly quiet, except for the occasional roar of flame. The others stopped to watch Lania at work, but it wasn’t until one particular move, when she did a small backhand spring, followed by a spin and a defined thrust of her hips did they begin to move in.

Iroh kept his eyes open, narrowed in suspicion at all the onlookers, his fist clenched and ready to attack if need be.

***

Zuko stood by the river, his teeth clenched angrily, his fist shaking at his side. Lania was not there, nor was his uncle.

He turned on heel and stomped back towards their camp sight. That little…LIAR! He yelled in his mind. He was not sure what his Uncle was doing, but he’d pieced Lania’s part together. As soon as he had watched her leave he had a funny feeling that she was not going to do what she said she was, and he felt foolish for not questioning it sooner. No, he knew now that she had gone back to town to do exactly what he had told her not to.

He couldn’t go after her, at least not as he was. He grabbed a hold of his pack, and pulled it open. He dug around forcefully and began to pull out some clothing. The last item he removed, wrapped in a white towel at the bottom of his bag, was his Blue Spirit Mask.

***

Ting!

Iroh watched as a coin flew into his hat. Shortly after, more began to follow, and he suddenly felt a bit more at ease. Some clapping ensued, and from somewhere, an instrument began to play.

This is it. Lania thought happily as she smiled to the crowd. They were enjoying her performance, and that spurned her to do more tricks. She spun, engulfing herself completely in a ball of fire, which spun itself out a moment later. Where she had been standing, there was nothing.

The crowd glanced around to find her, and even Iroh had to search.

Lania whistled from the top of a vendor stand a few yards away. She waved, and jumped down, heading back to her spot in a flash of summersaults and flips. The crowd roared, and more coins plunked into the hat.

When she reached her spot once more, Lania stood up and made a bow towards the crowd. A few more cheers rose up, but stopped almost instantly when a rough had shot out and caught Lania’s wrist.

Shaken, Lania glanced up to see a very greasy looking man. He had long, shabby dark hair that looked as though it hadn’t been washed, and a long, crooked nose that was marred by a scar. His eyes were small and intense, and he wore a grin that sent chills down her back.

I told you… the voice whispered, frightened.

***

Iroh was on his feet and was heading down the alley when he saw the man grab Lania. Old, though he was, he knew he was still formidable. “Let her go!” he yelled as he approached the crowd.

“Ir—Omushii!” Lania cried, her hand going to the man’s wrist as she tried to fight her way free.

“A pretty girl like this has no business with an old man like you.” The man jeered at Iroh, who was being held back by a couple thugs. “I’ll buy her from you though…only seems fair.”

“I am not a possession!” Lania cried out, still struggling against the man. Her heartbeat was rapid again, and she could feel shocks of panic running through her. She knew she had to try and keep calm, but her instinct was telling her otherwise.

“A whore is always a possession.” The man stated matter-of-factly. From behind him, several snickers rose up. Apparently many of the men in the alley agreed with him, and he knew it. “A real lady would never stoop to dancing for money… unless she was hungry for another kind of entertainment…”

Lania met his eyes, and she suddenly felt as though ice water had been thrown on her. She knew that look and she’d seen that same darkness behind other men’s eyes. She suddenly regretted ever sneaking away, and once more, she felt tears threatening to spill over.

“I said let her go.” Iroh repeated dangerously as he took a fighting stance.

The man laughed and threw Lania’s wrist at her. She stumbled slightly, and was instantly grabbed by one of the man’s associates. “I’ll watch ‘er boss!” he declared, rubbing his cheek against Lania’s.

“Nobody touches her until I—“ the man started, but was interrupted by an even louder voice.

“WHAT IS GOING ON DOWN THERE?!” demanded a guard who stood at the entrance of the alley.

Instantly, people took to running. Lania stumbled as the man pushed off of her and headed for an exit. She fell on her knees in front of Iroh’s hat, and somewhere in the confusion, she thought to scoop the contents out and pocket them. Foolish though it was, she did not want to loose what she had been humiliated for.

As she stood, she felt someone grab her arm and began to pull her. It was Iroh.

“We have to run, now!” he said, glancing back. More soldiers were heading their way.

Lania turned, and following Iroh’s lead she began to run. Can’t get caught again. Can’t, can’t, can’t… She turned, throwing her arm and sending a wave of fire towards the oncoming guards. To her dismay, the fire flared, and died not even an inch away from her. Once again, her bending was failing her.

“CATCH THE WHORE!” yelled one of the guards.

She turned on heel and began running once more. Pulse pounding and breathing hard, she and Iroh wove their way through the city. As they passed the main wall, Iroh took the lead, heading into the underbrush. Lania was just about to hit the tree line when something snuck out and caught her legs, making her trip and fall.

Wincing, she rolled over and reached down to undo the snare that had caught her. Unfortunately, by the time she had finished unwrapping the rope, a spear was at her throat. She glared up at the soldier, her body shaking with adrenalin.

“You are under arrest for violation of law thirty-seven, distasteful acts in public.” He said officially. The other two soldiers appeared and dragged Lania to her feet.

Lania looked to either side of her at each of the soldier’s. Their rough hands were sending waves of panics through her. She planted her feet and pushed back, knocking the two soldiers’ balance off a bit, and then threw out he foot to knock the spear away.

She missed.

The men laughed and tightened their grips on her. “Nice try.” The leader said, tipping Lania’s chin up with the tip of the spear. “Anymore resistance and I’ll run you through…”

A flash of silver appeared, and the spear tip fell to the ground.

Lania looked down at the broken weapon, trying to figure out what had happened. She glanced around quickly, and saw someone moving around. It was enough of a distraction that she was able to jerk her left arm free.

“RRRAH!” she yelled, thrusting her hand at the man holding her right hand. Fire sparked free, right into his face, making the man fall backwards. She stepped back, grinning somewhat. “Alright, now for—“

WHACK!

Lania saw stars, and could feel herself falling forward. Everything went black before she hit the ground.

***

Zuko cursed to himself silently. He hadn’t gotten to the main guard fast enough to stop him from striking Lania. He watched her fall to the ground, and though he was worried, he had to wait until the other two soldiers were taken care of to check on her.

The man who’d held the spear turned to him now, and using the remaining staff, went to strike Zuko, who blocked with his broadswords, and methodically hacked chunk after chunk of the wood off until he reached the man’s hand.

The man stared at Zuko, looking dumbfounded.

Using the broad side of the sword, he returned the man’s blow, watching the man fall limp to the ground. Zuko glanced over his shoulder and dodged as a fireball exploded near him. He rolled onto his feet and in one quick motion, threw one of his swords at the man. It caught the inside of the man’s helmet, right by his cheek. The force was so great that it dragged the man back a foot, and pinned him into the tree.

The man stood there, shaking, and then his eyes rolled into the back of his head as he passed out, sliding out of his helmet.

Zuko walked over and jerked his sword free from the tree. He took a moment to smirk at the unconscious man, then sheathed his weapon and walked over to Lania. He felt the back of her head, where she had been struck, and found a defined bump. That’s what you get… he thought, lifting her body up.

***

Lania could feel herself floating. It was an odd sensation, and not one that she was fond of. She could hear her heart beating, and something else. Something was trying to come through, but the words were fuzzy and garbled.

“…re……ore……ore…” She thought for a moment, and then realized what the word was. Shamefully, she ducked her head, bringing her shoulder up to cover her face. It continued on, getting louder and louder.

“Whore… whore…WHORE…”

With a start, Lania’s eyes flew open. Confused, and dazed by the pain from the back of her head, she let out a groan and turned her eyes upwards. She let out a yelp when she saw the mask of the Blue spirit, and she instantly tried to twist free from his arms. “Put me down, PUT ME DOWN!” she cried, digging into his arm harshly with her nails.

Wordlessly, the Blue Spirit shifted his hold on her and gently placed her feet on the ground.

Lania wavered a moment, feeling a bit dizzy, then took a step back. “Just stay…away.” She said, holding her hand out towards him defensively. You need to sit. Her brain told her. Keeping her eyes plastered on the figure before her, she backed up to a tree, and slid down against it, all the while keeping her hands up in guard. Not that it mattered much… her fire bending was still not responding properly, but she was willing to bet that he did not know that.

He stood there, making no noise and just watching her.

“Go away.” She ordered.

He didn’t move.

“I said LEAVE!” she yelled, thrashing her arm out. Fire sparked… and fizzled once more. She looked at her hand for a moment as if it had just betrayed her.

He tipped his head slightly as if questioning her. He then crouched down, his elbows resting on his knees and continued to stare at her.

She returned his stare for a stretch of time, before she finally let out a sigh and placed a hand on the back of her head to gently touch the throbbing bump that was there. Wincing at the pain, she closed her eyes. Well… It could have been worse.

A swish in front of her made her snap her eyes open, and there was the Blue Spirit, holding out a water skin. She looked at it for a moment, confused, and he shook it again, urging her to take it.

Reluctantly, she accepted it, and watched as he mimed for her to take a drink. If she wasn’t so scared, she was pretty sure she’d be laughing at his feeble attempts at telling her what to do. “Why don’t you just talk?” she asked, uncorking the water.

He did not respond, or mime anything. He simply watched her as she took a drink.

I didn’t realize I was this thirsty. Lania thought as she drank. She lowered the skin, taking in a deep breath and wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She felt a little better, and suddenly realized that she had not bothered to thank her rescuer. As she corked the skin once more, she glanced up at him. “Thank you…. For saving me. And...for the water…” she handed it back to him.

Once again, there was no response.

“How long was I out?” she questioned.

He motioned with his fingers a small portion. She guessed that it meant not long.

She looked around, biting her lip. She did not recognize this part of the woods. Sitting up, she wondered where the camp was, and where Iroh had gotten to. “The old man that was with me… did he get caught? Where is he?”

The Blue Spirit sat up and pointed into the woods.

“He got away?” she asked hopefully. She felt relief when he nodded in response, and began to stand. “I need to get back, my friends will worry about me.”

He stood as well.

“Um… by any chance… do you know where my camp is?” she felt embarrassed to ask, and felt herself turning red.

He nodded, and pointed in a general direction.

She bowed to him. “Thank you again.” When she rose to look at him, he was gone.

***

Iroh looked up as Lania stumbled into the clearing. “Your okay!” he said enthusiastically, moving to greet her.

Lania held up a hand to hold him back. She was dizzy, ashamed, and once again, scared out of her mind. She looked over at Zuko, who was glaring daggers at her, and she knew that he’d found out about her lie. Feeling wretched, she lumbered over to the tent, and crawled in without saying a word.

***

Zuko watched after her. When she disappeared into the tent, Iroh let out a long sigh and sat back down across from him.

“Do not be too hard on her.” He said in a low voice. “She was only doing what she felt was best.”

“Well, her thinking almost got her killed. It almost got us caught.” He spat angrily, though he too kept his voice down. He was furious that she’d lied, but even more furious that she’d gotten herself hurt over something so stupid.

Iroh silently agreed with his nephew. As he poured some tea, he smiled lightly. “You should have seen her dance though…” Iroh commented, watching the steam rise up. “It was magnificent… and that smile. I’ve not seen her smile in such a way before.”

Zuko folded his arms over his chest and looked away. He was not ready to forgive her for anything just yet.

“Zuko… for that moment… while she was dancing… she was out of her cocoon.” Iroh said gently, sipping from his cup. “She was quite a sight to behold. There is no doubt in my mind that she was dancing with the Agni himself.”

“I didn’t see Agni coming to rescue her.” Zuko muttered darkly.

***

Lania was stirred awake when Iroh came into the tent to go to sleep. She waited until his snores signaled that he was asleep before she slowly got up and crawled out of the tent. She wanted to be alone for a little while longer.

When she stepped out of the tent, she did not see Zuko anywhere. Unsure of where he was, but not too worried, she moved over to the far side of the camp sight and sat down, bringing her knees to her chest and resting her face in her arms.

I want to cry. Lania thought suddenly. She normally would never allow herself to do so, but her heart hurt. All the while, her mind continued to whisper Its okay…Its done. But…when will I be back to normal?

***

Zuko felt better after a bath. The cold water had soothed his anger and cleared his mind a bit. As he approached the campsite, he was greeted with the snores of his uncle, and he could not help the small smile that crossed over his face.

He was about to crawl into the tent when he heard a sniff. Hesitantly, he glanced back, to see Lania. She was at the edge of the campfire’s light, hardly visible in the shadows, and her shoulders were shaking slightly. Her head was buried in her arms so he was not for sure if she was crying or not. Oh you know she is. His mind told him. And you should go out there… and you should talk to her.

He felt his heart twist tightly. He stayed for a moment, halfway in the tent and halfway out of the tent, struggling with his choice. Calmer, yes, but he was still not happy with her for what she had done. Another sniff reached his ears, and his heart gave one last painful pull. Stupid, stupid girls.

***

I can’t even bend properly. Lania thought angrily. She’d been trying every morning to get her practice in, but the fire flared and died in her hands. She had so much anger, if anything; she was supposed to be a stronger bender for that. Of course not… things never work out that simple. I was getting better too…If it hadn’t been for the Blue Spirit though… I would have been trapped again. Who knows what would have happened to Iroh… I took their kindness and threw I out the door.

She shuddered slightly. They have no reason to trust me anymore.

Lania jumped slightly when she felt a hand on her shoulder, but she refused to look up. Not now, not now… just go away. She thought miserably. She hadn’t been able to hold back the tears that had been threatening her all day… all week in fact, and now the one person who was coldest with her was there. He would mock her if he saw her tear stained and weak.

Then there was his anger. She couldn’t face his anger right now. He’d looked murderously at her before she’d hidden in the tent, and right now she couldn’t handle him lecturing her. She didn’t want to explain to him why she’d lied, or what had happened while she was in town. She was ashamed of it all, and more so ashamed with herself.

Zuko sat next to her awkwardly, his arm around her shoulders. Unsure of what to say, he said the only thing that he could think of. “Its okay.”

Lania felt something snap in her heart, and suddenly she gave way to real crying. The sniffles disappeared and became full sobs that made her body shake harshly. She felt small and very insecure as the Fire Nation Prince tried to comfort her. She’d tried her hardest to be strong and to keep her head high, but she couldn’t anymore. As much as she wanted to, she could not just be her old self. Her heart needed to cry, and vent, and scream in anger over what had happened to her and now that she had started, she couldn’t stop. When did things get so complicated?

Desperate to help her, Zuko reached around and embraced her fully, resting his cheek against her head. She shifted in his arms and rested her face against his chest, her hands grabbing fistfuls of his tunic. “Its okay…” he repeated even softer than before.

I want it to be…so badly. She thought in response to his comforting words as she buried her face deeper into his chest.

***

There was more crackling than before, and flared warmth on her cheeks. Lania felt stiff and her head was stuffy. When she opened her eyes she winced. The bright orange and yellow flames hurt her eyes, and she squeezed them shut for a moment before trying again. Slowly they adjusted to the brightness, and she was able to look around. It was still night out, and the moon was hanging above them. It was either late into the evening, or early morning, but she was not for sure.

“I stirred the fire a bit. I didn’t mean to wake you.” Zuko said, his voice barely above a whisper as if he was not sure she was actually awake.

Lania blinked and looked up at him. He was not looking at her, rather over at the fire that was sending extreme shadows over his face. He stayed with me. She thought distantly, but when she noticed that she still had a hold of him, it hit her that he hadn’t had much of a choice. “You should have woken me...” she croaked, her voice sounding deformed with her stuffed nose. She planted her hands on the ground and began to pull herself away from him.

“Lania…” He said gently, his eyes meeting hers. A fierce worried light burned behind them as he watched her.

“I’m sorry.” She blurted out, her voice squeaking slightly. “I am so…so sorry…” she huffed a bit, but realized that she had no more tears left to cry.

He was silent for a while, his hand lowering to his lap. Finally, when he spoke, it was with a calm and level voice. “I am as well. I don’t understand what you are going through… I never will. I should have tried though.” He really wanted to tear into her, but he knew it wouldn’t help.

She was confused, tired, and she felt a headache growing behind her eyes. Oddly, her arms felt very weak, and so did her legs. Apparently her crying had taken its toll on her. “I should just go to bed.” She whispered, looking away from his worried gaze.

He helped her stand up, his arm lingering around her shoulders in case she needed support.

Lania started for the tent, brushing the dirt off of her clothing. She felt dizzy, but oddly, a weight had been lifted from her chest. She crawled into the tent, followed a moment later by Zuko who slid into his sleeping bag next to her. Iroh was on his other side, snoring away.

She lied there, staring at the top of the tent for a few minutes before she looked over at Zuko. Unsure of whether he was listening or not, she spoke. “Thank you.”

She heard a small shuffle, and then she felt a warm hand cup her cheek gently, his thumb running over a dried tearstained path. “Go to sleep.” He ordered gently.

Lania rolled over, her heart pounding painfully in her chest. It was quite a different feeling from the pounding she’d felt from the anger… So…much. She thought as she closed her eyes and drifted off into sleep.

***

Azula glared darkly at the captain of the guard as he stumbled over his explanation. Not only had her uncle and brother been near the town, but so had the Blue Spirit, and none of them were caught.

“You have failed.” She said simply, cutting the man off. “In what direction did my brother and uncle go in?” she demanded.

“North west, Princess.” The captain said with a bow.

“Mai, Ty-Lee, we’re heading north west.” Azula said, pulling the reigns on her lizard mount. “And captain, your under arrest for failure to do your duty. “

“B-but my princess—“ he was suddenly silenced when a metal binding was forced over his mouth. The captain was dragged off by his own men.

Mai sighed lightly, coming up next to Azula. “Do you think we can catch up with them?” she asked.

“They left last night, but if they have someone else with them, that girl they mentioned, then they may be slowed down. We’ll travel light and fast. We should be able to catch them.” She grinned evilly as they left the city.
- 1
- 2
- 3
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Fiery Heart