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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
- 2
- 3
Author Note
This story is based on one perception of the Avatar universe. I do not claim ownership of any copy-written character nor am I making a dime on any of this. Also, this fic was written before I had a chance to see all of the first season and the second. (I jumped around a lot) So it is nowhere near accurate to the ACTUAL storyline. That’s okay, because it is just for fun, so please enjoy!

Fiery Heart: Chapter Three

The sun was up; making the inside of the tent cast a creamy golden light over its sole occupant. Lania was curled up in her sleeping bag, her breaths coming in deep, controlled lengths. Her nose was a little red, and her eyes looked somewhat puffy, but she looked at peace as she slept, her dark hair falling around her face gently.

A loud twitter from above shook the young fire bender out of her calming sleep. Her brown eyes looked dazed only for a moment, and as her golden world came into focus, her memories came rushing back. A deep flush crossed her cheeks. Oh what he must think of me… she thought.

Stiffly, she pushed herself into sitting position. She glanced over and saw that Zuko and Iroh were gone, their sleeping bags rolled tightly and ready to be packed away. With a sniff, she rubbed her sore eyes. My head…hurts so bad… she thought with a sigh. She slid out of her sleeping bag, and reached over to push the tent flap aside. As she emerged, her eyes narrowed and squinted in retaliation against the sunlight.

It was as if someone had lifted something form in front of her face, and now she could see again. The colors were so vibrant, and invitingly warm. Even when she’d been able to travel for the first time and enjoy the sun and the smells of sweet grass, she hadn’t seen colors like this. Something happened last night. She decided, lowering her hand to her side. I don’t know what… but it must have been good.

“Your awake.” Iroh said, coming around the back of the tent. “I was just on my way to get you!” He was carrying a bowl with him. “I thought you might want to wash up and have some breakfast. I noticed you hadn’t eaten much last night.”

Forcing her mind out of her own world, Lania accepted the bowl of water, which she carried over to the fire. Using a small towel, she went about washing her face, knowing full well that she looked a mess from the night before.

Her eyes lingered on the flame before her for a moment as Iroh started talking about breakfast. “I caught it myself...” she heard him say, in reference to the small meat creature that was cooking in a pan. Not really listening, she reached out her hand, her fingertips pausing as the heat hit them.

“You...saw me. Didn’t you?” she asked thickly, interrupting Iroh as he was talking.

“Saw you what?” Iroh asked, although he had a good idea of what she was referring to.

“The dance.” Lania said with a sigh, pulling her hand back. “I… didn’t… I’m sorry you had to get involved.” She muttered, wringing the towel out.

“Not at all!” Iroh said cheerfully. “I would very much like to see you dance again! It was a wonderful act to see.”

“You mean that the men enjoyed it.” She said bitterly. She could feel dark clouds beginning to form in her mind once more.

“Stop.” Iroh said, suddenly very sternly. He reached out, and forced her chin towards him so that she had no choice but to look at him. “They. Were. Wrong.” He said, his brows drawing together. “They do not understand the old ways at all.” He released her chin, and sat back. He studied her for a moment, and then tugged on his beard. “I have been to the Spirit world, you know.”

Lania looked away, unsure of what he meant.

“They truly exist. In fact… I once saw the Northern Princess Yue become the moon spirit… I saw the Avatar take on the embodiment of the Ocean spirit…” he thought back for a moment. “I am not sure if Zuko saw them or not…”

“Is there… a point you are getting at?” she asked, her tone a bit lighter.

“Yes...” he said, smiling once more. “The spirits are among us! When you danced last night, Agni was with you! Not as strong as he would have been if you had done that during the day, but I saw him nonetheless.”

Lania had never confessed that when she danced, she often felt as though she was in the presence of something greater than herself. Her mother had once told her that to dance was to be taking the hand of their source of power and thanking him for his gift.

“And besides…” Iroh continued, poking at the quickly charring meat, “Who cares what they think? It makes you happy. I saw your smile last night.”

***

Zuko sat on a log, leaning back against a tree. He was refilling his water skin, but became distracted by the serenity of the river before him. His uncle had been teaching him about the other nations, and he was slowly beginning to appreciate everything as a whole rather than only the portion he’d known his whole life.

His thoughts strayed to the night before… to Lania. As he lifted the water skin out of the water, he wondered if she was going to be okay. He remembered back to when he had been exiled. He had something to reach for, a goal. He wondered what she was planning to do with herself.

He knew she was in search of her grandfather, but Jeong Jeong had eluded the authorities for a long time. He seriously doubted that she would be able to find him on her own.

She…could come to Ba Sing Se with us. He thought lightly. He liked that idea, mostly because he was beginning to enjoy her company. She could start a new life…like us. Of course… I’ll still hunt for the Avatar… but maybe for just a few months she can have a normal life.

He smiled and stood up, deciding that he would extend the invitation to her after breakfast. He started to head back to camp when a sudden shriek made him freeze. He stood still for only a split second before breaking into a sprint.

***

Lania shrieked, throwing her arms up protectively, the campfire before her flaring up into a wall. Stepping back, she opened one eye, seeing that the attack that was heading for her had disappeared.

Iroh grabbed the girl’s shoulder and pulled her behind him quickly, taking a stance before her. “What do you want Azula?!” he demanded.

“So nice to see you too Uncle.” Azula said with a smile as she dismounted from her riding lizard. She looked around the camp, noticing that Zuko was not there. “No Zuzu?” she asked innocently.

Iroh did not reply.

With a sigh, Azula shrugged. “Very well. Until he gets back, I’ll amuse myself with you two.” She took a stance and faced her uncle, a smirk playing dangerously on her lips.

Behind her, Mai and Ty Lee dismounted, each heading off in different directions.

Lania watched in horror. They were outnumbered, and her bending. Oh no… my bending still isn’t cooperating. She thought, her eyes widening.

“Traveling with a little girl now? I heard she put on quite the show in town.” Azula said with a chuckle. “Almost got herself bought. Distasteful acts in public….” She sighed and tisked, directly looking at Lania. “Seriously now… Haven’t you any pride as a woman?”

Lania’s heart was pounding; though she was not too surprised to hear that word had gotten out. Her mouth twisted in fury for a moment, but she couldn’t bring herself to retort.

“You weren’t hard to find. We thought you’d be gone form this area.” Ty Lee piped. She smiled brightly at Iroh, as though she was greeting an old friend. “Made our job a lot easier!”

Iroh remained quiet, and watched all three in turn. He knew that the two girls were not benders… but they both had assets to make up for it. If he remembered correctly, the girl in pink was an acrobat, and knew pressure points. The girl in the dark red and black robes was skilled with throwing weapons.

Azula shifted and threw her arms forward, sending a bold of lightening towards her uncle.

Iroh lunged forward, circling his arm around to block the attack. He shot his fist forward, sending his own shot at Azula.

Azula ducked, and laughed as she sent a kick towards her Uncle’s gut. She knew better to underestimate him though; he was after all, The Dragon of The West. Oh this WILL be fun! She thought.

***

I’m scared, I’m scared… Lania thought, standing rigid as Iroh left her. Oh…oh mom… She thought desperately. She pulled her arms in, tipping her head down towards her shoulder. She felt deserted and vulnerable.

In that instant, she felt something warm on her shoulder. Or at least, that is what she thought she felt. When she looked, she saw the girl in pink running at her.

She took a deep breath, her brows drawing together as her mind clouded over once more. Okay… okay, BE scared, but don’t just STAND there. As the girl approached, Lania shifted to the side and began running in a different direction. She was a fast runner, and if she could just put some distance between her and the girl, maybe should have a chance.

“Ooo…” Ty Lee cooed as she jumped around and sprung against a tree to redirect herself.

Lania glanced back and saw the girl heading quickly towards her. She dropped down low and swung her foot around in an effort to trip her.

Laughingly, Ty Lee jumped over Lania’s leg. “You aren’t much of a fighter are you?” she taunted with a kitten-like smile.

No. Lania admitted to herself as she glared at the girl. Shifting, she swirled her arm above her head, her other arm following in suit. She spun gracefully, and enveloped herself in fire.

Ty Lee blinked and watched as the fire disappeared, and her target was gone. She frowned and looked around dumbfounded. “Where’d she go…?”

***

Lania was breathing hard. Oh thank you, thank you fire bending! She praised herself, feeling fierce pride that she’d pulled off her escaping move.

If I can just make it into the woods I can find Zuko! She thought desperately.

Suddenly, she was jerked backwards. She looked over her shoulder and saw that a throwing knife had caught the back of her shirt, leaving her pinned. Before she could reach back, more knives shot out, catching various parts of her tunic, pinning her more sufficiently to the tree. She struggled, attempting to rip the fabric… but it was sturdy.

Mai was sitting on a rock, tossing a knife up and catching it boredly. She looked aver at her pinned victim and smiled. “Azula said not to take the baggage. Sorry.” Tossing her long black hair back she stood up and prepared to throw the last knife at Lania’s head.

Squeezing her eyes shut, Lania let out a whimper, waiting for the last strike.

“Uhf!”

Opening her eyes, she saw Mai falling back, clutching her face, a broken water skin falling to the ground and water covering the girl’s face.

Zuko dropped out of the tree Lania was pinned to, and he quickly loosened the knives. “Run into the woods!” he cried, shoving her into the foliage.

Lania looked at him pleadingly, reaching out to grab him, but it was too late. He had turned and was heading to attack Mai. “Zu—“ A hand clamped over her mouth and she felt herself dragged backwards.

“Zuzu! So nice of you to join us!” Azula cried, jumping over a shot by Iroh. She turned, hooking her leg around to strike the old man’s temple, but he deftly dodged her. “Nimble for an old man aren’t you?” she teased.

Iroh reached out with his leg and kicked her grounded foot out from under her, sending his niece harshly to the ground.

Ty Lee appeared seemingly out of nowhere, and tapped Iroh’s shoulder.

The old man went wide-eyed as his arm dropped numb to his side.

She scuttled around him, and tapped his other arm in two places, effectively doing the same. She smiled cheerfully as she took a step back, watching the Old man attempt to raise his arms to bend.

Fwoosh!

Ty Lee blinked as fire shot up in front of her. How..? Then a sting in her neck. She wobbled a bit, and fell to the ground.

***

A wall of flame shot up between Iroh and Ty Lee, then another between Iroh and Azula. Left to stare wonderingly at the walls, Iroh felt a sting in his neck. He fell to the ground harshly.

Azula jerked around, looking for the fire bender who’d interrupted her battle. She was just about to call them out when she felt a sting in her neck. Angrily she yanked the dart out, her teeth clenched angrily. Then she fell to her knees and ended up falling to her side.

Zuko heard the sound of flame, but before he could glance over, he felt a sting in his neck. His opponent lifted her hand to her neck, and as his vision blurred, he saw her pulling a dart out of her neck before beginning to fall.

After a short moment, the fire died down, and a group of men emerged from the woods, covered in foliage armor. They surrounded Zuko and Iroh; two of them carrying the bodies into the woods while a few more began to take their belongings. Within a matter of minutes, all signs of Zuko, Iroh, and Lania were gone, and only Azula Mai, and Ty Lee were left in the clearing.

***

Zuko’s arms felt heavy. He was vaguely aware of someone calling his name, but his tongue was too thick for him to make any reply. He tried to open his eyes, but his vision was blurred terribly. With a heavy sigh, he closed his eyes once more, wishing he hadn’t attempted to get up in the first place. He blackened out once more.

***

“Zuko…Zuko, wake up my love.”

Zuko, still heavy with sleep opened his eyes. “M-Mom?”

“Listen Zuko… everything I have done, I did to protect you.” His mother said, embracing him tightly. “Never forget who you are...Zuko…”

“Mom…” he repeated as his mother released him and pulled away.

***

“Mom…”

Lania leaned over Zuko, a cold washcloth in her hand as she dabbed his forehead gently. “Zuko?” she asked, watching for signs to see if the Prince was distressed.

Zuko’s eyes opened, and for a moment, memory clang to his amber gaze as he stared up at Lania. Slowly, as his vision came into focus, the image of his mother faded, leaving him with the features of a very worried, and tired looking Lania. “Lania?” he asked gently.

“Its okay Prince Zuko.” She said, pulling the damp cloth down his cheek. “You are safe.”

“What happened?” he asked, confused. He tried to sit up, but became very light headed. With a groan, he put a hand to his forehead and squeezed his eyes shut.

“They used too much Shirshu venom on you.” Lania said sadly. “Either that or you are somewhat allergic to it. Or they put something extra in it… they wouldn’t tell me for sure.” Lania said, looking towards an open window.

“They, who?” Zuko asked, trying to get his bearings straight.

“The deserters.” Lania said. She placed a hand on Zuko’s chest and gently pushed him backwards. “Lay down and rest. I won’t allow anything to happen to you.”

“Where is my uncle?” Zuko asked, obliging to her demands and laying back on the bedroll.

“He is with my grandfather, having tea I would imagine.” She said with a slight smile. “Up until today he has been at your bedside with me, but he needed a break. I offered to stay.”

“Your grandfather?” Zuko asked. Apparently a lot happened when I was out. He thought distantly.

“Yes...well…” She re-moistened the cloth and placed it on his forehead. “That is a long story as well.”

Zuko blinked, staring up at her. “I have nothing better to do than listen.”

She smiled down at him.

He blinked hard. The light must be playing a trick on me. He thought. Lania was practically glowing when she smiled.

Shifting into a more comfortable position, Lania adjusted his covers. “Well… I suppose it started when I went into town to make that money.” She looked down for a moment, but quickly recovered from whatever feeling she was suffering from. “One of his servants saw me… and remembered my mother—apparently grandfather speaks of her a lot. He told Grandfather, and two mornings ago—“ she stopped, then looked down at him sadly. “You’ve been out for two days by the way.”

Zuko waved a dismissive hand. He felt as though he’d been out for a week.

Lania smiled, and continued. “Well, he came to see if it was true, that I was who he thought I was. At first, he did not think so, but he saw me do the flame sphere trick—the one I used to get away from your sister’s friend… and he knew it was me.”

Zuko almost interrupted to say that he hadn’t seen it, but he decided not to. She could show him later.

She sat back. “At first, and he admitted this to your uncle right away, he was going to let you and your Uncle get caught. He saw you save me, and push me into the woods… so he ordered his men to save you as well.”

“How nice.” Zuko muttered sarcastically.

Lania chuckled lightly. “He left your sister and her friends in the clearing. According to his reports, they’ve moved on, thinking that you somehow got away and are on your way to Ba Sing Se.”

Zuko smiled a bit. At least Azula wouldn’t bother him for a little while. He swallowed thickly and clicked his tongue. “Is there any water?” he asked, looking around.

“Oh, yes.” She reached over and pulled a small bucket over to her. She dipped a wooden ladle into the water and brought some out, and with her free hand she tipped his head up.

Zuko drank slowly, his mind sensing something… funny? When he finished, he laid back and chuckled out loud to himself.

“What?” Lania asked, grinning somewhat. “What is so funny?”

“This is how we met.” He said, looking up at her. “This water thing…”

Her memory was still fuzzy, but she did remember getting water from them when they first met. She smiled and chuckled along with him. “I suppose you are right.”

“So… your grandfather?” he asked, feeling somewhat refreshed by the water.

Lania nodded eagerly. “I’ve been spending a lot of time with him over the last couple of days. He cannot hardly believe its me… and of course, he is so grateful to you and Uncle Iroh for saving me.” She smiled down at him. “As am I.”

Zuko looked away, knowing that he was once again on the brink of blushing in front of her. “Its no big deal.” He muttered.

“But it is.” She prompted, playing with the corner of his blanket. “He wishes to see you as soon as you are feeling better. Oh, but I am sure your Uncle would like to see you before you fall back to sleep. He has been very worried about you.” She said, moving to stand up. “I’ll go get him.”

“Lania?” Zuko said, watching her walk a couple steps.

“Yes?” she asked, glancing back at him.

“…Your happy.” He said stupidly. You dolt. “I mean… you look… happy.” He was confused, but for some reason he felt the need to tell her that she looked happy.

She smiled brightly in response. “Thank you… I am. I mean… all the people I care for are safe now.” With that, she turned and walked quickly out of the room.

Zuko let out a breath, realizing how stupid he had just sounded. She didn’t act like she thought it was stupid… his mind said snidely. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking in the scent of the late spring blossoms and the cool night air. He didn’t want to have a conflict with his mind tonight, he simply wanted to relax and be at peace. After all, Lania was right. All the people he too cared for were safe now.

***

“—and we thought you were going to wake up two days ago, but you kind of just laid there and mumbled something then turned over and went back out.” Iroh said as he sat next to Zuko’s bed, sipping from a hot cup of tea. “We were all really worried.”

“You had nothing to worry about Uncle.” Zuko said, looking up at the old man who was robust as ever.

“It was not just me.” Iroh said, raising one brow, a mischievous grin spreading across his aged face. “Lania barely moved from your bedside.”

Zuko flashed him a glare.

“In case you are wondering...” the old man continued as though he did not see Zuko’s glare, “I sent her along to bed. Poor thing has barely slept a wink between caring for you and seeing her Grandfather.”

He paused for a moment, than lowered his cup. “Have you seen it?”

“Seen what?” Zuko asked.

“She’s out of her cocoon. I am not sure you’ll enjoy it so much, quite a sassy little thing when she wants to be, but you cannot deny the warmth in that smile of hers.” Iroh chuckled then poured another cup of tea. “Drink this now, it will help you get your strength up.”

Zuko sipped the hot liquid slowly. He never liked tea a whole lot, but he was not in the position to fight his uncle at the moment. After he’d laid his head back down, he looked to his uncle. “I did see it…I think.”

***

By mid morning the following day, Zuko had his fill of his Uncle’s nagging bedside manner, and demanded to be allowed outside.

Still somewhat weakened, but feeling much better compared to the night before, Zuko emerged from the bamboo hut he was sleeping in. He took a moment to take in the sight before him. There were four other huts, all at different levels that blended in with the surroundings almost perfectly. He noticed a few men working next to one, building a fifth, from the looks of it.

He stepped onto the dirt path just as Iroh caught up with him. “Here.” The old man said, offering Zuko a shirt.

“Thank you.” Zuko said, pulling the cotton shirt over his head, shaking his mass of scraggly hair out.

“Good morning!” Lania called as she climbed the path. She carried a small wooden bucket, Zuko recognized it as the one from the night before, that sloshed water out of the sides slightly.

“Oops, sorry.” She apologized as a little water splashed onto the path, making mud. “I was just about to start lunch if you’d like to join us.”

Zuko’s stomach growled somewhat. He was starving, and he hadn’t gotten any breakfast. “You missed it.” Iroh had said with an apologetic grin.

“Come on.” She said, heading up the path. As she approached the group working on the other hut, she set the bucket down. “Here is your water.” She said and the men paused in their work and made their way over. They each took turns thanking her and taking a drink, but other than that, they said nothing. None of them even looked at Zuko or Iroh.

Lania took Zuko’s arm and began to pull him gently. “Come meet Grandfather. He’ll be so glad that you are okay.” She said. “We can eat with him… he rarely leaves meditation.”

“Then maybe we shouldn’t bother—“ too late. Lania dragged Zuko into the one hut that was on the highest part of the small settlement. He noticed right away that there were no windows in this particular hut, and there was a tree growing up through it.

At the base of the tree, surrounded by a ring of burning candles was an old man. He did not face them and all that Zuko could see was a pair of shabby robes and a tuft of wild white hair.

Lania approached the ring of candles, and Zuko was about to stop her, but she walked right over the candles and knelt down next to the old man, whispering something in his ear.

In response the man lifted his head, and nodded gently. “Leave us.” He ordered.

Lania stepped out of the circle and took Iroh’s arm as he started to enter the hut. “He wants to talk to Zuko.” She said. She looked towards Zuko, and smiled. “I’ll bring lunch back. Promise.”

Zuko watched as they left, the wool drape falling over the doorway and cutting off the sunlight. He looked back to the old man who still did not face him, and unsure of what to do, he simply bowed. “It is an honor to meet you, Master Jeong Jeong.” He said politely.

A snort.

Zuko straightened up, confused suddenly.

“Sit down.” The old man ordered.

Doing as he was told, Zuko stepped up to the ring and sat down, folding his legs.

There was a moment of silence, then the man turned to face him. He remained seated, and locked onto Zuko’s eyes instantly.

Two scars marred the old man’s face, and in the firelight, they were very noticeable. He had a thin white mustache and beard, which matched his white hair. He had a serious countenance, and a pair of knowing eyes.

Zuko felt somewhat intimidated, but did not look away from the man.

“You saved my granddaughter.” He did not ask, he stated it.

“Yes sir.” Zuko said lightly.

He stared at Zuko for a while. “You did not want to at first.” Again, it was a statement, not a question.

Zuko did not reply. No, originally he didn’t want to be involved at all with Lania… it hadn’t been his business. He was somewhat ashamed of that… now.

Jeong Jeong sat up straight, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Then you did. The night she was caught by the guards, you saved her.”

Once more, Zuko did not answer. He’d saved her as the Blue Spirit, not as Prince Zuko.

“We know of your identity.” Jeong Jeong said. “We went through your belonging before you were permitted to stay here.”

Zuko felt his stomach plummet. Suddenly he was not so sure he was feeling better.

“I have not told her.” Jeong Jeong said, resting his elbows on his knees. “I believe that is a secret you should tell her yourself someday, assuming you can learn to trust someone other than your beloved Uncle.”

What is the point of this? Zuko wondered, feeling increasingly defensive. He did not wish to speak out against such an incredible Master, but he did not appreciate being spoken to as if he was a child.

The old man was studying him once more. “Your scar.” He said directly. “The story of how you received that mark has been passed along up and down the shores of the Earth Kingdom.”

“What?!” Zuko asked, outraged at the fact that such a personal piece of information about him was being traded in such a manner.

Jeong Jeong watched his reaction. “Still defensive?” he asked.

“This scar is my shame.” Zuko said. “Nobody has the right to explain it other than myself.”

Jeong Jeong sat up straight once more, and then stood to look down on Zuko. “You may be an outcast now.” He said, “but know this. That ‘shame’ as you call it has earned you more respect than you know. Your own men…. The ones you defended, will rally around you without hesitation.” He reached down, offering his hand to Zuko. “They will follow you to their death, because they honor you.”

Somewhat stunned, Zuko looked at the old tanned hand before him. He reached up and accepted it, allowing Jeong Jeong to pull him to his feet.

“As long as your goals remain honorable,” The older man said, still holding onto Zuko’s hand, “You will have our allegiance.”

Zuko looked down and nodded. “Thank you.” He said.

“No.” Jeong Jeong said, putting his hand on Zuko’s shoulder. “Thank you.” He looked towards the door as Lania’s voice sounded with laughter. “She is very dear to me.”

Zuko followed the man’s gaze, knowing that Lania was making her way up the path. He silently agreed with him.
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Fiery Heart