Major hiatus and writers block.
Hoping I still have some readers :)
Disclaimer: don't own A:TLA
Kanya, Zuko and Iroh traveled throughout the next day. Zuko seemed to be avoiding the waterbender, and she understood he was unsure about telling her his story yesterday. She sat off on her own when they stopped to eat and tried to practice keeping a small flame lit.
Iroh gave Kanya food and water before leaving her alone with her thoughts and her bending.
They made their way quickly to Omashu as Aang, Katara and Sokka were heading out of the city with all of its citizens.
"I think you two should go into the city first, check out if it's safe and find somewhere for us to stay" Iroh said as they saw the city emerge over the horizon.
Zuko looked at his uncle out of the corner of his eye, trying to figure out why he suggested it.
Kanya agreed, this could be her chance to find Bumi, or better yet find her brother, sister and Aang.
Zuko and Kanya sprinted through the city streets as the moon lit the gorund in front of them. All the windows were shut and no light was visible under the doors. "Do you think everyone is asleep?" Kanya whispered to Zuko. "No, these homes have been vacant for a day or so." Zuko whispered back. "How do you know?" Kanya asked as they neared the only lit part of the city. "I couldn't feel any warmth from the fires they would use to cook food and stay warm" he explained.
Kanya nodded before crouching as Zuko did and walking slowly towards two men. Zuko stopped Kanya, motioning for her to wait while he moved closer to eavesdrop. Kanya nodded before slinking back and staying out of sight.
Zuko ran by grabbing Kanya's arm and pulling her back into the darkness of the alleyways. When they stopped Kanya had to catch her breath before speaking. "What happened?" Kanya asked finally as Zuko faced away from her. "The men were talking about the kidnapping of an officals son by the citizens. They're negociating a trade, the baby for Omashu's king" Zuko replied icily. "Bumi, did you see him or did they say where he was?" Kanya pressed trying to catch Zuko's eye.
"No, they have him imprisoned." Zuko said, "Let's go back and meet uncle, we can stay in one of these homes for the night." Zuko began to walk swiftly back to where uncle was waiting. Kanya ran to catch up.
"Nephew, what's troubling you about being here?" Iroh asked as they laid down to try to sleep. "It's nothing…" Zuko answered gruffly. "Prince Zuko, don't act like that" Iroh rolled over to thwack the boy. "It's Mai… her brother is the one that was taken. She is here with her mother and father and I cannot bear to see her" Zuko admitted softly. Iroh nodded, "we may also need to worry about Azula, I thought I sensed her and I know she was friends with Mai" uncle responded before pulling up his blanket and falling asleep.
In the morning Zuko and Kanya went to spy on the hostage exchange while uncle went to find leaves for tea. When they arrived they were faced with a stand-off: Azula, Mai and their friend Ty Lee on the left and Aang, Katara, Sokka and a baby on the right. "Look" Kanya pointed as Bumi locked up in a metal coffin was rising back into the air.
"The deal's off" Mai said loudly as she stepped forward to take her brother by force. "Bumi!" Aang leapt into the air. Azula shot her fire at him but he dodged it as he pulled out his glider and his disguise came off. As Aang released Bumi and Azula went after him Katara and Sokka stepped back to get the baby to safety. Ty Lee cartwheeled forward and used her chi blocking to take away Katara's bending as Mai came after her from behind.
"We have to go now" Zuko tried to pull Kanya away before they were seen. "You go, I have to help her!" Kanya grabbed the ledge and used her bending to land on the platform. Kanya blasted her air bending at the two fire nation girls as Katara ran away from them. Mai was blasted off the platform as Ty Lee did a few flips to land back on the platform.
"Kanya!" Katara ran to her sister and fell into her arms. "Need some help?" Sokka called as he landed Appa next to his sisters. They scrambled on and took off before Ty Lee could help Mai back up. They flew down towards Aang with Azula nowhere to be seen.
The Gang flew out of the city and as Kanya looked down she swore she saw Zuko running along underneath their path. "I'm sorry" Kanya whispered, she felt bad for running away from Zuko but knew she had to save her family and the world.