Sunburn

37

Aang was missing.

The Avatar had gone missing and Sozin's comet was only two days away.

There really was no time to lose.

Aang's friends looked for him everywhere, left, right, north and south of Ember Island but it seemed like he had vanished into thin air. Theories of Aang being kidnapped or running away crossed their minds, but he wouldn't have abandoned his staff or Appa behind. No signs of struggle supported the theory that he had vanished.

Seeking for leadership the group turned to Zuko who – let's be real – after years of practice was the most qualified at finding the Avatar.
They had left Ember Island some time ago. Ominous clouds flickering with lightning approached from the distance.

"Where is he taking us?" Sokka asked Tsai as the rest of the group sat in Appa's saddle while Zuko commanded the flying bison. The girl shrugged in return. He had that determined look on his face that she knew meant there was no stopping him now.

"Zuko, I don't wanna tell you how to do your job," Sokka began. "But why are we heading towards the Earth Kingdom?"

The group exchanged a look. "There's no way Aang's there."

"Just trust me," he replied mysteriously glancing over his shoulder.

The red head was presently leaning her head and arms crossed on the edge of the saddle. Her eyes fixed on the back of Zuko's head. She was so proud of him. She had absolutely complete faith in that he would find Aang before the comet. It was then that she heard a loud coughing someone clearing their throat demanding her attention.

"What?" She rolled her eyes towards Sokka rudely.

"So, you two are back. For good?" He poked nosily. An evil grin on his face as he crossed his arms over his chest eyes narrowing mischievously. She was about to respond when Sokka raised his hand.

"You know what- I don't want to know. Don't say it."

The edge of her eye twitched slightly. There wasnoway.

"What?" She deadpanned.

"No, no." He said jokingly. "Don't say it." He repeated his vile grin stretching further.

"SOKKA I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" She lunged at him grabbing him by the shirt and violently shaking him. Even her brother wasn't able to hold her back. "YOU SAW US?!" She felt so violated having been caught in such an intimate and PRIVATE moment.

"You two were being so loud! I heard a loud clatter went to check. Saw you two cleaningthe floor."

Her face resembled more of a beet now. Ughhh how embarrassing. The group couldn't help but laugh at her mortified expression. Flustered an irritated she turned around and hopped over the saddle and slid down to Appa's large head bumping into Zuko's side.

There was loud giggling and sniggering in the back to which she shot a deathly glare at.

"So, where are we going?" She chirped with a smile. He looked at her from the corner of his eye and couldn't help but smile a little.

"You'll see." He responded in an ominous tone.

xxx

Back at the Earth Kingdom, the group approached a familiar looking tavern.

"Wait-"Tsai paused as she stood outside of the familiar building. "Of course!" She slapped her forehead as it hit her now, it made sense for them to come here.

"Now you know why we're here?" He asked.
"Oh! You guys are going to love this!" She said excitedly turning to talk to the group as they walked into the seedy tavern. They all exchanged a confused look. The familiar stench of spilled booze sweat and probably pissed wafted through the air still lingering in the tavern after all this time.