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“Stupid, idiotic, impulsive, dumbass firebender— “ Michiru tightened the gauze around Fumi’s arm. She took a quick glance upwards, the yellows and oranges in the sky complimenting the multicolored tree leaves.
Fumi winced, the white cloth slowly turning red. “Three of those mean the same thing.”
“Because it’s thrice as true! What were you thinking?!” Michiru sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “Just because I’m a non-bender doesn’t mean I can’t take care of myself, you know.”
“It’s my fault you’ve even getting chased in the first place,” Fumi huffed. “The least I can do is try to defend you. Those Fire Nation purists aren’t going to rest until they kill the Tribe traitor.”
“We can’t stay here either, then.” Michiru sighed. “Our only option might be to hide out in the Earth Kingdom for a few months.”
“They only want you because that’ll lead you to me. You have an entire life here as the crown price’s royal advisor.” Fumi tried to push Michiru away, only to get her arms smacked.
“How many times do I have to call you stupid for you to finally do something about it?” Michiru snorted. “Akira can handle herself just fine.”
“And I can’t?”
“Which one of you is running from the law again?” Michiru asked sweetly.
“I wouldn’t be running from the law if The Fire Lord wasn’t such a Fire Nation supremacist.” Fumi crossed her arms. “And I’d rather die than change my clothes. I’m a firebender from the Southern Water Tribe and I’m not ashamed of it.”
“Very admirable. You still stick out like a sore thumb around the Fire Nation.” Michiru raised a brow.
“…Let’s just get camp set up.” Fumi looked up, the sky noticeably darker than it was earlier. “Sun should be setting soon.”
“You’re not doing anything. I’m setting up camp.”
“But—“
Michiru pointed to Fumi’s injured arm. Fumi furrowed her brow, huffing.
“Can I at least set up the campfire?”
“If you’re dying for something to do, knock yourself out.”
Fumi smiled, gathering some dry leaves, twigs, and big branches into a big pile. She surrounded it in stones before summoning a small flame in her palm, aiming it towards the kindling. She glanced over to Michiru, who managed to set up their tent with little difficulty, and gestured her over.
The night fully settled in with the two sitting around the campfire eating their rations. Fumi sighed, the Fire Nation food only making her miss her sister and her home even more. She was jolted out her thoughts by a sharp exhale from Michiru.
“Are you alright?” Fumi asked, quickly checking the other girl over for any injuries.
“I’m fine, just cold.” Michiru waved off the other girl. “The campfire’s warm enough, it just gets pretty windy around these parts this time of year.”
Fumi rolled her eyes, opening up her arm. “You can come closer, you know. I’m not going to bite.”
Michiru smiled, scooting closer and curling up next to Fumi as the other girl wrapped an arm around her. Fumi sighed in contentment, the crackling fire and the warm presence making her feel a bit more at ease.
“Are you sure you want to stick with me?” Fumi asked quietly. “I know you wanted to stick with Akira and make sure she was alright after she went hunting for the Avatar.”
“Actually…” Michiru gave Fumi a small smile. “Plans have changed. Akira and I… have always thought the Fire Nation was great, that it was something to be proud of. It wasn’t until you came along that I started to see its flaws. Akira… hasn’t, as much as she respects you. I’m hoping the journey will help broaden her horizons.”
“And if Akira actually finds the Avatar?”
“The Avatar has been gone for ages.” Michiru shook her head. “Though… if they were to cross paths, I’m not sure what would happen. Maybe once we’re in a better position we can help Akira.”
“I’ll keep an ear out while we’re traveling.” Fumi nodded.
“I’m sorry, by the way,” Michiru mumbled. “I didn’t realize how badly you were treated here, even if you were friends with Akira and I.”
“You didn’t do anything.” Fumi shook her head, leaning her head against Michiru’s. “But I appreciate the sentiment.”
“If you don’t mind, can you show me that thing you do with your bending again?” Michiru asked.
Fumi nodded, taking a moment to steady her breath. She squinted at her hand before tiny sparks of lightning began to appear, before directing it towards the ground, far from the two of them.
“I’m still amazed at how you learned how to do that.” Michiru shook her head. “Not even Akira could pull something like that off.”
“I don’t know a lot about fire bending techniques, so I took what Sh— what I heard about how waterbending worked,” Fumi explained. “Plus, most of the firebending I’ve seen don’t sit right with me. It’s all about aggression, attack, and power.”
“Unfortunately, it’s the traits the Fire Nation likes to emphasize.” Michiru frowned. “What do you think it’s about, then?”
“Hm…” Fumi thought for a moment. “It’s the passion and drive to do what you set out to do. It’s life and energy. It consumes so easily, so self-control is important.”
“Poetic.” Michiru chuckled.
“I don’t want people to have this preconceived notion about what firebending is, that’s all,” Fumi said. “It’s used so much for destruction, and I want people to see it's more than just that.”
Fumi controlled her breathing once more, warming her whole body. Michiru sighed in satisfaction. “Congratulations, I’m having a hard time seeing firebending being used for destruction.”
“I take it you’re not cold now?” Fumi giggled.
“Not anymore.” Michiru smiled, yawning. “I might just fall asleep if you keep this up.”
“Is that so?” Fumi raised a brow.
Michiru nodded as she watched the flames from the campfire slowly die out. “We should head inside the tent soon so we can move early tomorrow.”
“Do you mind if we stay like this a bit longer?”
“Just a little longer.”