Death: Oh, dear. What in the world have I gotten myself into? I have three other stories I'm trying desparately to finish. And, here I am, writing up a new story. *Sigh*. But alas, this idea would just not leave me alone. And after confiding with a friend of mine what I should do, I decided to take a gamble and just go with this.

Let me give you all one warning, though. I abuse cliffe hangers heavily. And I do not have the best record with staying with just one story. With college life and a big family to keep in touch with, it's difficult to find the time to update. Thus far, I've been getting along fine by writing little snippets. Then a few days later work on a different fanfic so I could still keep interest in it. So, there.

Disclaimer: Let's see. I do not own Bleach, Death Note, Code Geass, Kingdom Hearts, Inuyasha, or Yu-Gi-Oh!/Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds. So the likelihood of me owning Avatar: The Last Airbender are extremely small.

I also do not own the song Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men, which I have used a little bit of their lyrics in this story. Don't worry, this isn't a parody. Just thought Uncle should sing a little more often.

One last thing. I can't seem to choose a pairing for Zuko. Or if he'll be paired with anyone at all, but instead fool around a bit maybe. No, I will not use Katara. As amusing the idea sounds, it does not suit me at all. At the moment I can't choose between Aang or Jet. And I'm sorry, but I'm not going to do threesomes with this story.

Chapter One – Shifting Through the Ashes

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should be thankful for those who rekindle the inner spirit."

~ Albert Schweitzer

=3=

All was quiet on the Wani, save for the usual sounds of a ship docked and gently rolling with the small waves. The silence was eerie, one that the ship's only occupant, her owner the former Prince of the Fire Nation, found quite disturbing. Zuko was not used to his ship being so quiet.

'It was Zhao who took away my crew. Without them, what am I to do? A ship with no crew is useless.' These were bitter thoughts which kept the young man awake, as he had been attempting to sleep for the past few hours.

It wasn't as if he could recruit more men. They were docked in Earth Kingdom territory. No common folk, no matter how desperate they were for money, would ever set foot on a Fire Nation ship. Let alone walk near one if it was learned just who owned the ship. What's more, the Wani was banned to leave until after the invasion of the North.

'Zhao expects to keep me stranded so I wouldn't be able to interfere with his capture of the Avatar.' Zuko's body trembled with seething anger.

Of all the things Zhao could do, he struck where Zuko never dreamed he could do. The admiral struck hard by taking away his crew. Sure, they were a bunch of criminals sent out to accompany the Banished Prince, the lowliest of the Fire Nation Army. Still, they were good men to rely on at a moment's notice. At least they were reliable when it concerned keeping the Wani afloat.

Of the three years they had spent together, Zuko didn't know them personally. Yet somehow he still felt at a loss as to why losing them would affect him so. Perhaps during the three years of simply surviving the oceans and working together brought a mutual understanding between the young prince and his crew.

At times their relationship was sketchy, but Uncle secretly nudged them in the right direction. Zuko didn't know what his uncle had told his men. But after he spent quality time with the captain, Lt. Jee would send looks of understanding his way. It was as if the captain saw Zuko as an equal after Uncle had one of his talks.

And now, Zuko will have no one to rely on. He had no one to watch his back, or tend and care for his ship when he ventured inland.

Of course, there was Uncle.

'I can't burden him. He's done so much for me already, he doesn't need me to rely on him for protection.' In his heart, Zuko knew that upon the first signs of danger, his uncle would stand and fight.

Sure, Iroh was the Dragon of the West, the former Great General of the Fire Nation Army. Until five years prior, his uncle had been the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. All in all, there was a reason why many looked up to his uncle with admiration and respect. Iroh was exceptionally good in the battlefield and in giving great advice. Or perhaps the advice was a disguise for uncle to make tea for everyone. Zuko had noticed how his crew quickly became fond of his uncle's tea, and thus when they were relaxed, they would start to spill out their worries.

At any rate, Iroh was one of the few Zuko fully trusted to watch his back in a battle. But if it was just the two of them against a whole army? At least if his crew were with them, the chances of them managing to drive the enemies off to escape increased. Without them, even Zuko had a few doubts, Crown Prince or not.

The darkness of his cabin receded as his door opened. Zuko tensed, but did not move from his position.

"I am heading into town. Would you like to come with me, Prince Zuko? I hear there's a festival going on tonight. Imagine all the food and the wonderful ladies you can meet!"

The young man relaxed his muscles at the voice. It was only Uncle.

"Will you stop addressing me like that? And no, I will not go. I'm not interested in meeting any girls." Zuko grumbled, not even turning to face his uncle at the doorway.

'Too soon to suggest girls, I suppose.' Iroh sighed.

"All right. Stay here, then. Stay here in the dark, alone, whatever makes you happy. But, if you ever change your mind, you are always welcome to join."

It was obvious in what his uncle was trying to do. Too bad it was not going to work.

When Iroh received no response, he turned and left, closing the metal door behind him. Zuko listened to the retreating footsteps, nervously biting his lip. He hated disappointed Uncle, but right now he was not in one of those moods to pretend everything will be all right.

'I'm sick and tired of pretending when everything has gone downhill. And there's no chance of it letting up.' Zuko grit his teeth.

To calm down, the former prince began to focus on his breathing. It was a technique always used to train beginning firebenders. To control fire, is to have self control over one's emotions. Meditating and breathing exercises are the most effective methods. Most of the time. If one does not fall asleep.

Zuko had been a few minutes into his breathing when something interrupted, echoing about the metal walls.

Clang!

In a split second he shot up from his bed, muscles at the ready to spring into action. Zuko opened the door of his cabin and peered out into the hallway.

"Uncle?" A part of Zuko wished more than anything the source of the noise was caused by Iroh.

No answer came. Suddenly the feeling of dread filled his stomach. Still hoping Uncle was around, Zuko made his way towards the helm. A couple more times he called out to his uncle. Each moment he didn't receive a response, the bad feeling in his stomach churned more and more.

Upon entering the helm, pale gold eyes cautiously inspected the seemingly empty room. By now Zuko was beginning to come to terms of the possibility of someone sneaking onto his ship. For what purpose, he wasn't given time to ponder when a screech literally made him jump.

His heart stopped when his eyes located the bird he recognized as the pirate captain's pet. Down below he could hear something going off in the lower decks. Reacting quickly and without thinking Zuko flew through the window just in time as the explosions reached where he stood mere seconds before.

He felt the intensity of the heat reaching out towards his back. In swift movement Zuko curled his legs closer to his body while his arms worked on curling the flames around his body instead of burning through him. In his panic a few sparks flew at his face. He was not used to control fire that was not his own.

Flinching, but otherwise not overreacting, Zuko continued his focus on keeping the flames at bay. At some point he wondered when he was going to reach the safety of the water when suddenly he was flailing through heavy smoke. Without warning his body slammed into the water, knocking the breath out of him, as he was in the middle of coughing when he made contact with fire's natural enemy.

Zuko couldn't feel pain. He was numb from the cold waters, as it was winter and the sun was just beginning to set. For a second or two he couldn't move, as he forced down the panic and tried to figure out which way to the surface.

With a kick, Zuko twirled around to see the light of the flames lighting the way. He could just make out the shape of his ship as she burned. Smaller and lighter than most other Fire Nation ships, the Wani was already starting to tip forward from the gaping holes at the bottom of her bow.

'Damn you, Zhao! You took my men, and now my ship! You. Will. Pay.' Zuko vowed darkly.

But first, he had to reach the surface. And fast. His chest burned at the need for air.

Immediately Zuko swam to the surface, nearly clawing his way up. With great effort he breached the surface, gasping for air. After his head cleared from dizziness Zuko realized to his horror he was not out of danger yet.

He was dangerously close to the burning metal ship. Just before he could even turn to swim away, the Wani exploded one last time. Whatever was left of her inventory, which wasn't much when Zhao took Zuko's supplies as well, flew out at random directions. One such crates that held nettings for fishing, somehow escaped from the burning wood once holding it. The net caught and snared the unfortunate prince.

Now, if he had been calm, Zuko would have had no problem reaching for the dagger his uncle gave him from his siege of Ba Sing Se. However, the young prince was in full panic mode. Thus, what could have been the easiest escape for Zuko was now dragging him down.

No amount of arms flailing or legs kicking seemed to do the trick of untangling him. Instead his struggle made things worse. One of his ankles was caught in the netting, and by the sharp pain of rope tightening against his leather boots, there was little chance of him pulling his foot free. Both of his hands shared the same predicament as his ankle.

With only one limb working to keep him near the surface, the weights at the ends of the net seemed to be heavier. Zuko stared up helplessly at his burning ship as he gradually sank down.

Ironic how his element forced him into the water, fire's mortal enemy, and now the watery depths will claim him.

A surge of horror spread through him. No, he cannot die here! With renewed vigor Zuko strained to struggle in the net. Lungs screamed for much needed air. His body ached from the lack of oxygen. Black spots went in and out of his vision.

Pale gold fixed on the flames above, a look of pleading could be read behind them. Strange, the flames seem to have grown bigger despite how small the vessel was.

And then Zuko pleaded for the first time since his banishment.

'Agni, help me!'

The only response to his plea was the cold, dark abyss as he lost consciousness.

=3=

Iroh was walking merrily along the road, not too far from the harbor. He was humming a sweet hearty song from his younger days. Despite how his nephew turned down the offer to enjoy life, the old general was still in a good mood.

It has been too long since Iroh indulged in merry making. Too long since he relaxed and cleared his head from all of the worries accompanied by Zuko. Shame, indeed, he could not convince his nephew to come. But now and then every man needed some time to laugh his worries away.

Iroh needed that time now, when there wouldn't be another chance anytime soon. Knowing their luck, danger could be just right around the corner. Might as well enjoy what little time he had left to ignore what could be when he could spend more time with the present.

His humming soon carried away into singing. Iroh sang the tune without a care who was around to listen.

"Hey! Hey! Hey!

I don't like walking around in this old and empty house

So hold my hand, I'll walk with you, my dear.

The stairs creep as I sleep, it's keeping me awake

It's the house telling you to close your eyes."

Iroh began to hum once more. His hands clapped in tune as the next two verses start.

"Some days I can't even dress myself

It's killing me to see you this way.

Because though the truth may vary

This ship will carry

Our bodies safe to shore."

At the last word he had sung, an explosion sounded behind him. Iroh paused where he stood, turning to see what had happened. His eyes widened in horror, while in the back of his mind he connected how ironic the song he had sang a few seconds before compared to the latest and unexpected danger.

Fire burned in his veins at the sight of the Wani burning with thick smoke rising to the heavens.

A feeling of dread felt heavy on his shoulders. Still Iroh had the strength to run, his legs protesting at the sudden change of pace. He ignored his legs, he will probably feel it in the morning, but right now his real worries were the fate of his nephew.

"Zuko!" Iroh screamed at the top of his lungs. His cries were drowned from the roar of the flames.

Reaching the docks, Iroh didn't have time to reach the ship that had once been his home for three years. The Wani exploded once more, this time near the bow of her frame. What was little of their supplies was thrown out and spread across ocean and dock alike.

Everything was happening too fast. Iroh could only watch helplessly as the ship burned. At the loss of Zuko, a flame rekindled in his old heart.

"Agni, you dare take Lu Ten away from me, and now you take away my nephew!?" Iroh roared, tears streaming down his wrinkled face. The flames roared with him, as if they held a life of their own, seething at the destruction of the Fire Nation's former prince's vessel.

Anger spent, the old general knelt to his knees. There was no use getting angry at the spirits.

Iroh looked up to see nearby boats scavenging the waters for any bodies. Or perhaps they were secretly searching for any goods they could take home. After all, how many times would a Fire Nation ship blow up in their harbor? Many would assume there were really good supplies to take.

'I suppose it would be called a good thing Zhao took most of our supplies.' Iroh felt a tightening in his chest.

Now was not the time to ponder over what could have been expensive losses!

"Hey, I've got something heavy over here!" A fisherman yelled, pulling his long hooked pole with all his might.

Iroh stood up and quickly walked along the docks to get a good look at the fisherman. The old general noticed how close the man dared to be to the burning wreckage. A younger man was helping pull the pole up, and together they pulled up what at first looked to be a net.

It was the net's contents that surprised all around who witnessed.

Iroh felt his heart jump at the recognition of his nephew's body. He dared not hope he was alive, in preparation for the worst that has happened. Even so Iroh motioned with his arms to grab their attention.

"Ahoy! I believe that would be my nephew! Could you do an old man a favor and bring him here?"

The older man, probably the father, waved back. Beside him the fisherman's son worked on untangling the net from the unmoving body.

"We'll bring him!" The fisherman glanced at the pale and still body he had pulled up. "The spirits aren't in your favor, I'm afraid."

Iroh shook his head gravely. No, so long as a body was returned so he could properly mourn his nephew's untimely demise. That was enough for the old general.

"Just bring him to me." Iroh shouted back, quickly wiping away the fresh tears.

'Oh, Agni, why? Why would you take the life of your child, who needed a chance to find his path?'

=3=

Zuko blinked at the odd trees with the healthiest of green leaves, confused as to why he woke up in a forest when the last thing he remembered was water. Stranger still, the former prince did not panic at the scene above him. He felt a calmness he had not known for a long time.

This sense of ease was next to when he had spent some alone time with his mother. She always had a way of calming his fears, always encouraging him even though he often thought himself a failure. And in her arms in a warm, loving embrace, Zuko always felt safe.

He had not felt safe for over three years. No, it was more than that. Zuko had not experienced safety since the night his grandfather Fire Lord Azulon died. And with his death, his mother mysteriously disappeared. She left him with his too ambitious father and torturous little sister.

Zuko propped himself to his elbows, taking a better look around. He froze when he realized he was not alone.

Curled protectively around his body, in all her beautiful and ferocious glory, was a dragon.

Orange scales shimmered in the low light. Following along the spine of her powerful and slim body was a flowing dark red mane, which appeared soft to the touch. Leathery wings folded neatly at her sides, which one of them had been Zuko's pillow a few minutes before.

Pale gold eyes held his in a gaze. Each studied the other, but not out of fear. Although he was weary of being in the presence of a dragon, Zuko's instincts told him this dragon was an ally. He did not know how he knew, but perhaps the fact this dragon had been curling around him without eating him would be the first reason why.

After a few moments of staring at each other, Zuko bravely spoke first. His voice sounded cracked to his ears, but he ignored it.

"I'm in the Spirit World, aren't I?"

"Yes. But then again, you are not. And yet, we are able to communicate. I am a spirit, and you are mortal. You are not dead, but you are on the edge." She spoke to him through his mind. Her voice was soothing, like the sound of calm waves on a soft, sandy shore.

But Zuko could tell she was taunting him. She was most likely trying to ruffle his feathers. What's more, the dragon spirit was speaking in riddles. Zuko was not a huge fan of riddles. He knew it was best not to anger a dragon, let alone a spirit. So the former prince swallowed a retort and thought her words over.

"So…you're basically saying I'm not dead, but the fact we're speaking to each other means that I am not alive. Do you mean to say that I'm somewhere in between?"

Agni, his head hurt at the conclusion. How could someone be in between? Zuko always thought there was simply life and death, nothing else. It didn't make any real sense to him.

A rumble came from her throat. It took a few seconds for Zuko to realize she was laughing.

"What's so funny?" The young man scowled.

"You are not the brightest scale among the clan, but even you can understand your predicament. Yes, you are on the line of life and death. Many of your kind would know this, but to pass into the Spirit Realm one must accept their fate. If they do not, then you will be sent back. But whether or not you are sent back to your original body is not for you to decide. You see, there are reasons why there are restless spirits your kind have to deal with."

Zuko frowned, lowering his gaze to the ground. So, he was basically going to decide whether to accept what had happened, or to deny the offer at the risk of not reaching his body.

"Do not look so crest fallen, little cub. Fortunately, you do not have to face this choice at this point in time."

Zuko snapped his gaze to the dragon spirit's, blinking.

"What do you mean…? Who are you? How can you know if I don't have to decide?"

She snorted at his impatience. He stepped back, immediately lowering himself to sit on his legs in the proper manner.

"You are young. But you are wise not to test me. There might be hope for you yet, little cub."

Zuko bit his lip to prevent himself from voicing his earlier questions.

"To answer some of your questions, you are not destined to die now. It is too early, an unfortunate opportune moment we could not predict. You are young. Therefore you will recover quickly, which is what you need if you are going to the North."

His eyes widened at the last part. Even the scarred eye was wide, almost reaching a normal shape.

"But how? How will I –"

Her tail slapped the ground. Deadly fangs bared as a threatening hiss silenced him.

"Do not look to us for all of the answers! You are a clever cub. You've been able to track Avatar Aang all because you've learned how to hunt! Simply use your wits, and you will figure it out!"

To Zuko's credit, he only vaguely flinched at her sharp words. He couldn't help but ask questions.

To his surprise, her anger died down as quickly as it had flared. Her gaze softened, her tense body relaxed.

"We are kin, you and I. I came here to give you a warning, as well as ensure you are safely returned to the vessel of your soul."

Surprise rippled across Zuko's face. This dragon spirit, was claiming she was an ancestor of his? He didn't have time to think about this news, for she quickly delivered her warning.

"In the future there will come a time when you are faced with a choice. A choice where everything will haunt you at either answer you choose. I warn you to think carefully, think of the consequences. Do this, and any crossroads that will be sent your way you will be confident in choosing the right choice."

Zuko struggled not to frown. The corners of his mouth tugged down just enough to allow his blank mask to remain in place.

'Why does it feel like everything up until now have been a choice, and each time I've made a mistake? What makes this choice she predicts any different?'

He was brought out of his thoughts when the dragon awkwardly pulled him close to her chest. No, Zuko did not just yelp like a frightened child.

Her grip was firm yet gentle as not to crush him. Feeling a bit grateful, Zuko welcomed the warmth. Once again, a feeling of safety enveloped him like a warm blanket. He felt her muscles move as her head curled to inspect him closer. One of the whiskers reached out to gently caress his scarred face, her touch as gentle as a feather.

Still Zuko tensed. Since his face had healed, he never allowed anyone, not even Uncle, to touch his scar. As if sensing this, the whisker pulled away.

"Do not fret, little cub. There are a few of us watching over you. Although we may not always be able to help, you have to learn how to draw strength from within yourself. All you need is a gentle push."

Orange red leathery wings unfurled and spread into the air. She let him go, stepping back until she could lower her head to see him eye to eye.

"I go by many names. But for now, I hope you will remember you are free to call me Xia He."

Summer Lotus. Zuko felt that the name fitted the dragon spirit rather well.

"I thank you for honoring me with your presence, Xia He. And I apologize for my manners. I did not mean to dishonor you the way I behaved." Zuko connected his right fist with open left palm and bowed the way Agni's children were raised in custom.

"You will not feel the same way when you come to the crossroad I warned you. But, Prince Zuko, you have a sense of honor of your own. Do not forget that."

With that, Xia He leaped into the air and flapped her great wings to catch the winds. As he watched her go, the ground beneath his feet gave way. Zuko was falling faster than the dragon spirit was gaining altitude.

He did not panic. Zuko was too distracted by what Xia He meant by his honor.

=3=

The kind fisherman and his son gently carried the body between them upon the shore, just a little ways away from the docks. This way there wouldn't be a chance the Wani would grant a grand finale of her demise and shoot more debris onto their heads. Iroh met up with them, thanking them for all the trouble.

When he had bowed, the father blinked with surprise.

"There's no need, you know. I'm just sorry I didn't get to him in time. For I had seen something pop up before going under around the same area we picked him up." The fisherman offered out a hand. "The name's Akio. And my son is Keitaro."

Surprised how familiar the fisherman was, Iroh accepted the outstretched hand. A part of him wanted to be polite, while the rest of him was coming to terms with his worst nightmare. Iroh just wanted everything to get everything over and done with so he could have some time with the body.

And perhaps find a way to create a pyre, as it was the custom for members of the royal family. Or if not, then cremate the body and find some way into Ba Sing Se, to reunite his nephew with Iroh's one and only son.

Meanwhile, as the elder men shook hands like old friends, Keitaro examined the body. Even though they were in a Fire Nation colony, his family roots belonged to Earth Kingdom. But to their fortunate luck, Keitaro and his father did not inherit bending the beloved earth.

The young fisherman could see the pale young man he and his father had rescued was definitely Fire Nation.

'He looks so young, though. And that scar…Oma and Shu, he couldn't be much older than I am.' Although he felt hatred towards the Fire Nation, he could not in any way be angry at the drowned.

With a sudden surge of kindness, Keitaro began to wipe the still damp forehead. Green eyes narrowed in confusion when he felt how unnaturally warm the skin felt under his touch.

Hope flooded the young fisherman. Keitaro lowered his hand to check for a pulse, closing his eyes to focus on the tips of his fingers. Within a few seconds green eyes shot open with excitement.

"Hey! I think he's trying to breathe!"

Against his wishes, Iroh looked to see the rise and fall of his once thought to be dead nephew's chest as it convulsed. In a matter of seconds the young fisherman, Keitaro, Iroh briefly remembered the boy's name, pulled Zuko into a sitting position.

The old general knelt next to his nephew's left, gently rubbing the small of his back as the young man coughed up water. Tears threatened to fall from the corners of his eyes, he felt nothing but relief and grateful for the return of Zuko.

When he was done ridding his throat of the water, Zuko instinctively leaned against his uncle with a groan. His eyes opened briefly before blinking several times for his vision to clear.

"Uncle…? You're crying…" His voice was raspy from the salty water.

"Oh, nephew. I'm just happy you're alive. You had me worried, young man." Iroh scolded at the last part, trying to lighten the mood.

Zuko smiled.

"I'm sorry for making you worry. I promise I won't do it again."

For now, anyway. They both knew that sooner or later Zuko was going to do something stupid. But for now, Iroh was simply content to hold his nephew safe in his arms.

=3=

Death: Wow. Longest. First chapter. Ever. For me, anyway. I suppose since this idea would not stop nagging my brain, is why this chapter is so long at all. Not to mention I had to do a little research in names, songs, song lyrics. Which, I hereby thank Tsukiyo No Hana, for all the lovely support and helping me with the research into songs. I am thankful for having a friend like you.

Xia He: Pronounciacion: Shee-YA Hay. Or at least, I believe that is how it is pronounced. If not, feel free to correct me. Chinese names are not my expertise. What the name means has already been said in the story.

Akio: Pronounciation: Akee-OH. It means "Bright Son".

Keitaro: Pronounciation: Kay-TAR-oh. It means "Blessed".

I know, I know. I'm using Japenese names for Earth Kingdom people. Until I get a better sense of names that suit them best, I'll have better names to use. In the meantime, I will use Chinese names for the characters born into the Fire Nation. Although I see a unique combination of both Chinese and Japanese cultures for the Fire Nation, to me it's leaning a little more towards the Chinese culture. And I'm talking about the Old China, when Emperors ruled and China was in her glory days (no offense, but since we Americans no longer make our own damn stuff, China puts children to work on making stuff for our super power companies. I happily blame both sides).

And please forgive me of the early dialogue between Uncle and Zuko before the Wani blew sky high. I was simply going by memory, for I wasn't in the mood to look into the episode. I only wanted to get through this chapter so that I can finally work on a few other stories without any distractions.

Anyway, please click the lovely review button below and tell me what you think.