AN: Wow, way more people read (and reviewed) this fic than I thought! That's an amazing feeling so thank you to all of you did, plus those who added this story to their favorites and story alerts. I'm really honored.

And, because I can't reply to anonymous reviewers, I tend to respond to those who did reply in the following chapter. Thanks for reading, you guys! :)

Guest: Thank you! I'm actually a big fan of Bolin/Jinora too (because, I agree, it feels weird if she's not with someone older than her. I don't know why). Haha. I also don't mind Bolin/Asami and Iroh/Asami, which just goes to show that I don't really have loyalty except to my absolute favorite couples, like Makorra and Zutara. I won't compromise. LOL!

LokFan: This is such an odd pair, right? But I think it could work, but I believe most pairings can work if you package it correctly. I'm not too sure what to call them. Haha. 'Jiroh' looks and sounds better than 'Irohnora' to me, plus it's a (Japanese) name itself. We'll work on it. XD

Please enjoy the chapter! :D

Chapter One

"Oh my gosh, you're so lucky! You get to spend time with that really hot prince from the Fire Nation who drives around in that huge boat and commands officers and looks awesome in uniform and who helped save all of us from the Equalists when we were only kids and nearly lost our airbending. Do you remember how Amon, the dude with the really creepy mask, captured and tied us to stakes and presented us to all of the Equalists and they were all like, 'Yeah! Take their bending!' and then he almost did but Mako and Korra came to save us and now we're here?"

"… Please stop talking to me."

After so many years together with Ikki, Jinora sometimes found that the best way to deal with her chatter was to flat-out ignore it, a fact her sibling hated. Refusing to meet the pouting face of her sister, Jinora went through her mental checklist of things to pack, treading around her room as she loaded her luggage with clothes and other necessities. Since they'd be leaving tomorrow morning, she had to be meticulous about what she brought so as not to leave anything behind.

When given the details about their intended course, General Iroh had explained that they'd take a more scenic route north, the overall trip estimated to last two weeks in total. It seemed that the crew would stop at a few ports and conduct business as they went, but Iroh had promised she could explore the cities freely during those times they docked. And while he could probably make the journey in less than one if he preferred, he'd explained that there was no reason urgent enough for him to wear his crew down to do so. As much as she disliked the fact that she'd be stuck for a fortnight in his immediate presence, Jinora could appreciate how much care he took with his crew. He was nothing if not a good leader, even by her high standards.

It sort of made her hate him.

"C'mon, Jinora, lighten up! This is your first big trip outside of Republic City on your own. Aren't you excited?" The older girl wanted to say that even if she wasn't Ikki was more than enough for the both of them, her eyes lighting up with the idea of adventure and new terrain.

"Of course, but not enough to go crazy over it," she said with a sigh, as she closed up the duffel, wondering if there was anything else she'd forgotten. "I'm going to represent Dad and our culture to ambassadors and nobles of other nations. I can't go around like you, talking a mile a minute and floating over people's heads just for fun."

But all her worrying did nothing to douse the flame of expectation sitting in her stomach, a small but tenacious thing that sent her body aflame. This would be a voyage all her own, just like the ones she'd read in all of her books, like the one's Gran Gran and Grandpa had taken when they were half her age. Granted, she wasn't saving the world but her job did entail helping to maintain the elusive harmony among the different countries and that was nothing to laugh at.

"Yeah, I don't know how you can stomach all that boring talk and sitting around," Ikki replied with a scoff, sticking out her tongue at the very thought. "Your patience amazes me sometimes. I can't even meditate without wanting to levitate just to give me something to do."

Watching as she flopped on the bed, Jinora grinned as she settled on the opposite side, patting her little sister's hair fondly. "Which is why I am the one Dad is raising as his successor on the council. If you, Meelo or Rohan did it, we'd probably be kicked off Air Temple Island within weeks."

"Days," Ikki corrected, raising her hand with a wink.

Chuckling, all she could do was nod in response, as she reclined back onto her pillows but with a restless energy keeping her from getting too comfy. Her mind couldn't help but wander to how she'd fair on the coal-powered vessel. While she didn't think her accommodations aboard would be uncomfortable, Jinora doubted that everyday niceties were a large part of the military experience and she'd hate to put people out over something unnecessary. Well, she'd lived like a monk her entire life. A few weeks on an engine-powered ship would probably amaze her more than anything else.

"So," the other girl began, playing with her long chocolate locks, currently free of the usual hair buns. Ikki had never quite outgrown that bit of her childhood. "What do you think of General Iroh?"

Catching her by surprise, the question had Jinora choking on her own spit as she sat up quickly, coughing into a balled up hand and trying to reclaim some much needed air. "W-what?"

"You heard me," the second child said with a shrug, as if her reaction required no assistance. Jinora couldn't help but send a light scowl in the direction of her baby sister, along with a few unkind words in her head. "He's cute, right? Not to mention he's a member of the Fire Nation's Royal Family and a super powerful firebender. Oh, and single. We must not forget single."

"I have no idea where you're going with this," she said in her flattest tone, hoping the conflict inside her wouldn't find its way into her tone. There was nothing good that could come from thinking of the older man that way. More than a decade sat between them and the number of decent conversations they'd ever had could be counted on one hand. Not exactly the stuff of major romance (and she would know, she's read shelves and shelves of historical fiction over the years).

"Do you not have eyes, woman?" Sitting up with a start, Ikki turned to Jinora with an incredulous look on her face, which was only returned with a vaguely disinterested one. Slapping a hand to her forehead, she shook her head in grievance. "He's a hot, eligible bachelor. Any woman with a pulse looks at him and wants to have his babies! Are you really my sister? We might not have the same taste in many things, but men like him are universally appealing!"

"I think… you're nuts." Smirking at the frustrated look on the younger girl's face, Jinora could only shrug in faux indifference. "Think about it seriously, Ikki. He's an adult, has been one for years now, and he's known us since before Meelo and Rohan were born. I'm pretty sure we're just a bunch of children who tag along with Dad or who happen to be the grandkids of the last Avater in his book. Not exactly 'girlfriend' material."

Frowning, she crossed her arms over her chest, as her bottom lip jutted out in a pout. "You're such a pessimist."

"No, a realist," Jinora tsk-ed, leaning forward to knock her fist lightly against her sister's chin. And, truly, what other option did she have? No one knew about the strange infatuation she carried for the Fire Nation heir and, as much as she wanted to, she could never tell Ikki. This was a burden she'd gotten used to, a lonely and unwanted one, and she'd never willingly give it to someone else. Because the load wouldn't be halved if she did; in fact, she thinks it'd swallow her whole instead, forcing her to confront the tenacious reality that her heart wasn't budging when it came to this particular man, not without a fight at least. And that, she finds, was one part of her that she wouldn't willingly confront, not just yet.

Morning the next day was mostly tearful goodbyes (courtesy of her mother), lots of begging for souvenirs (which was mostly Meelo and Rohan, with a side of Ikki) and many reminders about mundane things like her language, presentation of herself and their customs and nearly everything else about her person (all from the wise, if not rather critical, mouth of her father). Embracing her parents, Jinora allowed Tenzin to finish the epically long speech he had no doubt prepared all day yesterday, which included holding herself in the most upright manner and being on her best behavior. What the world thought of her was what the world would think of all airbenders and she'd hate to disappoint everyone who held high esteem for the small colony, especially since she was descended from an Avatar who was still praised by the current generations of the world.

"I know, Dad. I'll be fine. When have I ever let you down?" she teased, leaning up to give him one last hug. Her mother's sniffling got a bit louder, making her grin as she pulled away.

"Never, and I know you will be," he said in a soft tone as he patted his eldest on the head, beaming down at her helplessly. While he would've loved to separate the anxiety he felt as a father from his duty to lay down the ground rules as her mentor, Tenzin found it impossible. There had never been such a moment of great pride as he felt now, mixing in with the fear he had by letting his little girl go off on her own. He'd wished someone had told him that parenting didn't get easier as one got older, merely less time-consuming but definitively more worrisome.

"Be sure to eat well and brush your teeth," Pema murmured, as she began to primp Jinora's already impeccable robes, adjusting them as she did her best not to start sobbing again. "Try not to bother Iroh too much, he's very busy, you know. Oh, and don't talk to strangers or try and pick a fight. I know you, young lady, you'd defend a badger-mole if you had to, but please just try and get help rather than do it yourself. If you have time, write a letter or two and send it so we know you're safe. And when you get to the Northern Water Tribe, make sure you go straight to see Korra and Mako and ask how their baby's doing—"

"Do nothing except eat, sleep, breathe and catch up with Korra. Got it." Giggling a little at the dark look on her mother's face, she wrapped herself around Pema, patting her lightly graying hair and pretending she didn't hear the sniffles that were starting up again. "I'll miss you too, but I'll be fine. I have an entire army escorting me."

"It's true."

The familiar voice had the entire air acolyte clan glancing over at the newly arrived Iroh, not a hair out of place or a break in his picture-perfect composure. Her two younger brothers were immediately next to the officer, making demands of him that she was sure no one else had ever done in his life. After all, when one was heir to the throne of the Fire Nation, it didn't make much sense to take orders as it did to give them, and if Jinora was in his shoes she'd probably be telling them off for their impertinence (though that might come from being their big sister more than anything else). But it seemed that Iroh was as accommodating as he was kind, taking down notes genially and guaranteeing that Jinora would get them what they wanted.

"Hey, don't go around like a crooked politician and making promises you can't keep," she scowled, putting her hands on her hips as Rohan cheered over the prospect of getting jennamite from the Earth Kingdom and Meelo crowed his excitement over blubbered seal jerky. More than a few times, their father had stated that their elder son was much too similar to their Uncle Bumi for comfort. On her (silent) end, Jinora thought it was sort of ironic how her father helped give life to the bane of his existence, who he loved desperately, if not exasperatedly.

When Iroh sent her a shy smile of contrition, Jinora did her best not to forgive the royal, puffing out her cheeks while fighting the rising color that was climbing up her neck. When he moved closer to the small congregation, she tilted her head up a bit, noticing with some annoyance how she only came up to his shoulder.

With another honest grin, Iroh shrugged gracefully as he spoke. "If you could refrain from saying those kinds of things in front of the diplomats once we get to the North Pole, I would very much appreciate it. I don't want anyone thinking I can't take over for my mother when she decides to retire."

The boyish charm only allowed him so much leeway. "Hey, you play nice, I'll play nice. Those are the rules around here."

"Rules we don't usually listen to. Well, no one except Jinora," Ikki butted in, bouncing back and forth on her tiptoes while beaming up at the general prettily. When his attention shifted to the second child, the eldest did her best to halt the brush of jealousy, one she hadn't even realized was coming and was not quite able to stop. The fact that she could feel that way over her own sister was more than a little problematic since she loved her more than nearly anyone else, and yet those feelings still weren't enough to keep her heart in check. Biting her lip, she closed her eyes as she grimaced, doing her best to soothe the monster that could much too easily steal her soul.

"Are you ready to go?" It was General Iroh's voice again, snapping her back to attention as she tried to gather her wits together. It seemed that he had already exchanged words with her parents, who held each other as if they were sending their firstborn off to war and not on an expedition for peace. A part of her held back the need to roll her eyes at their theatrics, but she couldn't fault them for their worry. Because beneath it all, she appreciated the fact that they were alive and well enough to worry over her safety at all, something not all children got to experience. It made her last wide smile so very bittersweet, as she moved to pick up her luggage and trail behind the soldier.

As she turned to Iroh, Jinora was surprised to see him standing before her, reaching down to take her things. Caught off-guard, the airbender moved away, as if to shield her bag from him, catching both him and her family by surprise. And quite honestly she wasn't so sure what she was doing herself.

"Jinora, that's rude. General Iroh is only being a gentleman," Pema scolded, a soft scowl donning her fair features. Even though her back was turned to her, Jinora had no doubt that her mother was drilling holes into her form and reprimanding her a hundred times (in her head, of course, if only to save face in front of the nobleman).

"No, it's okay. It's not even that heavy," the young ambassador protested, steeling her resolve against the kind, resolute look on the captain's face. The man already had enough in his arsenal to use against her—a thoughtful disposition, prestige that matched his intelligence, unmatched eloquence and a face that she hated to admit had only grown more handsome with age—she refused to give up more to him. If she kept her distance, she'd survive this trip and perhaps find a decent end to this silly, little crush.

Staring down, the Fire Nation's prince watched her with quiet, knowing eyes, ones that caused her heart to skip painfully in her chest. It was the same kind of look that had entranced her over a decade ago and she hated that she it was still her folly, as she tore her own gaze away in embarrassment. That was another thing she had to watch out for. She couldn't get too comfortable near him or he might see through her, figure her heart out if she let him in that far. Because while she may not be a kid anymore, she was no more impervious to him as she was now than she was at ten.

However, Iroh wasn't a man who was denied what he wanted, if anything at all. As soon as her face was turned, he moved in closer, sliding into her personal space until they touched, stealing her grip on the suitcase. And she hated how her stare widened, as unsure as she was shocked, barely registering the smell of spice and ash on him, a heady, male scent that she'd never experienced before.

"Rule one on my ship: my orders are absolute." And although the words are harsh, just short of a command, the low tone of his voice was light, playful even, and it made the blush unfurling on her cheeks all the more irksome. Unfortunately, Jinora had no doubt that he'd pull rank with her repeatedly if it fit his needs, no matter how trivial the task or how hard she fought. It made disliking him both infinitely easier and terribly difficult.

"Rule one when dealing with an airbender: personal space must not be broken at any time," she replied with a snort, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring up at him from beneath long lashes. The humor in his face did nothing to cool her indignant attitude, though he did seem to take her words to heart as he leered softly at her in response.

"Dually noted. I'll make sure to keep a safer distance the next time." While his tone held a bit of an apology, Jinora knew Iroh wasn't even slightly repentant, as he turned towards the direction of his ship, nodding for them to leave. His almost-smirk might have been appealing on his rugged features, but all she wanted to do was summon a gust of wind and wipe it off him. How she'd get through the next few weeks would be an adventure all its own, she supposed.

As she began following the firebender, Jinora waved back at her family, who wore the most reticent smiles she'd ever seen on them. And while the guilt ate at her for leaving them behind, it only strengthened the fact that she needed to go out and do something with the gifts she'd been given. The world wouldn't wait for her to mature into it and she knew that she'd have to understand it fully, the way her father did, if she wanted to be useful to it. And she desperately wanted to, she thought, as she boarded the dark-hued vessel, spine straightening as she stood tall and proud. She was young with something to prove and somehow that was more than enough of a reason for her to succeed, childhood infatuations notwithstanding. Eventually she'd grow out of that too and then she'd be free, or at the very least less of a mess. One could only hope.

As the gathered group watched the engine-powered boat leave the dock, the smallest member of the family tilted his head in question, a frown marring his juvenile but beautiful face. His words resonated with all the members of the tight-knit family. "Was it just me, or was there something going on between General Iroh and Big Sis?"

Choking, Tenzin began to sputter what nonsense that was, how the other man was much too responsible and mature for that sort of thing, and couldn't possibly have any designs on his elder daughter. In the midst of his rant, his wife began to pat his back, telling him to relax and watching his blood pressure, just as the doctor had advised. However, Ikki and Meelo weren't nearly as convinced as the family patriarch, as they bowed their heads in contemplation before nodding solemnly, oddly in sync.

"No, I think Rohan might be right. Definitely some sexual tension simmering there," Ikki gloated with a smile, snapping her fingers as the realization hit home. She completely missed how her father turned ghostly white and how Pema had to restrain him from saddling Oogi so that he could catch up to the disappearing liner, as it made its way into the horizon.

Within moments of stepping onto the wooden floors of the warship, Jinora had the strangest feelings running through her, but she couldn't be sure if it was only nervousness or the fact that she was greeted with lines of the firebending elite, approximately a hundred in number, bowing in immaculate rows. In books, she'd learned that tradition and diligence and hierarchy were normal characteristics of the Fire Nation's culture. But for someone like her, whose education was highly spiritual and informal, it was like seeing a whole new side of the coin, as her eyes were drawn away to the few who were allowed to stand salute the Crown Prince with perfect posture and contained visages.

"Awaiting your orders, General Iroh," one of them said, placing his arm at his side with the other's permission. His age was near that of his commanding officer's, with gray eyes and perfunctory, military-styled hair. While not particularly unattractive, there was something in the man that made him appear shrewish to Jinora, who had always been rather apt at guessing temperaments at a glance. She made a mental note to stay away from him if she didn't want to be reprimanded for any mistakes in her etiquette, which were no doubt caveman-esque compared to these people. A part of her wouldn't be surprised if they found her breathing too harsh, as they all maintained their stock-still positions even as she shuffled in her plain robes.

Telling him to set a course for their first destination in the Earth Kingdom, Iroh was quick to have everyone stand at attention before introducing his guest. "As you all know, we'll be making our way to the North Pole for the annual peace conference this year, hosted by the Northern Water Tribe. In Master Tenzin's place, his daughter Jinora will be representing the Air Nomads." Here, the young woman could hear his voice drop just slightly deeper, more menacing than she'd ever heard it before, as he continued in a concise manner. "You will treat her with the respect a lady of her station deserves."

If possible, the warriors stood a bit taller, as if feeling their leader's bite through their very armors. The switch in demeanor had her frowning at him, though he couldn't see it as he stood a foot ahead of her, looking much like the ruler she knew he was destined to be. It seemed that another line was being drawn between them and all she could do was watch it happen, a familiar feeling of helplessness filling her as she came to grips with just how different they truly were. As Iroh turned back to her, she felt herself harden on the inside, liking the sense of control. He'd never afforded to give her a reason to put her guard up, but now she had one and she'd learn to combat her old emotions by using his own image against him.

"Do you have any words for my crew, Ambassador Jinora?" Hearing her name, she almost didn't recognize that he was speaking to her, the title foreign and unfitting over her head. While perfectly normal to call anyone of rank by some sort of heading, she'd always felt too young to deserve one, too green and inexperienced, no matter how many places she'd been or how many council meetings she'd sat through. It was always beneath her father's wing that she was covered, and she was finding that making the transition was not quite as easy as she expected it to be.

But she didn't lose heart, as she nodded towards her host before taking a step forward. "I understand that my presence here is rather unorthodox, but I'm grateful to all of you for allowing me to accompany you on your journey. I'll do my best to stay out of your way while working but I hope to get to know you while I'm here. Please treat me kindly."

With as dignified a bow as she could muster, the brown-haired girl took in a deep inhale as she came up, placing on a soothing smile to cover up her nerves. And even while no pair of eyes visibly swiveled to her, she could feel them tracing over her, measuring her worth and wondering about her youth. She couldn't blame them for she was still trying to figure out this new routine as well.

Nodding in satisfaction, Iroh motioned for another man to come forward, obviously one of the higher-ranked underlings. The surprise that hit her was more from his appearance than anything else, as an elderly man dressed in well-crafted clothes approached, looking more like someone of counsel than combat. But Jinora's eyes were adept at seeing small details, the even shuffle of his gait misguiding and the perfect sweep of his bow speaking of control far beyond bodily limits. He was an old warrior; she had no doubt of it.

"Please, Kei, show the ambassador to her quarters." When he received a small nod, Iroh looked the young girl in the eye, gave her a small, reassuring smile before spinning on his heel, thereby excusing the formation of footmen. As everyone went to resume their stations and prepare for the first leg of their voyage, Jinora approached the old man and greeted him with a perfunctory bow, as he glanced at her with appraising eyes. Just a quick perusal of him told her that he had the captain's ear and was a wise man of sorts, as he rotated his gaze across her person before shooting her something she considered approval. While not sure what kind of test she passed, at the very least he was another man on this boat who wasn't her enemy.

As they made their way into the hull of the ship, her intensely critical mind took in the small spaces and narrow passages, the array of doors and confusing pathways of stairs and ladders, combing through each of them with nothing but a glance. By the end of her time on board, she wanted to know all the secrets in this place, absorb them into her mind for safe keeping and memories. She'd grown used to dissecting every object and scenario she saw, so the endless mazes that this place offered were merely an appetizer for whatever else was to come.

"You are Master Tenzin's eldest child, no?" Kei inquired politely, their silence broken to make room for small talk. Perhaps he felt it rude to leave his charge to her thoughts but Jinora was comfortable either way, not that he'd know that.

"Yes. Do you know my father?" Her curious stare went to his back, as he led her down another winding corner. If she found her way to the deck on her own, it would be either a miracle or sheer force of luck.

He laughed heartily and the sound made her grin in return. "That old coot and I have been well acquainted for years. Not surprising that he hasn't mentioned me though. Used to get him in all kind of trouble back in the day."

"What kind of trouble?" Although her voice managed to hold some semblance of nonchalance, Jinora could feel her eyes twinkling in anticipation, wondering about the kinds of escapades her prim-and-proper patriarch could get into. If nothing else, she'd have stories to tell her siblings when she got home, which would most likely keep them entertained for years to come.

With a glimmer in his eye, the old firebender gave her a wink. "If you join me for dinner tonight, perhaps I'll remember a few stories by then. It's still morning, after all. My foggy brain hasn't completely woken up."

"If that's the case, then I'd be honored to dine with you, sir," Jinora replied with a laugh, not believing the con man's act at all. But he was a charmer and she had no good reason to say no so she didn't, instead nodding with a bit of amusement.

"Wonderful. Now, here we are," her companion gestured at the door as he put her bag down in front of it, with Jinora noting how the thickness of the metal was to render the place fire-proof for its inhabitants. "It's a bit of a ways to get here, but I actually took the long way. If you turn just over there, there's a stairwell that leads you straight to the deck. I took the scenic route since it's been such a long time since I've had a beautiful woman in my company, what with all the men manning the ship."

Chuckling at his flattery, Jinora gave her hand to Kei's outstretched one, as he kissed it in farewell. "Somehow I doubt that women don't stay but rather that you keep them away, sir. I can't imagine any female not falling for your charms."

"Oh, but I must be getting old if a young lady such as yourself saw right through me. I'll be more careful in my next attempt." Not quite holding back the peal of laughter, Jinora could only wave as the old man left a moment later. However, his voice trailed behind him as he made his way to the distant staircase. "And please, call me Kei. 'Sir' makes me feel old." And even though she nods in answer while he escapes down the hallway, she had a feeling he still managed to see it.

However, her easiness flees when she realizes just how alone she is, the silence ringing now that she was alone. Inhaling a harsh breath, Jinora reassembled herself as she eyed the panel again warily, placing her hand on the latch before giving it a solid push. It was heavier than she expected but she managed to get it open, as she slid herself into what would become her new bedroom for at least the next two weeks.

While not especially opulent or furnished, Jinora knew by instinct that this was one of the better rooms on the ship, as it was well maintained and decorated with a minimalist design. Rather than just a plain cot and perhaps a side table, there was also a desk in the far corner made of dark cherry wood and a matching chair. A large rug lined the otherwise bare floor and the walls were adorned with a few framed, non-descript pictures. Overall, the accommodations were better than she thought, sparse but meant for functionality more than anything else, and she found that she could make it feel like home with some time.

As she tossed her things off to the side, Jinora lied back on the mattress and hoped against hope that she wasn't just kidding herself. While she had no doubt there was excitement and adventure waiting for her, she couldn't lie and say that she wasn't a little fearful of it as well. But, she mused to herself as she steeled her backbone against the traces of doubt still lingering on the edges of her mind, it was overcoming that fear that made the whole journey worthwhile.

AN: And the voyage begins! I'm seriously inspired for this pairing right now, but I've felt the need to use that muse to finish updating some other fics. Haha. In between my updates, I hope you guys will review. Also, kind of need some ideas for shenanigans to bring these two closer together. If you have a good idea or two, please drop me a line. Most of the story is planned out, except for these next couple chapters. I'm just gonna wing it. Haha.

And for everyone else who doesn't have anything to share, just drop me a line anyway! I'd be sooo happy if you did. :D

Thanks for reading, everyone! Until next time~