(A/N: Here we go. I know most of you wanted a harsher reaction from Zuko last chapter, but the poor boy was confused on all sorts of levels. But here ya go with the new chapter!)
CHAPTER SEVEN: Imaginary Sickness and Truth Serum
I ran towards Zuko and placed my hand on his forehead, flinching at the heat.
"Iroh," I pleaded as the older man helped me carry his nephew towards the futons.
This sickness had come on so quickly and it scared me. Did swimming in the cold water of the lake cause him to catch a cold within minutes? Was that even possible? I saw a bucket near the sink and filled it with cold water, bringing a washcloth with me as well. I noted that while I had been busy getting the water, Iroh had removed his nephew's shirt.
Do NOT ogle the sick Ana! I scolded myself.
I dipped the facecloth in the cold water and placed it on Zuko's forehead. We needed to keep him as cool as possible. I sighed and crossed my legs, taking one of the Prince's hands in my own. I needed him to be okay, I cared about him, more than one should after the short weeks we had known each other, and I also knew that I would have to explain my reason for being in the lake tonight once Zuko woke up. I just hoped he wouldn't leave.
"My Nephew will be fine Miss Rei."
"He doesn't look fine to me Iroh," I replied and Iroh gave me a soft look.
"What Zuko did today, is causing a battle within him as his heart undergoes a change."
"So what you're telling me is that this is a spiritual fever?" The question was evident and Iroh nodded.
I had never heard of a spiritual fever before, but it must be a good thing if Zuko's heart was undergoing such a drastic change. Maybe Sparky had finally come to realize that chasing the Avatar had nothing to do with his honour.
"I still cannot believe this," I muttered pulling my knees to my chest with my one free hand.
"What is it that makes it so unbelievable Miss Rei? Or should I call you by your real name?"
"How do you know that isn't my real name?" I asked with a sharp tone.
"You seem to have to think about it when someone calls you by that name. So I have reason to believe your name is something else."
Okay, the General still had his intellect going for him that was for sure.
"You're right, my real name isn't Rei. Rei was the name on the passport I used to get into the city, my name currently is Anara Uruha, but you already knew that didn't you?"
His eyes seemed to soften even more.
"You're the little girl from the civilian village."
I suddenly became fascinated with the breaks in the wood on the floor.
"My original name was Anara Kawahi, and my parents were killed during a Fire Nation raid on the southern part of the Earth Kingdom, by one General Iroh."
His eyes widened.
"That's right. After Fire Lord Azulon continued to attack the nations, it was illegal for a soldier of the Fire Nation to marry anyone from another nation. However my father fell in love with a skilled bender from the Northern Water Tribe, and they both escaped to the Earth Kingdom to be safe.
I don't know a lot about my parents, but both my parents were killed and apparently I survived at the ripe age of three. And I was told, that General Iroh had them killed. I can assume you know more of the details since you were older than I was at the time.
But you know what, I don't believe in revenge, because if I did that, my heart would rot with dark thoughts, and as much as part of me wants to avenge my parents, I can see the way you've changed."
He seemed to be thinking about how to answer me.
"Anara, I remember that day. It was not I who murdered them, they were ordered never to attack a civilian town, but word got out that a traitorous soldier was living in the area. My men betrayed my words and began to search the area burning down houses, until they found their target."
I could feel my eyes grow wet with tears.
"You were the girl they ran from, the one I took to General Kazai to look after."
My head shot up.
"You took me to them to keep me safe?"
"They disobeyed my orders, and killed your family, when you survived, I knew that it wasn't fair to leave you there."
"I guess I owe you an apology than Iroh, all this time I thought you were the person who destroyed what could've been a normal life."
I continued to hold Zuko's hand in mine as Iroh asked me a question.
"Judging from the scar on your hand, my men were not crazy."
I looked at the white star like shape that permanently marked my skin.
"Not many people get scars like that, especially from water bending," he said as I sighed. "You were born with an amazing talent. The Gods obviously knew your purpose, and I believe that purpose is not only to help the Avatar, but also to help my nephew."
"I guess I wasn't ready to use that skill, so I pay for it with this mark. And as for my destiny or purpose, my mother, or I guess Soina told me the same thing, minus the Prince part. I was told the God's had blessed me, but I'm still a firm believer in the idea that if it's meant to happen, then it will."
Zuko stirred and I pulled the cloth from his forehead. It was already extremely warm, so I dipped it back in the water, caught off guard when Zuko sat up.
"Water please," He begged as I handed him the ladle.
He knocked it from my hand and grabbed the entire bucket of water from me, pouring its contents into his mouth.
"What's happening to me?" He asked his voice horse.
Iroh explained what was happening to his nephew and I once again took his hand back in mine. He seemed so fragile in this state, and I knew what I had to do.
"Iroh?" I asked," I need you to keep all of this a secret from Zuko. With the high temperature of his fever I doubt he'll remember anything past arriving at the Dai Li headquarters. I just fear his reaction about knowing how different I am."
"If it's want you want, I will not object, but I can see you care for him Ana. All I ask is that you tell him as soon as possible, you may underestimate Zuko."
I nodded knowing that he was absolutely right. I couldn't keep this secret from Zuko forever and I hoped that I was right about his fever.
"Can I ask you a favour Anara?" Iroh asked as I nodded, still completely focused on his nephew. "The next time you see your grandfather, please tell him hello from me."
I raised an eyebrow at the older man and he chuckled.
"You both play Pai Sho the same way; it was easy to figure out."
"I haven't seen my grandfather in over a year," I told him, "But the next time I see him I will certainly tell him."
"Thank you."
My eyes felt heavy as the day continued on. I had been up for well over twenty four hours, and it wasn't like I hadn't done anything to warrant this tired feeling. I had helped rescue the Avatar's Bison, argued with Zuko and now I had just finished telling Iroh exactly who I was. Yup, it had been a very busy day indeed.
Zuko moaned in his sleep again, his fever was still high, and I wanted nothing more than to heal him.
Sorry Zuko. I wish I could take the pain away, but this is something you need to figure out on your own.
"You should get some rest Miss Rei," He stated with a wink. "We've all had an exhausting day."
"I'm not leaving him," my protest was weak, and I could've sworn I saw Iroh smirk.
"I never said you had too."
I rolled my eyes and stretched my arms out. Who would've thought that I would be sleeping on the same floor beside Zuko? If you had asked me two days ago I would've said no one. But now, I found myself falling for the arrogant, confused and handsome Prince.
"Good night Iroh," I said with a yawn as I curled into a sleeping position on the floor.
"Goodnight Anara."
I was running, but I couldn't see my destination.
"Hello? Anyone? Where am I?"
I called out but no one answered. I was surrounded by darkness, and I couldn't seem to find an escape.
Then, finally a light source shone weakly at the end of the black space I was caught in. I ran towards it as fast as my legs would carry me, but soon the light looked more like fire, it was a bright orange, and no sooner had I reached it, then the entire orangey-red color took the place of the darkness I had been running from.
"You could've helped me."
I didn't recognize the voice, but I quickly turned to see the owner. But there was no one there.
"Sozin's comet will destroy the world, because of you Ana."
No, there was no way. Sozin's comet was still months away. I still had plenty of time to find the Avatar…didn't I?
"Who are you?"
Suddenly a familiar face walked towards me.
"Ana, you must help him."
"Yue? What are you doing here? You should be at the Northern Water Tribe."
"Ana, you must help the Avatar learn the art of fire bending before the comet reaches the earth."
"But Yue, I need to find him first!"
"Just teach him Ana… You must teach the world that Fire is not always destructive."
She began to fade away and I reached for her.
"Yue, please wait, I need answers, I'm confused! Please…"
But there was no answer, simply darkness that once again began to close in on me.
"No!" I cried.
I woke up with sweat on my brow. Iroh was snoring in the corner, and I looked over at Zuko who appeared to be less restless. His fever had gone down slightly, but was still there, so I replaced the washcloth one more time, before walking towards the window.
The cool air felt amazing against my skin. That dream had certainly messed me up, and I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to teach the Avatar fire bending before the comet arrived. He would have to master the element, and I wasn't even a master at it. Yet, the whole universe seemed to think that I was the only person capable of helping him.
I walked back inside, and brushed the hair from Zuko's face. His breathing was calmer which was a plus, considering earlier it was quite ragged. I sat back down on the floor, laying on my back and studying the ceiling. I really hoped I would get more sleep than two hours worth, I had been doing so well, and now it seemed to be going to the dogs.
I closed my eyelids and reached out for Zuko's hand, intertwining our fingers. The warmth of his hand complimented my hands which were always cold. Just like a harmony on Pai Sho, maybe the two of us weren't so different from each other after all.
I woke to the sound of footsteps as my eyes snapped open.
"I'm just going to get us some breakfast Rei," Iroh said obviously noticing my distraught look. "Get some more rest."
I instantly blushed as I realized that not only was I still holding Zuko's hand, but I had somehow moved against the Prince in the middle on the night, and his hand was now around my middle. What a great sight for his Uncle to see.
Iroh left, and I sighed. After the dream I expected to get little sleep, but sleeping like this had given me the best sleep I've had in my entire life. Was that wrong?
I placed a hand on Zuko's forehead as a smile broke out across my face. His fever had finally broke, which meant one of two things. Either he was going to stand up demanding the truth from me about last night, or he wouldn't remember a damn thing. I was still hoping for the latter.
His eyes fluttered open as he looked straight into my own.
"Morning sleepy-head!" I said with a grin as the Prince noticed the position we were in.
I had to admit, that boy made my heart flutter, especially when he removed his hand from around my waist so we could both sit up, but he never dropped his hand from mine.
"What happened?" He asked as I took a breath.
Now or never Ana.
"Why don't you tell me what you remember?" I asked.
Zuko told me that the last thing he remembered was me getting angry with him, and telling him and Iroh that I was going home. So he remembered even less than what I had thought.
"When you and Mushi came home yesterday, you were complaining about not feeling well, so your Uncle called me over to help. You definitely had me worried Sparky."
My voice was soft at the end, and I once again found myself fascinated with the floorboards.
"You were worried about me?" He asked lifting my chin with his pointer finger.
"Of course I was! Weather you think I do or not Lee, I care about you a lot."
He looked like he was about to reply as Iroh walked through the door, carrying three fruits and what looked like a bucket of rice.
"Good morning Nephew, and Miss Rei," He stated with a wink as my face flushed. Stupid silly old man.
I helped Iroh serve the breakfast and as we all sat down to eat, I forgot about something important.
"What's going to happen now? I mean you and Lee have your own teashop in the upper ring, so we probably won't see each other anymore."
Zuko looked like he was choking on his rice as Iroh's eyes grew wide.
"Well the Jasmine Dragon is probably going to be busy. And Lee still has a lot to learn about serving tea, so I guess I need to hire another server."
A smile reached from cheek to cheek as I ran towards Iroh and launched myself in a hug at him
"Thank you so much Mushi!"
He leaned down to whisper in my ear, "Plus you keep him happy."
I laughed and sat back down next to his nephew. Once breakfast was over, I stood up with Zuko as we cleared the dishes.
"Well, I guess I should go change and start packing; I can't wait to go to the upper ring."
Zuko rolled his eyes at my enthusiasm and I smirked.
"See you later," I whispered in his ear, before planting a peck on his left eye below his scar.
I was a woman, and we knew exactly how to get what we wanted.
(A/N: So...Iroh knows her and what she's capable of, not to mention he is an aquaintance of her grandpa, but I'm curious as to weather lying to Zuko will come to bite her in the butt? Well, I know the answer, but you'll just have to wait ;) )
