Chapter Seven: Healing

Zuko awoke to Chloe packing her things the next morning. She had already cooked breakfast. He quickly arose and stopped her routine. "You're not leaving already are you?"

The girl grinned up at him and ceased her packing. "No, I just figured I'd get things ready. I should leave by noon though," she sighed. "Why don't we eat, prepare your things, and then both just relax before we head off again."

Zuko nodded his head agreeably and sat at the table. They ate slowly, taking in their last meal in Mei Li. Once they finished Chloe helped the man put together his things. Afterwards they both rested on the bench and gazed out into the village.

"I'm so relieved to continue looking for Karon," Chloe sighed.

Zuko gazed off into the dusty street adding in, "I have to find my uncle. I don't think capturing the avatar will help me anymore." The man paused to sigh; his eyes looked completely distant and weary. "Everything I've fought for the past three years is now worthless. I'm unwanted in the Fire Nation, and hunted in the Earth Kingdom. There's no reason in fighting anymore," the tired, torn boy let out. He seemed so depressed and disappointed.

Chloe tucked her hand under his jaw and turned him to face her. "Zuko, you are the one who told me, never give up." She stopped to unleash a more serious but sensitive look. "You can't stop fighting. What about your uncle? I know it's hard to get by right now, but we must face the pain before reaching the happiness we seek so much," the girl preached sincerely. Sighing Chloe finished with complete seriousness. "Don't give up," she demanded softly, bringing his chin down, glancing straight into his eyes.

Zuko smiled on the inside, but reframed from illustrating it. She had such an overpowering way with words. Yet three years of pain and hurt wouldn't be healed in a matter of days. Chloe knew that, yet still she felt unbelievably relieved to know in some way he was growing inside.

A new idea came into her mind, one she couldn't help but beam for. "You know what. Maybe it's best if we travel together. I know you probably want to be alone, but it might be safer, especially if Azula comes after you again. If you find your uncle you two can continue on and I'll find my brother. I just have a bad feeling about going on alone."

"Your senses again; you're probably right. We should travel together," Zuko agreed without refusal or opposition. Chloe again smiled vibrantly.

Noon had now come, and they both set out from the small village, carrying the old ostrich horse along with them. The sun shone through a patch in the clouds and warmed the muddy earth. Chloe had brought her long hair up into a ponytail and wore the clothes she always traveled in. It was a cool, calm day as they walked on and on.

After nearly three hours of pacing along they approached an endless forest of evergreens. Weary of walking, Zuko thought it best to ride the ostrich horse for the rest of the day. As he leaped up onto it he reached out his hand. "Here," the boy suggested pulling her up to sit in front of him.

"Are you sure he can carry two people," Chloe asked concerned. Zuko brought his arms around and took the reigns, signaling it to go.

"I don't think we have to worry about that," he kidded. She just smiled humorously as they continued on. The forest was thick with life. By sunset they reached the end of its length. A long, flowing plain waited.

Chloe sat watching the Sun rest on the horizon as Zuko lit a small campfire. He came up and rested next to her, wrapping his arms around his knees, peering off into the distance. The evening atmosphere was painted a tender red, with the dissipating clouds reflecting its brilliance. The prairie of grass seemed to continue on and on, its dancing creating a soft, mesmerizing lullaby.

"It's beautiful," the girl whispered, admiring the landscape. She smiled with a heavenly daze. Her eyes gleamed in the late sunlight.

"Yea," Zuko agreed also gazing off into the sunset. His voice seemed completely peaceful, but still hushed. He was suddenly changing in a way that had never happened before. Why, he didn't know; but it was a great feeling. In a way, it was possible that this scar encircling his heart was finally healing.