A/N: AAH! I haven't updated since February! smacks head Well, I wrote this chapter a while ago, and I don't know why I haven't posted it, so here it is. I'm going to start writing the next chapter, although I'm at a bit of a writer's block, which is why I haven't updated. So, hope you enjoy it, and I'll get the next chapter up as soon as I can!
My brother is dead, but I am not sure if I believe it. His ship was sabotaged and detonated by a group of brigands a day after the New Year's festival. We received the news today. I wish I could, but I cannot underestimate Zuko. Though he will never reach my firebending ability, he does possess an impressive aptitude for the element, as royals do, which has undoubtedly improved in the past three years- even if only Uncle was there to teach him. He must certainly know some evasive maneuvers. He's not a complete idiot, though he's terribly gullible. Or was terribly gullible, I suppose. I can only hope that this means he's out of my father's way permanently, and I will become the official heir to the throne.
Meanwhile, Uncle has joined Admiral Zhao in his siege of the Northern Water Tribe, acting as his general. Hopefully this attack won't end in the same way as his siege of Ba Sing Se. Then again, it would further taint Uncle's reputation.
Even here things are troubling. Father has made up a perfectly logical excuse for the refurbishing of my navy transport. He claims that he was informed of mold in the ship and needed to have it stripped and redone. It's an excruciatingly obvious lie and even I can see no reason for it. Nothing can be done, however, because even I cannot speak out against my father, even if it is about a trivial lie, and his councilors most likely wish to keep their heads firmly planted onto their body.
On another note, Ty Lee is leaving this afternoon. I am glad, although I don't doubt I'll feel differently when I am once again without company.
Oh, Agni. I know why my father prepared the ship.
My father wants me to capture the Avatar. Now that Zuko is dead and finding the Avatar isn't a wild turtle-duck chase, it is surely an important mission. Zhao will surely be on other assignments after he destroys the North Pole. Perhaps capturing Ba Sing Se, the site of my uncle's great defeat.
I am rather relieved I thought of it, although not quite as soon as I would have liked. Now I must simply await my father's summons- hopefully sometime in the next week or so.
