Welcome to the first chapter of Book Two. This is where things will really start heating up for Akane and Zuko (pun not intended) and they will find their friendship being tested like never before, even in this first chapter which sees the return of a familiar face. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and feel free to leave your reviews since we're soooooo close to 100 and it's worth mentioning that this chapter originally takes place before the Avatar State before venturing into the episode.
On the Run
Following the events at the North Pole, Akane, Iroh and Zuko spent weeks travelling at sea with their small raft. It was safe to say that their raft was nothing compared to the ship that they once had, but since their ship had been blown to pieces, they had no choice but to travel across the sea in their small vessel. Unlike Zuko, Akane was doing fairly well with their sudden changes. So far, there hadn't been a day that passed where Zuko didn't complain about their situation.
It was safe to say that Zuko was struggling with no longer having the creature comforts that his ship provided, since they now had to be up 24/7 to run this raft without anyone to help them. Food was also a big problem for all of them, since it was hard for them to find a good source of food besides fish since they were literally stuck at sea. While they had tried fishing, it hadn't really been much of a success for them.
"Are we ever going to see land again?" Zuko complained.
"We should be nearing the western coast of the Earth Kingdom soon," Iroh replied.
"Why are we going to the east cost instead of just docking at the first bit of land we saw?" Akane wondered.
"Because, I know a place near the western coast that will be able to help us get back on our feet. If we went to any other place, they might not be so willing considering we are Fire Nation," Iroh explained.
"If I ever have to spend this amount of time on a raft it'll be too soon," Akane grumbled, having grown sick and tired of floating around on the piece of junk that they were on.
"What can we do for food?" Zuko asked.
Akane rolled her eyes, "I don't know, maybe try fishing?"
"Fishing hasn't exactly worked out that well for us," Zuko retorted.
"Give me a try," Akane said as she took the fishing supplies form Zuko's hands.
Fishing was something that Akane had done many times during their old visits to Ember Island. Those times was when everything was so much simpler, back when Akane didn't see Ozai as the monster he was while actually having a sense of normalcy. Much to Zuko's annoyance, Akane was able to successfully catch a fish on her third try before reeling it back onto their raft.
"There you go," Akane stated as she tossed the fish to Zuko.
"What am I supposed to do with this?" Zuko asked as he struggled to hold onto the slippery animal.
"Kill it so we can eat it," Akane replied.
"Man, I miss our ship," Zuko sighed.
"Think of this as an opportunity to actually learn how to do things yourself instead of relying on other people to do them for you," Akane suggested.
"Why would I even have to know how to fish?" Zuko grumbled before slipping backwards, almost falling off the raft and loosing the fish in the process before saving himself.
Akane burst out laughing, "To stop something like that from happening."
"Not funny," Zuko grumbled.
"You could also learn when to laugh at yourself too," Akane added.
"What is there to laugh at?" Zuko snapped.
"You almost falling off the raft for one thing and trying to keep hold of that fish," Akane answered.
Zuko glared at her, "Only people with no dignity laugh at themselves."
Akane narrowed her eyes, "And you think you have any dignity?"
"At least I don't go off fraternising with the enemy!" Zuko remarked.
Silence quickly fell over the two at that comment as Akane glared at Zuko. It had been Iroh who'd told him that she had been with the Avatar and his friends at the North Pole, news that Zuko hadn't taken lightly. The fact that Zuko was just angry at Akane for going with them despite the fact that he was the one who had abandoned her had only made the Akane even more upset at him. While Zuko had tried to justify leaving Akane behind, it had still hurt her that he hadn't thought about anything bad happening to her while he left her alone.
"I had no choice," Akane muttered.
"Yes, you did. You could've used that as an opportunity to capture the Avatar, yet you didn't!" Zuko exclaimed.
"Only because I couldn't! Their whole group was there, and we were in a freezing cold blizzard while we were trying to track down you after you made that as your brilliant escape route," Akane defended herself.
"Whatever. It's not like we're ever going to find the Avatar now without our ship," Zuko murmured.
"Don't give up hope yet, Prince Zuko," Iroh said as he sat nearby. "While we may no longer have our resources, we still have our strength and determination that can get us through anything."
"Let's just focus on getting to land," Akane suggested, earning a nod from Zuko.
While Akane wouldn't voice her thoughts out loud, she felt as though something had changed in her friendship with Zuko. They weren't the same as they used to be, like they were before they found out about Akane's condition. Although their friendship hadn't been the same for years since Zuko's banishment, it seemed to have hit rock bottom after recent events. All Akane knew was that she wasn't going to let this break her and Zuko apart, because she refused to lose him.
~*•°•*~
Luckily for the trio, they were finally able to reach the western coast of the Earth Kingdom before travelling near the Su Oku river where they found the resort that Iroh had mentioned. Since the resort was under Fire Nation control, the three of them were easily welcomed inside and given the royal treatment, almost like they used to back at the Royal Palace. Under Iroh's suggestion, Akane went to get herself checked out to see if her condition had gotten any worse due to the extreme environments that they had found themselves in. Although it wasn't the best of news, it was still good to hear that nothing had changed and that Akane was still the same as she had always been.
When one day in particular rolled around, Akane could barely bring herself to face Iroh and Zuko. Mainly because it was the third anniversary of Zuko's banishment. That was truly the day that not only Akane's, but all of their lives had changed. For three years they had been on an endless quest that only seemed to be getting even harder with the Avatar's return. This was a day that Akane didn't like remembering, since it left her with a memory that would forever scar her. Remembering Zuko getting burned was worse than remembering her own incident with Ozai, since she saw it happen in full view and had to deal with the repercussions a lot more severely.
The day didn't seem to phase Iroh though, as he was more than happy to relax at the resort as he was currently lying on a table and getting a massage. On the other hand, Zuko sat down nearby with a straw hat covering his face as he gazed out the window. There was no doubt in Akane's mind that he was thinking about the same thing that she was as she leaned against a nearby pillar, with an equally unhappy look like Zuko's.
"This is what I've been missing. Who knew floating on a piece of driftwood for three weeks with no food or water and sea vultures waiting to pluck out your liver could make one so tense?" Iroh wondered out loud in complete bliss.
His attention then turned to Zuko, and he noticed the sombre look on his nephews face. Realising what day it was, Iroh got off from his massaging table and headed towards him to give him some comfort. Noticing this, Akane also walked off to join them.
"I see. It's the anniversary, isn't it?" Iroh stated.
"Three years ago today, I was banished. I lost it all," Zuko said in a brooding tone as he looked up. "I want it back. I want the Avatar, I want my honour, my throne. I want my father not to think I'm worthless."
Resisting the urge to say something against Ozai that Zuko wouldn't appreciate, Akane simply watched as Zuko looked on regretfully. Why Zuko would want the love of somebody who burned and disowned him was something that Akane would never understand. It was clear to Akane that Ozai had never loved Zuko, yet that was something that Zuko could never seem to see for himself.
"I'm sure he doesn't. Why would he banish you if he didn't care?" Iroh suggested, causing Zuko to get up and walk away and for Akane to face palm. It didn't take Iroh too long to realise his mistake as he turned to Akane, "Uh, that came out wrong, didn't it?"
"What do you think?" Akane remarked as she followed Zuko, knowing that he would most likely need her comfort over Iroh's.
When she reached Zuko, he was kneeling against the railing as he balled his fists up in what Akane assumed to be anger. Even though it felt like Zuko was angry at her now, Akane still felt sorry for him as she knew how much this was upsetting him. All of Zuko's life he had strived to earn his fathers love, only to be treated like he was worthless. Dare she say it, Akane would go as far to say that Iroh was a better father than Ozai ever was, even after that comment. That comment was nothing compared to what Ozai had said and done to his son. At least Iroh's intentions were good with that comment. Every hurtful thing that Ozai had ever said and done was intentional.
"You know he means well, right?" Akane asked.
Zuko sighed, "I know."
"Try not to be so down. I mean, we could be in a worse situation," Akane reasoned as she leaned against the railing.
"Like what?" Zuko snapped as he turned towards her.
"We could…" Akane trailed off as she tried to think of a response to that. "Still be floating on a piece of driftwood with sea vultures attacking us?"
"Do you… Do you really think that my father cares about me?" Zuko asked hesitantly.
Hesitation was also something that Akane felt as she debated how she should answer that question. Truthfully, Akane didn't think that Ozai cared about Zuko, since he had never shown that towards his son. What kind of father banishes his son on an endless quest without a second thought? Obviously Ozai sent Zuko on the quest with the intention of him failing. But Akane knew that if she said that to Zuko it would only make him feel even worse, even if it was the truth.
"He probably does… deep down. He just might not know how to show it," Akane replied.
"You don't sound so reassuring," Zuko stated.
"Truthfully, the only person who knows how Ozai feels towards you is Ozai. If it's any consolation, if he really didn't care about you he wouldn't have even given you an option to return. At least capturing the Avatar gives you hope," Akane tried to reason as believingly as she could.
"I guess you're right. At least I have you and uncle," Zuko replied.
Akane smiled, "That's the spirit. Now lets go see if we can get some massages."
Forcefully pulling Zuko away from the railing, Akane dragged Zuko back to the resort with the intention of trying to make him forget for even just a moment the horrible thing that his father had done to him. If there was one thing that Akane liked seeing, it was seeing Zuko happy and she would do anything to see him smile, especially on today of all days.
~*•°•*~
The following evening, Akane and Zuko sat inside the place where they were staying as Iroh happily walked inside with a bag over his shoulder. Any curiosity that Akane had was wiped away as Iroh emptied the bag, revealing several shells from the bag. While they didn't interest Akane and Zuko in the slightest, they seemed to interest Iroh as he stood at the table, picking up and examining the different shells.
"Look at these magnificent shells!" Iroh exclaimed as he picked up his collectives. "I'll enjoy these keepsakes for years to come."
"We don't need any more useless things! You forget, we have to carry everything ourselves now!" Zuko snapped as he stood up.
"We're not in any condition to carry anything that we can't afford to carry," Akane agreed more calmly than Zuko.
A new voice came from the corner. A voice that Akane hadn't heard in years and the same voice that always sent shivers down her spine. "Hello, brother."
Turning around in shock, Akane was surprised to see Azula of all people calmly sitting at the table. You'd think that with Azula being Zuko's sister that she and Akane would've gotten along, but that was far from the case. Just the sight of seeing Azula made Akane's blood boil. How she had got there without them noticing, Akane had no idea. Then again, Azula had always been stealthy like that.
"Uncle," Azula acknowledged Iroh before slightly glaring at Akane. "And… you."
"I have a name," Akane snarled.
"Must've slipped my mind. It has been a while since we've seen each other, after all," Azula smirked.
"What are you doing here?" Zuko demanded angrily.
"In my country, we exchange a pleasant hello before asking questions," Azula remarked as she held up a shell in her hand before rising from her seat and walking towards the trio. "Have you become uncivilised so soon, Zuzu?"
"Don't call me that!" Zuko snapped angrily.
"Don't let her get to you, Zuko," Akane put her arm in front of Zuko.
"You're still letting her fight your battles for you? I see things haven't changed between you two," Azula noted.
"To what do we owe this honour?" Iroh addressed Azula, clearly upset.
"Hmmm… must be a family trait. Both of you so quick to get to the point," Azula stated as she broke the shell she was holding with her fingertips which left Iroh angry. "I've come with a message from home. Father's changed his mind. Family is suddenly very important to him. He's heard rumours of plans to overthrow him; treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust. Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home."
If there was a pin to drop at that moment, it probably would've echoed throughout the room as the silence fell upon Azula's announcement. Sharing a shocked glance with Iroh, Akane glanced at Zuko as she waited for his reaction to this… unexpected news. Of all the things for Azula to say to them, this certainly wasn't what Akane was expecting.
"Did you here me? You should be happy. Excited. Grateful. I just gave you great news," Azula insisted.
"I'm sure your brother simply needs a moment," Iroh started.
"Don't interrupt, Uncle!" Azula furiously interjected. "I still haven't heard my thank you. I'm not a messenger. I didn't have to come all this way."
"Father regrets? He… wants me back?" Zuko trailed off in shock.
"I can see you need time to take this in. I'll come to call on you tomorrow. Good evening," Azula said surprisingly politely before exiting the room, leaving Zuko to ponder what had just been said.
Watching Azula as she left the room, Akane glared at the spot the princess had just been standing in as she too contemplated her words. Growing up with someone like Azula, you soon learn how to tell when they're lying or telling the truth. And ninety-nine percent of the time, Azula always lied. Especially given the timing of Azula's announcement, straight after their failure at the North Pole, Akane refused to believe that Ozai had suddenly changed his mind. He never came across as the type to change his mind.
It seemed as though Akane and Iroh were sharing the same thoughts as they nodded at each other before Zuko abruptly got up and left the room. For a moment, Akane considered going after him before deciding that this was something that she should discuss with Iroh.
"Do you believe it?" Akane queried, even though she already knew the answer.
Iroh shook his head, "My niece is an expert liar and manipulator. She knows how to manipulate Zuko's emotions to her advantage, which I'm sure she has already done."
Akane sighed, "It baffles me how Zuko always falls for Azula's tricks. She's been manipulating him before she even knew what that word meant!"
"It does make me wonder what her true intentions are for coming after us. While I do believe what she is saying isn't the truth, Princess Azula has to have another reason for being her. I'm just not quite sure that that is," Iroh thought out loud.
"Do you want to go back to the Fire Nation?" Akane asked.
"Any loyalties that I had to my place of birth was taken away the moment my brother scarred Zuko's face and tossed him aside. I'd be quite happy to spend the rest of my life travelling, but if it's what Zuko wants then I wouldn't want him to go back alone," Iroh admitted.
"It's probably what he wants," Akane grumbled, knowing how desperate Zuko was to return home.
Sure enough, Zuko returned a few minutes later with all of his belongings as he started packing. As he did so, Akane quickly noticed how happy Zuko looked. It was the happiest that she had seen him in ages. But knowing that his happiness was a result of his feelings being manipulated didn't make Akane happy for him at all. It only made her sadder.
"We're going home! After three long years, it's unbelievable!" Zuko exclaimed as he packed his things.
"It is unbelievable. I have never known my brother to regret anything," Iroh commented as he stared out the window thoughtfully.
"Did you listen to Azula? Father's realised how important family is to him!" Zuko insisted irritatingly. "He cares about me!"
"Whatever happened to Azula always lies?" Akane snapped, repeating Zuko's mantra that he had drilled into himself since he was a kid.
Iroh turned to face Zuko and held his arms out in gesture, "I care about you! And if Ozai wants you back, well, I think it may not be for the reasons you imagine."
Zuko turned his back to Iroh, "You don't know how my father feels about me. You don't know anything!"
"Just like you don't," Akane pointed out.
"Zuko, I only meant that in our family, things are not always what they seem," Iroh tried to reason with his nephew, but it only seemed to make him even more angrier.
Zuko turned back to Iroh, "I think you are exactly what you seem! A lazy, mistrustful, shallow old man who's always been jealous of his brother!"
Before Akane could even argue with Zuko, he stormed out of the room leaving Iroh sadly looking on. Any restraint that Akane had on the anger that was building up on Zuko was broken the moment he said those cruel words to Iroh, since they were far from the truth.
"How dare he! I'm going to give him a piece of my mind!" Akane angrily exclaimed as she headed off to follow Zuko.
"Akane, do not push any further," Iroh warned.
"He needs to hear this!" Akane yelled.
Finding Zuko nearby, Akane prepared herself for what was no doubt about to turn into a screaming match with the two of them on opposing sides. It was rare for Akane and Zuko to disagree like this, but they only did on serious matters like this.
"Hey!" Akane shouted, getting Zuko's attention.
"What?" Zuko snapped.
"How could you say that to Iroh, the one person who's been there for you since the beginning and has supported you through thick and thin despite how badly you treat him sometimes?" Akane demanded, with her hands on her hips.
"What would you know?" Zuko snarled.
"What would I know?" Akane repeated sarcastically. "I know everything! I know that you are nothing but a spoilt prince who only cares about his fathers love when his father doesn't even love him! The two people who love you the most are standing right here yet you continue to treat us like we mean nothing to you!"
"That's how you act!" Zuko exclaimed.
"What? How have I acted to give you that impression?" Akane asked.
"I don't know, maybe every time you've interfered with my mission in capturing the Avatar. Every time something goes wrong, you're always there! It's almost like you do this on purpose, even though you know how much it means to me," Zuko explained.
"Even if that was my intention, I'd certainly be doing you a favour. You don't know how much it kills me to see you refer to Ozai with such admiration when he's the same monster who did that to your face!" Akane yelled as she pointed at Zuko's scar.
"It's what I deserved and it's only made me stronger," Zuko stated as he glared at Akane. "You, on the other hand, are just a weak, spineless little girl who needs to rely on others to help her. You'd waste away on your own!"
"I'd rather be on my own than around you right now!" Akane exclaimed.
"Then I guess that answers my question if you're coming back or not," Zuko crossed his arms.
"I guess it does," Akane turned to walk away before adding something else. "Just remember this the next time you mess up in front of Ozai and he does the same to you. Because when that happens I won't be there to support you."
Tearing up, Akane stormed away as she wiped away one of the tears that was beginning to fall down her face. That was probably the biggest argument that she and Zuko had ever had, despite it being so quick. It had left her feeling angry, betrayed and hurt all at once. This wasn't how Zuko was supposed to make her feel. He was her best friend. But Akane now figured that was is exactly what he was, since he had crushed that title on his own.
Not wanting to be around anyone anymore, Akane walked to her room and started packing her stuff for tomorrow, knowing that she couldn't stay here any longer. But unlike Zuko, Akane had a different destination in mind.
~*•°•*~
Despite much convincing from Iroh's part, Akane had decided to go off on her own the next day. After her argument with Zuko, Akane didn't think that she could ever be around him the same after what they had said to each other. So when morning came around, Akane said goodbye to Iroh as she thanked him for helping her throughout her life before wishing him good luck with Zuko and heading off on her own.
This was truly the first time that Akane was acting independently and on her own. Every decision that she had made up until now had been for Zuko's benefit, but this one certainly wasn't. And she wasn't going to lie, it felt good to do something on her own terms without worrying about anyone but herself.
Although Akane had told herself multiple times not to think about him, she couldn't help but wonder what Zuko was up to right now. He was probably on board a luxury Fire Nation ship and heading towards his old home. Maybe even with Iroh as well if he had let him. When Azula found out that Akane wasn't joining them, Akane figured that she was probably psyched at the idea, since the two of them had never gotten along. Now Akane had a new reason to hate Azula, since she had been able to turn Zuko against her without even actually doing it.
"Maybe this is what I need. Some time to myself so I can figure out what exactly it is what I want to do," Akane murmured to herself.
Being by herself would definitely challenge her in a new way, as she'd be forced to grow and adapt faster than she ever had before. It would be even more challenging in her condition, but Akane was determined to make it through this new journey in her life and to make the most of every moment. That was one thing that she could never do with Zuko, since she was always constantly worrying about what was coming next. This would truly give her the opportunity to live every moment to its fullest, especially since her time was running out.
Unfortunately for Akane, her moments of solitude didn't last long as she soon found herself being followed. Acting on instincts, Akane prepared herself to square off against anyone who tried to get in her way. But Akane wouldn't have to fight on her own as she was instead confronted with the two people that she didn't think she'd see again so soon. Iroh and Zuko.
Standing there in complete silence, Akane wondered how on earth they had gotten out this far and why, since as far as she was aware they had gone to Azula's ship. Upon further inspection, Akane noticed that both Iroh and Zuko had their topknots cut off, which was unusual for the both of them. Looking closely at Zuko, Akane noticed a rare look on his face. Regret.
"Why are you here?" Akane asked.
"It was a trap. Princess Azula wanted us to go home with her, but we were to be taken as prisoners," Iroh explained.
"Oh," Akane murmured.
"Now we're enemies of the Fire Nation, just like we're enemies of the Earth Kingdom. So we are truly on our own now," Iroh stated.
"I guess that explains the lack of topknots," Akane observed.
"We thought it would be best to give us a new identity, since there will no doubt be a warrant out for our capture," Iroh said.
"So, what now?" Akane wondered.
"Would you be willing to travel with us again?" Iroh asked, glancing between Akane and Zuko.
Akane sighed, "I guess since we're all each other has."
Iroh smiled softly, "That's great. We are going to need each other more than we ever have before since it is only going to get harder from here on out. Let's get moving."
In the span of a few moments, Akane's plan had entirely changed. Now it looked like she was back to travelling with Iroh and Zuko, but Akane knew that it would be nowhere near the same like it used to be. Walking quietly behind Iroh, Akane and Zuko avoided each other's gaze at first before they could no longer bare the quiet.
"I'm really sorry," Zuko apologised.
"Me too," Akane admitted. "We both said some really horrible things that can't be undone, but at least we can see that it was wrong to say those things."
"No, what I said was worst. You were right in saying that I haven't treated you and uncle the way that I should. I'm just ashamed that it took almost getting killed by my sister to realise that," Zuko sighed.
"Did she really almost kill you?" Akane asked, feeling her anger at Azula returning.
"Yeah, but uncle managed to get in between us in time to stop her," Zuko replied. "Oh, and get this. Azula can generate lightning now."
"Great, just what we need. A lightning generator on our tails," Akane grumbled, knowing that it would be harder than ever to face Azula. Even with their short conversation, Akane could tell that Azula had grown a lot in the time that they'd been away.
"We can take her. If we have to, we'll do it together," Zuko said.
Akane smiled, "We will."
"You're going to have to change something about your appearance though, so that we're not so recognisable," Zuko suggested.
Akane thought for a moment, "Do you still have that knife?"
Zuko nodded, "Here."
Taking the knife form his hands, Akane glanced down at the inscription that read never give up without a fight and knew that they'd need those words now more than ever. With slight hesitation, Akane sliced the knife through her hair and in several chops, her hair was falling on the ground. Now, her hair wasn't long anymore as it rested above her shoulders in a length that it hadn't been at for years.
Handing the knife back to Zuko, Akane couldn't help but think how she had intended for a new beginning, yet in a way that is exactly what she got by cutting off her hair and leaving it behind. There was no doubt that their new beginning was going to be a rocky one, but after what they had handled so far, Akane knew that she and Zuko would be able to get through it together.
If you guys thought that that chapter was a bit much for Akane and Zuko, it's only just the beginning. Things are only going to get more complicated between them from here on out. On another note, have you guys heard about the live-action remake of Avatar that's going to be coming to Netflix? Even Bryke is going to be working on it, so it should have potential but I'm a bit apprehensive considering how the first live action remake turned out. Who would you guys want to play the Gaang and the other characters? I saw a post on Tumblr that joked about Scarlett Johansson playing Aang in the Ember Island Players and then another one saying that she's shaving her head as we speak, lol. Anyways, let me know what your thoughts were on this chapter and what you think is going to happen next.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
Fallingoverstars: It took a few moments of planning before I decided the route that I was going to take with the Book One finale. Most of it turned out how I originally wanted it to, except the bit with Zhao taking Akane at the end was added spontaneously since I needed a way to get her and Zuko together. You'll just have to wait and see how Akane and Zuko's friendship continues to develop, since it's certainly going to get interesting.
Melloscholatecake: Those OC's with Mary Sues are the worst to read and I feel you on the hiatus part, since I have read many good stories that have just dropped off the face of the earth without being complete. It's nice to know that you think I'm doing a good job with Akane, since it lets me know if I'm going in the right direction or not. I'm not going to give away too much, but Akane's ancestry will slowly be explored throughout Book Two and I can certainly say that she has no connections to spirits or anything so she's a relatively normal firebending girl for the most part.
Mogor: Thank you for the continued support, it means a lot to see people who continue to support my works despite how inconsistent I might be. Here's another chapter, and you'll just have to keep waiting for the next one.