The Silent Flame

by TexasBean

While in the Foggy Swamp, Aang also has a vision about his firebending teacher. Weeks later, he and his friends end up in a strange Earth Kingdom town that holds tightly onto its secrets. "It sounds like you're describing Zuko," the blacksmith says, and fire dances from his fingertips. "The Spirits really do have an ironic sense of humor." Massive AU/UA deaf!Zuko

11. Consider Following His Own Advice

Chapter 11: If Iroh Didn't Want his Ideas Being Questioned, then Maybe He Should Consider Following His Own Advice

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Summary: Iroh's needlessly overcomplicated plans come into question when he ingests poisonous plants in his never-ending quest for tea, or so he claims.

Zuko thinks Uncle must have lost his mind.

Iroh learns of a strange Earth Kingdom town called Shūsàn, where he and Zuko can potentially live.

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A/N:This chapter was supposed to be longer, but then it had to be cut to avoid info-dump and OC introductions would be far smoother. Plus, there's a lot of stuff that goes on with them.
So…yay to more chapters I guess. Even though it keeps on pushing other chapters back…

Some warnings: People can be jerks. There are also some pretty grim implications towards children, references to war violence and what comes along with it, and unreliable narrators.

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Previously:

Yoichi covered his face, and Iroh could hear the choke in his voice, nearly drowned out by the drunken shouting and music. "I failed him. I came back from school one day, and Michi was just… gone. My parents sent him off, somewhere – because he was "too much work"." Yoichi's voice was laced with sarcasm as he snorted bitterly. "They wouldn't tell me who bought him, no matter how much I pleaded..."

Iroh couldn't help but think of how wrong it was, what happened to Michi. Iroh felt guilt, because he knew that this sort of thing went on all the time. Even if flawed children stayed with their families, they were often hidden away; their existence never really acknowledged.

It was sort of the common knowledge that no-one openly discussed. He could ignore it, as that was simply how things had always been done. He had gone through his entire life so far, easily ignoring people like Michi…and like Zuko.

It had never mattered.

It was simply accepted and expected that flawed people would be hidden away from public view, so that their enemies would only see the most elite and powerful. Or to maintain that perfect public image that everyone strived for. They still had their uses…it was just always outside of the other Nations' view.

He could ignore all of it, because it had never affected him personally . But now, that he personally witnessed the cruelty – and saw the grief that was on Yoichi's face as he spoke of his brother – who may not even be alive anymore… Michi was treated more like an animal being bartered off than an actual Human.

Uncle pulled Zuko close, assuring him that he was safe.

The Lesser Spirits on Zuko's right, followed along after them; keeping their distance and sticking to the shadows as they lurked behind rocks and trees.

The ones on Zuko's left however, kept a very wide berth.

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Iroh woke up from his slumber, disturbed by some odd noise. All those years in the army and wandering the world had instilled a sense for things happening far too close for anyone's comfort.

He slowly sat up, and froze. A large Weasel-Snake Spirit hovered over his sleeping nephew. Its whiskers flowed out around it, as it sniffed Zuko's hair. It didn't seem to take notice of him, and Iroh wondered what he should do to make it leave. Would it attack him if he tried anything?

Just then, Zuko mumbled in his sleep, and shifted, revealing the left side of his face.

The Spirit's bright yellow-green eyes widened, and it screeched and hissed, splaying out its fur as if it had been viciously threatened. Its long limbs flailed about wildly, and the Spirit fled within seconds, disappearing behind several rocks.

Relief and concern filled him. Relief that the Spirit hadn't tried anything. Mild concern, because of how intense that reaction was. At least, to some relief Zuko didn't have to worry about being attacked by such things.

Other than the Weasel-Snake, the Spirits around them left Iroh and Zuko alone; and mostly observed from a good distance. The Spirits were far more active than last time… He'd discovered soon after embarking on his travels that after drinking the Spirit Water; the Spirits would observe and pass him by.

Some glanced and sniffed the wind; inspecting him – but ignored him for the most part.

Iroh wondered if they were attracted to Zuko's presence, yet once they realized the mark, they were terrified and would run.

He could only sigh, feeling exhaustion, yet he couldn't truly rest.

At least he was able to doze for a bit before they had to get moving again.

The rest of their trip was thankfully uneventful.

Mostly following the path Iroh had taken last time, they made their way to the small village where a fisherman gave them a ride to one of the larger ports.

Iroh was forming a plan as he went.

Once they were at a much larger port town, Iroh was able to send the gifts off to the palace – along with a letter of his own addressed to Ozai. It consisted of Iroh insisting and encouraging Ozai to stop the war. He was essentially begging without being too direct about it.

He had to send letters to his contacts throughout the Nations to keep an eye out for the Avatar, and to send word if they heard or saw anything. He wouldn't exactly go into full detail with everyone, but there would be those who would need to know how dire the situation was.

It would have been very annoying and suspicious if Iroh was sending so many letters at once.

So, Iroh sent letters to a select few of the highest-ranking members in the White Lotus informing them of what was going on; along with instructions of what they needed to do and where they needed to send their own messages out. His messages were communicated through Pai-Sho moves, of course.

The spread and gathering of information would work much easier that way.

'Why are you sending so many letters?' Zuko asked.

"I currently have several games of Pai-Sho going on with friends I've met during my travels," Iroh proudly explained, chuckling at how Zuko rolled his eyes. He spoke and signed conspiratorially. "Just between us, Nephew, it's more than just a game, you know."

'I guess. But it's still boring.'

"I'll have to teach you some of the finer strategies. You'll gain an appreciation for it."

Zuko didn't look like he believed him.

He noticed out of the corner of his eye a few people were staring at him – at Zuko. Their expressions weren't something that made Iroh feel concerned, but they couldn't be considered friendly, either.

Even in this place, seeing someone like Zuko was a rare sight. Morbid, intrusive thoughts entered Iroh's mind: did any of the homes here had someone flawed locked and hidden away inside? How many people here had taken their unwanted children to the Wilds and just left them there? How many had bought those children?

How many traded them off like cattle and found ways to justify themselves and no-one argued with them?

If anyone like Zuko tried to buy food were the stall owners honest, or did they try to rip the person off because they didn't know any better?

Was that something Iroh had to teach Zuko about? He probably should, just in case. Show him the things to watch out for; the small tells a dishonest and greedy stall owner would have.

A tap on his arm got Iroh to focus once again. Zuko was frowning at him, looking mildly concerned.

'Sorry, I was lost in thought.'

Iroh put his hand on Zuko's shoulder – noting how much taller his nephew had gotten – and gently guided him towards where Tofu was waiting. He didn't want to tell Zuko that he shouldn't sign in public. Especially when he so obviously hated using his voice. Iroh didn't want to push him too much.

They made their way through the crowd towards the docks so they could eventually sail to the Earth Kingdom.

Iroh signed to Zuko, telling him to stay where he was.

Zuko scowled. 'Why? I'm not a little kid.'

He was still a child, but not the one Iroh had to leave behind.

He had to remind himself of that, and give his nephew far more credit.

'Fine.' Iroh didn't take very long to relent, and Zuko admittedly looked pleased.

Iroh managed to find a ship's captain easily enough who was willing to take him to an Earth Kingdom port that they had to stop at anyway.

The ship's Captain was a stern-looking woman. She arched her brow when Zuko signed something.

"I don't ask questions, nor do I answer them if others come lookin' in special cases like these, General." she said.

"No, I…" Iroh tried to explain, not wanting the woman to have the wrong impression. But she turned away to check with the crew that everything was in order.

'What was she talking about?' Zuko asked.

'She says we're a special case,' Iroh explained, not being sure if he wanted to go into detail what the Captain meant.

The men weren't exactly the type used to having high-quality teas.

Most were indifferent about it, though. They were of the gruff sort, and more than likely drank alcohol over anything else.

The crew only interacted with Iroh when they had to. They ignored Zuko, communicating anything they might have needed through Iroh. He did try to get Zuko acknowledged by them – but it was always fruitless. The men just couldn't seem to wrap their minds around the fact that Zuko was able to communicate if the crew made the effort.

Or they just didn't care, as neither Iroh nor Zuko were part of the crew; and they didn't usually make friends with clients.

Iroh didn't know how – or if he should even ask whether or not Zuko was bothered by this. He probably was, considering that Zuko had gone from having several people – friends to talk to, and now only had an old man for company.

A few openly stared whenever Zuko was signing to Iroh.

In spite of his annoyances, Iroh continued being overly polite, using his people skills and plying the crew with varieties of tea.

It was better to not start needless arguments when being trapped in the same enclosed space for long periods of time. He could simply try and convince them by leading through example.

Zuko kept mostly to himself, holing away below deck with the animals for the majority of the day. Or if he wanted to spend time outside, it was somewhere he could stay out of the way.

Iroh did what he could to make his nephew feel involved. It was hard, Iroh knew, that a big change like this could be daunting. He also felt guilty for essentially dragging Zuko away from everything he'd ever known even if it was necessary.

It was a few days later, Iroh sat out on the deck with his nephew. He played the burning wick game with Zuko, and so far, Zuko was ahead by one wick.

A few of the crewmen were sitting nearby, lazing around after their shift.

"You gettin' that kid outta here?"

Iroh glanced up at the one who spoke. He indicated Zuko with a quick nod of his head.

"We're going to start a new life in the Earth Kingdom." Iroh answered, making sure that the men knew that he wasn't just going to abandon Zuko once they'd reached their destination.

The man was silent for just a moment, before nodding again. "…Good. Best of luck, then."

With that, he turned back to his companions and said something Iroh didn't catch and walked away.

"It'd be better if you made him someone else's problem," one of the others muttered. "I don't get why someone like you is taking care of some flawed kid."

Zuko was suddenly ahead by two wicks.

It was times like this that Iroh was thankful Zuko couldn't hear what someone was saying.

The air became thick with awkward tension.

Zuko had noticed that his wick was burned down, so he tried to hand a fresh one to Iroh.

Iroh smiled at him, and signed, 'Something's come up. Would you mind checking on T-O-F-U for me?'

Zuko looked at him questioningly, but Iroh gave Zuko a gentle push. 'Go on. I'll be down to see you later. Why don't you look at your books while waiting for me.'

Zuko huffed. 'I have to study? Now?'

Iroh just nodded with a gentle smile.

Zuko furrowed his brow, as if studying Iroh. He then glanced at the crew, making a face like he was trying to put pieces together. He must have figured out that something had happened, somehow. Iroh really should give him more credit instead of simply assuming that Zuko would do what he was told without question.

With a huff, Zuko gathered his things and shuffled off in a very dramatic fashion, showing just how annoyed he was by Iroh's request.

Sen trilled loudly and flopped about as Zuko picked her up.

Even though Zuko couldn't hear their conversation, this wasn't something he wanted his nephew being around. He then turned his full attention to the man.

"Oh? Someone like me?" Right now, he couldn't decide if he was the overprotective uncle or enraged Dragon of the West. Maybe a frightening mix of the two. Iroh smiled amicably, as if he were making the most casual and friendly conversation about the weather. "And whatever do you mean by that?"

Several crewmen sitting around them slowly got up and left the one making comments on his own.

Perhaps this man thought he could speak up; brazen in his foolishness. Perhaps he figured he could say something to Iroh and not worry about repercussions for absurd reasons only he could think of. Perhaps Iroh had been too friendly and casual in his attempts at conversation, and the man thought that he could say something without worry of admonishment.

"Well…you're you. I'm just saying that your life would be much easier if you sold him off to someone. You'd get a decent price, I'd bet."

Iroh continued letting him speak, digging himself even deeper.

"People like him are a drain on anyone who are forced to take care of them. You could just leave him with the Earth-dregs and be done with it. They'd probably have pity on him. I'm just saying there's no reason to uproot your entire life like this when you have far better options."

Iroh took a deep breath, and his anger was so obviously controlled.

"I'll admit that raising my nephew is challenging, but so is any child. Would you honestly cast out a child just because living with them is difficult? Zuko is an intelligent boy and a skilled Firebender. He's already on the path of becoming a good man. Just because he's deaf doesn't mean he has nothing to contribute or should be cast aside. If you bothered trying to talk to him, made any effort at all, you'd know that."

Iroh excused himself.

He found Zuko sitting with Tofu, with his Earth Kingdom Sign Language books spread out on the floor in front of him. Tofu was nuzzling his hair. Sen was wrestling with Tofu's tail.

He had a furrowed expression as he stared at the materials.

Iroh waved his hand, getting Zuko's attention.

'What happened?' Zuko asked before Iroh could say anything. Proving that he did know that something had happened.

Iroh wasn't sure if he wanted to tell Zuko what the man had said.

'I just needed to have an important conversation with someone.' Iroh changed the subject. 'How's your studying going?'

'…I think I could mix it all up.' Zuko didn't look very happy.

'Well, the Captain said we'd be dropped off at a port in the South-West, remember?' Iroh glanced at all the books. 'Why do you have all of these out?'

Zuko shrugged. 'Practice… Comparing the differences.'

'Differences?'

'Hand-placement.' Zuko showed a few examples of the same hand-position being in the center of the chest or forehead – but there were times that the signs were more to the side. Or it was even how the hand itself was held. There were subtle differences.

'Don't overwhelm yourself.' Iroh said as he pulled a book from the selection that was from the South-West region. 'Let's work with this one and practice together.'

He watched as Zuko showed him a few signs, and Iroh copied.

Iroh knew that the crewman was simply ignorant, frustrating as it was. But he'd also had a good point hidden within his words; and had voiced many of Iroh's concerns.

There was so much more to it, though.

Iroh wouldn't be here forever.

Zuko was already showing signs of fierce independence. Iroh could tell how much it bothered Zuko when he needed help – that he hated asking for it. He liked doing things on his own.

There was certainly nothing wrong with asking for help here and there when it was needed, but a person needed to be able to venture out on their own into the world.

Would Zuko be able to support himself? Would someone look passed his deafness and be willing to give him a job? Would they try taking advantage of him? Would they be actually willing to listen and see Zuko for who he was? Would someone truly consider him a drain on society if he couldn't take care of himself?

Iroh had never known anyone – how many had made it to adulthood?

Iroh had said what he did without really thinking. Chantico's Mark was blatant on Zuko's face – it served as a constant reminder that time was limited.

He wanted Zuko to have a life of normalcy, as much as he could, anyway. To experience life on his way to adulthood and beyond. He wanted to see Zuko become the man he was meant to be.

To have the chances Lu Ten didn't.

He copied a sign – a simple hand placement a few inches to the side of his chest instead of directly in the center. That was all that was different, really.

So amazing that such a small thing made all the difference.

'You're a good Sifu.' Iroh told Zuko, beaming proudly.

Zuko huffed at him but looked pleased.

This was all he could really do for right now.

000

Zuko spent most of his time with Uncle, or with Tofu and Sen. He didn't dare try approaching any of the crewmen since they didn't seem interested in even trying to interact with either him or Uncle unless they absolutely had to. He didn't want to risk annoying them or getting in the way.

He watched as Uncle prepared tea for their hosts, and they accepted his offers, but it seemed to be more along the lines of them being polite because it was required.

'Why do you keep offering? They're just pretending.' Zuko asked Uncle later that day.

'I know. It's more than obvious.' Uncle replied with a small smile.

'Why give them tea?'

Uncle's smile shifted to something very knowing, and Zuko knew right then that Uncle was going to share some of his wisdom with him and nearly regretted saying anything.

'Because…as guests, we can show our hosts that we're grateful. Even if it's a small thing like making tea.' Uncle grinned even wider. He looked thoughtful. 'Always be very polite, you know. Make sure they don't have anything to complain about. What are they going to say? You were too polite? Always were making tea for them? It sounds silly.'

Uncle smiled, looking incredibly pleased. 'Besides, serving good tea leaves a brew tea full mark on their heart!'

Uncle laughed…

Zuko didn't, not knowing what was so funny, or why Uncle was signing his words so weird.

Uncle then had to explain that he was making a pun – explaining that the randomly thrown in "brew tea full" words sounded like "beautiful" or something.

Zuko just nodded like he got the joke and smiled in a consoling way.

Uncle didn't look very comforted, mostly tired. But he didn't look sad. So that was something.

The air was still hot, but not nearly to the same intensity as the Fire Nation. Plus, it didn't have the same sticky humidity. The ocean was less of a dark, deep blue; but now was a bluish-green.

From his spot where he sat on Tofu, Zuko took in the sight of various mountain ranges and how there was slightly more variety in colors that people wore. There were various shades of browns, greens, and yellows – which his clothing matched, now. There were also people wearing various shades of red. Their clothing wasn't nearly as vibrant red or fancy as what Zuko had been used to seeing back in the Fire Nation.

There was also an interesting mix of people – ranging from pale to dark-skinned. Well, darker skinned than he was used to seeing.

He glanced over at Uncle who was standing next to the Captain, and they were probably talking.

Zuko focused his attention back to the crowd.

There were so many people. This place was even busier than the other ports Zuko had seen. There were a few people who were Waterbenders – which was obvious because they were guiding the boats along by waving their arms in synchronized movements. They wore dark shades of blue-green colors, and intricate tattoos lined their faces, backs, arms, and legs.

Did the tattoos mean anything?

From what he'd seen and been told, only people who lived a life of crime had tattoos. He'd seen people like that. But their tattoos were different. The Waterbenders' looked like intricate designs. He wished he could get a closer look, because of the complexity.

They were…talking, making gestures with other people wearing different colors as they stood on their boats that were docked at the harbor.

There was someone who –

Tofu was pulled to the side, and Zuko turned his attention to Uncle who smiled up at him. 'Ready to go?'

Uncle didn't have to remind him, but he did anyway. Stay close, pay attention, don't wander off…

After double-checking everything, Uncle put on a rather ridiculous-looking frayed conical hat. Zuko did a doubletake when he realized that Uncle had shaved; his facial hair was gone. It made Uncle look strange.

Uncle mounted Tofu and sat behind Zuko.

Zuko had never seen people with green eyes before. And there was someone earthbending casually, as they made steps to walk on top of the roof of a building.

There were people wearing unique clothing that was styled different from what most everyone else was wearing. The pants some of the men were wearing looked especially baggy. Some of the women among them wore colorful material wrapped around them. He also admired the swords some of them wore at their hips; the blades were very curved and so different looking from his dao that Zuko almost wished Uncle would stop so he could have a chance to really look.

There were a few animals that Zuko had only seen pictures of – and others he had no idea what they were called. He could probably guess, though.

He didn't exactly stare. But trying to take everything in was near-overwhelming. So many new sights and smells – there were spices, but it smelled different. There were also lingering odors of fish and sweat, and something else unpleasant lingering underneath.

A few people did stop to look up at them with some curiosity, while others simply continued with whatever they were doing.

Some people stared intently…could they see the mark on his face? None of them were acting like they were concerned… So maybe they couldn't? No-one was acting worried.

Out of curiosity, Zuko closed his eyes and tried focusing on all the people around him.

It turned out to be a bad idea because he was slammed with an overwhelming amount of colored fire and surface emotions. Zuko would have collapsed and fell if Uncle hadn't been hanging onto him.

Uncle tightened his grip around Zuko, and then Uncle was leaning forward into his vision.

"Are you alright?"

Zuko just gave a quick nod, not wanting to throw up. It just took a moment for his head to stop spinning.

Uncle insisted that they needed to stop and buy a few things.

Zuko only agreed because that would give him a chance to look around – not wander off, of course. Just stay in one place or right near Uncle and watch all the people going by.

He glanced over at whatever Uncle was so interested in buying that he absolutely needed it in his life. It appeared to be more for stuff like ingredients for tea? Or was it souvenirs?

That got Zuko to roll his eyes.

He happened to notice that the stall owner was openly staring at Zuko's wrists – which he'd quit hiding some time ago. His shirt collar also showed the edges of the burn on his shoulder.

The stall owner quickly shifted his gaze towards Uncle. His expression didn't exactly look sad. No-one stared at his face, though.

Uncle and the stall owner were talking, but the man spoke way too fast. He nodded and bowed, and Uncle did the same.

Whatever. Uncle could do his dumb shopping.

Zuko moved away but made sure to stay right next to Tofu.

A small group of those strangely dressed people were walking by. One had some kind of mongoose-bird on his shoulder. Its vividly colored tailfeathers were extremely long, reaching several feet down the man's back. They either walked or rode on ostrich-horses or elephant-guars – huge animals that had both a large pair of tusks and horns. The book he'd seen the animal's picture in failed to accurately describe how big they actually were.

They certainly weren't as big as Ren and Shaw, but they were almost as big as a small house.

Two men separated from their group and walked over to look at something at the neighboring stall. They both had colorful cloths wrapped around their heads. One had a feather, the other had beads.

Zuko wondered why they were wearing such things. Was it for honoring one of the Spirits like how Kaori and the Chief wore their headpieces? Or was it decoration? Did it represent some sort of rank or status?

One was barefoot, while the other had one of those curved swords at his hip.

The men were talking – and Zuko wasn't looking at their mouths, he was just watching out of curiosity. But then, one of them glanced at him – and then the other did as well.

Both had gray-green eyes that stood out from their darker skin – upon realizing that he'd been caught staring – which was so rude – he hated it when people stared. Zuko felt his face heat up.

The men smiled at him, looking friendly enough and not angry that he'd been openly gawking at them. They nodded a greeting – and said something. To him? To each other? Zuko just quickly nodded like he'd understood in case they were saying something – but then he didn't know how else to respond. He rejoined Uncle who thankfully was now done, pretty much saving him from any more potential mortification.

Finally, Uncle and Zuko were heading out of the town.

The Earth Kingdom in a simple term, was boring once they left the town. Zuko had thought that it would have been more exciting than this.

It was just…big, flat, and wide. Sometimes there were rocks. Or they were really big rocks. Sometimes those rocks were actually hills. There were also mountains.

But really.

It was the same thing over and over and over.

Patches of grass, plants, dried up trees… Did it all have to be so boring all the time like this?

For quite a while, they were passing several people. A few of them even looked Fire Nation and rode on Komodo-rhinos and mongoose-lizards. They barely even acknowledged him and Uncle. Most of them didn't wear the usual reds he was used to seeing.

The crowds slowly teetered off, and only every now and then they passed small groups who were clearly friends and family. Or sometimes an individual who strictly kept to themselves.

Most people Zuko noticed, tended to keep their heads down. A few did have a friendly smile and bow as they passed.

Soon, they pulled off to the side for a break.

It didn't take long for Sen to find a hole to scramble down into.

Uncle made a face as he glanced towards the hole… Zuko looked over, and Sen popped out with a bloody prize of something…

Whatever it had used to be, it was near Sen's size and had eight hairy legs. Sen decided the best spot to eat her meal was Zuko's lap. Blood and guts covered Sen's whiskers and fur, and now Zuko's pants. Sen tried to share a hairy, half-eaten leg. Bits of blood and gore dripped from it.

He just took the leg and put it down on the ground in front of him and continued eating his own meal. Sen finished what she was eating, wriggled around a bit and ate the leg she'd offered to Zuko.

Zuko ate his food like nothing was wrong, simply being used to Sen doing stuff like this. Though Uncle seemed a bit…he was making a face, like he was grossed out. But he didn't say anything.

'Where are we going?' Zuko asked after a while.

'To find a place where we can settle,' Uncle replied, and left it at that.

Zuko sighed. He mentally muttered to himself about Uncle not telling him anything.

The stars looked different. There were also Spirits dancing around high above them in the sky. They looked like colored lights with long, thin tails.

Zuko shifted around, trying to get comfortable. The ground was hard. He thought that maybe a small rock was digging into his back.

He finally managed to go to sleep after what felt like forever.

They continued traveling. Uncle seemed to already have a destination in mind. Probably. Things may have looked the same, but they definitely weren't going in circles.

But he still hadn't said anything about where they were going. Not much, anyway. Zuko tried not to let it annoy him too much, but he didn't understand why Uncle was being so closed off. Or maybe mysterious? Was that how to describe it?

Maybe Uncle really was lost, and he was just pretending to know where they were going.

They stopped to rest for a bit. As they were sitting there, a small group of men dressed in matching green and yellow uniforms passed by, riding on…on…what were they called? Ostrich-horses. They had to be Earth Kingdom soldiers.

One of the men held up a hand, and everyone stopped. What was going on?

"**** your business," the leader of the soldiers was saying to Uncle…

Uncle stood up and was speaking to them. He motioned for Zuko to stand up as well, signing, 'Be polite.'

Quickly, Zuko joined Uncle and gave a simple bow – making sure not to form the Flame. He watched the soldiers hesitantly. He tightened his grip on Sen, who seemed annoyed.

Zuko tugged on Uncle's sleeve. 'What's going on?'

"They want to talk to us," Uncle explained, signing and speaking.

Why would the soldiers want to talk to them?

'We didn't do anything…' Zuko pointed out.

Uncle was translating.

"Yes," Uncle agreed. "But they're soldiers. It's their job to keep people safe."

Should they be worried?

Were they stopping everyone?

Or were they stopping them in particular?

The men were friendly enough as they smiled and were talked to Uncle.

Since they weren't surrounded by a massive crowd this time, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. They were a mix of colors; grays, a sky blue, reds, even a pink. They were all simply curious, and understandably cautious.

Uncle was a sort of soft, yellow color. He felt, not worried, exactly.

Zuko opened his eyes and watched carefully, wondering if they actually had something to worry about. Would they have to fight their way out of a bunch of soldiers?

That didn't seem to be the case since the one who appeared to be the leader nodded and waved, and after a few more parting words, the soldiers were off.

Uncle looked visibly relieved.

00000

One of the things Iroh especially disliked doing was being dishonest with Zuko and keeping him out of the loop. But Zuko was a terrible liar, Iroh had learned. Sharing information with him would have made it seem like they had something to hide; and that Iroh really was manipulating a deaf child and using him as a disguise to travel unimpeded.

At the worst, people probably would kill Iroh, and take Zuko somewhere else, believing that they were rescuing an ignorant child from a manipulative abuser. Zuko would be distraught.

Iroh had found that in his travels – the Earth Kingdom certainly and very understandably wasn't receptive to Fire Nation soldiers. But when it came to Fire Nation refugees – particularly those who were like Zuko and their family members, fleeing their Nation – there were enough concerned whispered rumors that reached people even here.

There was also having Zuko use Earth Kingdom Sign – making it look like they could have come from one of the Colonies. It left people with enough open interpretation that they would make their own assumptions so Iroh didn't have to.

Most of the time, those were people who were shown far more mercy, understanding and kindness. Zuko's scars were in fact, the perfect disguise.

Iroh had been thinking of a plan as they neared their destination – there was a town not far from here where one of his White Lotus contacts resided.

Baem worked as a Healer, and Iroh figured that they needed a good excuse to see the woman. He was being overly cautious, he knew. But people might ask questions, wonder why someone was going to see a Healer when there didn't seem to be anything wrong with them.

There was also Zuko, who would wonder why they were stopping at some Healer's house when neither of them was sick.

Keeping Zuko out of the loop of White Lotus activities gave him deniability. Ignorance kept him safe.

Iroh spotted a plant and recognized that it was poisonous.

Well…

A plan formed in Iroh's mind. They really weren't that far from the town Baem lived. They could make. So…it should be worth the risk.

But first, just in case. He waited a bit longer until they were closer. And he saw a plant that could pass as the cure for the ailment the first plant caused. Even if the second one was also poisonous.

Iroh took the plunge and prepared some tea. He wondered if Zuko would notice if Iroh didn't offer him any this time – or if Zuko would simply be grateful.

It didn't take long for the reaction to start.

Of course, there was another plant that Iroh claimed was a cure (it wasn't) but Iroh prepared that one as well. As patches of his skin began to break out in terribly itchy hives, Iroh thought about how he often told his nephew and others around him to think things through. Perhaps he should consider following his own advice.

00000

Zuko gaped at Uncle, who was swollen with various red spots that made Zuko feel itchy from just looking at them. Uncle had yet another plant in his hand. A good part of Uncle's face was swollen around his mouth, and Uncle was talking to him? To himself? It was hard to tell.

But Uncle had a look on his swollen face that seemed to be seriously considering eating the plant. Perhaps Uncle had lost his mind somewhere along the way in his travels, and that explained why he thought it was okay to just eat random things.

"Thiz cud eel the **** onion," Uncle wasn't making any sense at all. Maybe the plants were making his messed-up mind even worse. Or maybe his mouth was just that swollen Zuko had no idea what Uncle was saying. "Orritd kud be dad*** pausen."

Zuko yanked the twiggy plant out of Iroh's hand and whacked him with it a few times before throwing it on the ground. He seriously considered lighting the plant on fire but remembered that he had to control his flames and couldn't just use his firebending so openly. Even if it was just the two of them out here.

Uncle stared at him with a surprised expression.

Signing furiously, 'Stop eating things!'

Uncle was itching and itching even more and stopped to sign something about a town nearby? It took a moment to understand what his sausage-finger hands were signing. That just made Zuko even more annoyed, somehow. He glared at Uncle before stomping off towards Tofu.

The town was on the smaller side.

Several people did look at them, some with curiosity; others didn't look happy they were there. But no-one approached them.

Uncle guided Tofu to a house. Uncle's hands were too swollen to grip the reins, so he had to point while Zuko guided.

It was…sort of like Uncle knew exactly where to go, maybe? They found it easily enough. Zuko knew that something was going on, somehow. But he couldn't figure out what. He just had several puzzle pieces and no idea how they should fit together.

The sliding door was open, and there were two people inside. A woman and a girl who was probably around Zuko's age.

Both of them openly gaped at Uncle in horror.

Uncle was signing and speaking, but he looked really uncomfortable. Even though Uncle was signing, Zuko could barely understand what he was saying.

The girl looked at Zuko and smiled.

The girl excitedly approached him and used Sign – though – it was of the Earth Kingdom kind and it was terrible. Zuko had to really concentrate to understand her because her signing was so sloppy.

"I'm Song. That's my mom, Baem."

Song made kissy faces as she scratched Sen behind the ears and under her chin.

She turned to look at her mom, who was saying something that Zuko caught none of. Whatever it was, Song nodded in response. She turned back to him.

"Come shopping with me? Mom treat…" Song paused, looking thoughtful. '…man-brother?'

'Uncle.' Zuko provided.

Song nodded happily. "Yes! That! Wanna go now?"

Her signing was sort-of backwards with her grammar. Since they literally just met, Zuko wasn't sure if he should correct her.

Glancing over at Uncle, he looked even more itchy and uncomfortable, if that were possible.

Song was the first person who wasn't Uncle that had talked to him in several weeks' time… Plus, Song was around his age…he just nodded.

Song grabbed a small basket and Zuko's hand, and she guided him towards the marketplace.

00000

With Song and Zuko gone, Baem looked at Iroh with a very unimpressed raised brow as she bluntly asked, "Did you seriously have to go to this extent?"

Not waiting for a response, she "tch'd" and began preparing a tea that was obviously extremely bitter from the smell alone.

"I was being cautious," Iroh explained well enough around his swollen lips and slowly swelling tongue and esophagus. "One doesn't visit such a lovely healer as yourself without good reason. I just wanted to be sure it looked legitimate if anyone was watching. Besides, I couldn't exactly tell my nephew why we were coming here."

Baem narrowed her eyes. "If that was the case then why didn't you make a paste out of the abundant supply of wild crabapple-berries growing around here? You could have rubbed it on some cloth and made a bandage. It's passable enough for blood at a glance – and instinctively, people look away from such wounds, even if they've become numb to seeing them. As a matter of respect."

Well…

"Or," Baem continued, not waiting for Iroh to reply, "if you wanted a rash, or some kind of skin malady, you could have mixed the paste with some dirt. But no. You insisted on unnecessarily wasting my supplies."

From how she said it, Baem likely fully expected Iroh to pay for everything involved with his treatment, and then some.

Iroh attempted to protest with perfectly sound arguments of his own.

Not giving him the chance, Baem added, "And really, if you wanted to spare your nephew the gritty details, you could have told him something – besides making yourself suffer like this. Which I think you deserve. I'd leave you for a bit longer if your throat wasn't at risk of closing up within the next thirty minutes. Don't cut it so close, again, Mushi."

Iroh decidedly did not appreciate having his ideas questioned and much more feasible solutions offered. His plans were perfectly good and reasonable!

His entire body itched, and his tongue felt disturbingly numb.

Alright. So his plans sounded perfectly fine at the time.

He was miserable, and the suffering and judgement he was currently enduring while Baem treated him non-too-gently wasn't worth it.

He may have pouted, just a little.

00000

Zuko followed after Song, who did her best to face him as she was speaking to him. She spoke slowly and deliberately, and her signing was mostly understandable. He appreciated the enthusiastic effort Song put in, though…it took some time to slow down and focus to really understand. She substituted words here and there while signing.

"I'm…learning because…useful. We've had deaf people come, no talk, no read, no write. Anger." Song also smacked her forehead a few times to show…

Zuko guessed it meant frustration.

'Just talk normal and sign.' Zuko requested bluntly, feeling drained from dealing with Uncle. Song looked surprised, and even a little hurt. So Zuko hastily added a 'Please. Makes it easier.'

He signed slowly enough to communicate his meaning, and she nodded. Looking less hurt, and more understanding. Should he apologize? Or was it too late? Song didn't seem bothered by his annoyance anymore.

As they walked through the marketplace, several people smiled at Song and greeted her. Song smiled and waved at each of them.

"Who's your friend?" one of the ladies working at the stalls asked with a smile.

Song gestured as she spoke, signing brokenly. "Zuko. My mom's helping his Uncle."

Zuko stopped to look at something at a stall, and Song was next to him again within seconds.

"Do you need me to ask anything for you? I don't mind asking."

'Just looking.'

"Okay, well, let me know if I can do anything to help."

While Song was picking out some produce, Zuko stopped to look at some of the wares from one of the stalls as he waited. The guy had some very tacky-looking tiny carved stone statues that he was selling. Apparently, they were pocket-sized for travelers, so they could have luck, or some other good fortune.

Sen's tail started twitching irritably, so Zuko pulled her from his shoulder and held her against his chest. He didn't want her jumping off and trying to grab something or even nipping someone. Zuko turned to see if Song was done and started making his way towards her when it appeared like she was.

Suddenly, someone grabbed his shoulder and gripped hard.

Although he was much better and didn't go into blind panic; Zuko still hated his shoulders being touched – especially when he couldn't see the person or see their hand reach for him.

Reacting instinctively from all the times he'd practiced with Pima and Kojin – Zuko let go of Sen – who easily clung to his shirt – he grabbed the person's arm and flipped them over his shoulder.

He slammed the person into the dirt. It took a few seconds to fully register what he'd done. It turned out to be an old man.

Wispy gray hair and carrying a cane in an arthritic hand, no less – blinking up at the sky, looking dazed.

The man was staring wide-eyed for several seconds, as if he were shocked. Understandably.

Then, he blinked again, and anger flashed across his face. He pointed at Zuko and started yelling, and then Sen's fur was flared out. She looked ready to attack.

Not wanting a repeat of what had happened to Jugo's finger, Zuko swiftly grabbed Sen before she decided to take a chunk out of the man's face or something.

But Zuko pulled him to his feet and started instantly signing, 'sorry,' over and over. He tried explaining himself, all while making sure to use Earth Kingdom Sign.

The man glared with so much fury, and Zuko quickly backed away to create distance between them. The man started shaking his cane at him, yelling with red-faced, boiling anger.

With his bushy mustache and how he was yelling, Zuko had no real idea of what he was saying.

The man kept yelling while he pointed and swung his cane around, and Zuko continued trying to back away. But the man kept getting closer, and Sen was now practically thrashing as she tried wriggling away.

Just then, Song shoved herself between the man and Zuko. She had the basket on her hip, and she was poking the man in the chest several times.

The man continued trying to argue, towering over her; but Song's hand went flat against his chest, and she was shaking her head. Then, she was pointing off to the right several times very forcefully.

A younger man rushed up to them and tried guiding angry man away. He still insisted on trying to argue, though.

Song must have said something because both men shared expressions of shock. Angry man seemed to boil over in his rage even more, and his companion literally had to physically hold onto the man and drag him away.

Song turned around and grabbed Zuko's arm. She yelled something back behind her at the pair, and began walking, looking incensed. Zuko simply followed after her, feeling shaken. That could have gone far worse.

Deep breaths, in and out. He made sure not to release any tiny puffs of flame or steam. He signed slowly. 'What happened?'

Song shrugged, then said, "He was mad…he thought you were ignoring him. I'm not sure, but I think he must have thought that you were working at that one stall, or something?"

Her confusion was evident.

Her explanation didn't make much sense.

'Just because I was standing there?' Zuko asked. 'He's an idiot.'

Through broken sign mixed with speech she explained, "He's always been mean as a crow-snake ever since I've known him. He yells at Mom all the time and complains about his medicine." Song shrugged. "That kra********* deserved it."

Maybe some people wouldn't agree… Uncle might be disappointed to know what Zuko had done.

'What was that word? You called him something?'

Song looked incredibly embarrassed, but she giggled. She quickly finger-spelled, 'C-R-U-S-T-Y B-U-T-T N-U-G-G-E-T.'

He'd no idea that there was such a term. He covered his mouth as he laughed.

"Please," she really emphasized as she signed, "don't tell my mom I said that," Song was obviously pleading with him as she leaned in close. "Mom doesn't like it when I say stuff like that."

He nodded, agreeing to keep her secret.

They finished up their shopping, though Zuko felt as if everyone was staring at him. Was it all in his head? He tried to ignore the sensation and focused elsewhere.

Song began to struggle a bit as they walked, and Zuko offered to carry their shopping.

She tried to wave Zuko off, but they'd be out here forever if it were up to Song to carry the basket.

Zuko simply took it from her and scowled, showing his impatience. Song at least, backed down.

They went a bit farther before she tugged on the back of Zuko's shirt. He stopped and turned. Her expression looked pained.

"Sorry, I need to…" Song sat down on the ground and winced as she massaged her legs.

Unsure of what else to do, Zuko sat down as well. He stopped Sen from diving into the basket of food and pulled out some dried jerky from his pocket that redirected her attention.

Song seemed distracted, as if she wanted to say something. She opened and closed her mouth a few times, and even bit her lip, but didn't talk. She tugged at the brown-green grass, picking at it and letting the loose blades of grass float away in the soft breeze.

Zuko doodled random shapes in the dirt with his finger, being unsure if Song wanted to talk to him…or was she waiting for him to say something...?

Finally, she got his attention and said, "The Fire Nation hurt you. I understand, sort of. I guess."

He frowned at her questioningly.

Song winced as she adjusted herself, rolling up her pant legs to show wavy burn scars that went up to her knees. Maybe even higher than what she was showing him. The scars still looked…fresh enough.

"Two years ago," Song told him, "the Fire Nation came to our village and…" she wiped her face with her sleeve. Pulling herself up to sit up straighter, she continued. "My dad tried to fight back, to give us a chance to escape. He didn't make it. A lot of people didn't."

She ran a hand along her legs, following the wavy burn scars with her fingers. "It's gotten better, but they still hurt sometimes."

Zuko didn't know how to respond to that. How was he supposed to respond? Apologize? He desperately tried not to think of soldiers attacking and people burning from memories that weren't his.

He stiffened up when warm hands gently wrapped around one of his arms. But he didn't pull away. Song was sharing something deeply personal, and she was overbearing, but nice.

Song was looking at his arm, closely. Her hand slowly and very gently gripped his wrist, following the scar pattern. Her expression shifted from curiosity to – she looked up at him with wide eyes. "…You can see the hand…"

Song seemed to want to ask more. Like…did she expect to learn some part of his story just because she shared hers?

That was what made Zuko pull away, then. Fear was understandable. Seeing the evidence of what someone could do to another person when they didn't deserve it was terrifying.

"Mom said…" Song sat back, fidgeting. Then she signed brokenly. "Mom said that people like you – people who aren't um," she struggled with what she wanted to say.

'Normal?' Zuko asked, and Song nodded quickly. Though her guilty expression indicated that "normal" wasn't exactly the word she'd wanted to use.

"They're treated different."

Though most of it was a blur, he remembered getting sick. He remembered how his life suddenly changed and how he was more like a prisoner at the palace – that wasn't his life, anymore.

Song was looking at him, her expression was a mix of fear, pity, and understanding. Or maybe a want and a need to know and understand more.

He couldn't stand pity. It made him feel like people thought he was weak, or – did they think he should feel sorry for himself?

'We should go.'

Song just nodded and didn't push.

Uncle was still talking to Song's mom when they got back.

Song put everything away, not saying anything. She took out what they were having for dinner, though.

Needing something to do, Zuko offered to help, and Song accepted.

She chopped a few vegetables, and Zuko sliced the meat (which was a meager portion, not really enough for even one person) into thin slices. But they could make do with soup.

Doing something productive like this was nice, taking his mind off of everything else.

00000

Iroh of course, didn't go into full detail about his situation with Zuko. But he did tell Baem a bit about the issue. He needed a place where they could, in a sense, hide in plain sight. Iroh needed to be able to send and receive letters in a timely matter without drawing unwanted attention. Zuko needed to be able firebend freely – he shouldn't have to hide that part of himself.

Now that he had White Lotus business to attend to, the colonies weren't a place that could really be considered safe. The soldiers would be loyal to the Fire Lord, and anything Iroh did risked getting back to his father.

And Ba Sing Se was – it was still too fresh. His nightmares with Lu Ten and the other units under his command had lessened considerably. But he still didn't want to live surrounded by those reminders.

Besides, from what his contacts had told him, getting messages in and out from the infamous impenetrable city in a timely manner would be far more difficult. There was far too much secrecy and security that had the few White Lotus members living in the city voicing their own concerns and warnings. Even if Iroh decided that they could go to Ba Sing Se, at most, they'd get into the Lower Ring and be left to fend for themselves like the rest of the countless refugees as they kept their heads down.

Baem nodded understandingly as Iroh listed his needs and apprehension.

She smoothed out non-existent wrinkles on her sleeve.

"One moment, please." Baem stood and walked over to one of the cupboards and pulled out a map. She unfurled it onto the table, and set a few small, smooth stones on the edges to keep them flat.

"Well. There is one place I can think of: Shūsàn." Baem tapped a finger on the place where the town was located.

Iroh leaned closer to take a look.

"My cousin, Zhě-Sè lives there with her husband. She's in the Order, and she'll be able to help you when and where you need. There are Firebenders there, so you and your nephew won't stand out."

"I wasn't aware that there were any colonies that close to Ba Sing Se," Iroh replied with confusion – when he'd just said he didn't want to move to one of the colonies.

"That's the thing: Shūsàn is not a colony. No-one really knows what to make of it. There are plenty of Firebenders; Zhě-Sè is married to one. But there are absolutely no ties to the Fire Nation." Baem had a very meaningful look. "They're said to be coal children who were kept out of pity."

"…I see."

A sinking weight settled in Iroh's belly.

"But that's not the case," Baem continued, unaware of any guilt and storming emotions on Iroh's part. "Anyway, Shūsàn is also strictly neutral in the War. The less attention on you, the better, I figure."

During his campaign, when he'd marched his soldiers across the Earth Kingdom; when he was so convinced that he was doing Agni's Will – that they were "purifying" the masses – how many was it? He hadn't bothered keeping track. He'd simply marked them off whenever a battle was successful. He didn't even remember passing anywhere near a town called Shūsàn.

If they weren't a conquered or an officially established colony, why were Firebenders living there?

This was something he asked.

Baem only shook her head. "Zhě-Sè didn't tell me much; just enough to let me know they aren't loyal to the Fire Lord. People there are…rather closed off when it comes to outsiders."

Maybe it had been someone else's campaign. Maybe the town was just that innocuous that no-one bothered with it.

He took a closer look. The location of Shūsàn was…odd. It was situated somewhere between South-East of Ba Sing Se and North-East exiting Serpent's Pass. No matter which way a person was coming from, it would take several days' worth of travel.

There was a main road though and marked trade routes. Looking at the map, it was obviously up to date. So… a not Fire Nation colony was living out of Shūsàn? When exactly had this town been established?

Anyway, this was something he could figure out later. Onto the matter at hand. Zuko wouldn't stand out, and they wouldn't be "hiding" from Chantico. He probably could conduct White Lotus business unhindered with Zhě-Sè's help when he needed it.

"Mysterious not Fire Nation colony aside, I figure it's our best bet. I'll need to make the proper travel arrangements."

Because Shūsàn was several weeks' worth of travel away. They wouldn't always be lucky with people not bothering them.

They could encounter thieves. They could probably travel with someone. Safety in numbers, and all that. But there was also the risk of being recognized by soldiers from either side, even though he'd shaved and cut his hair.

Fire Nation soldiers would probably recognize him, wondering what he was doing so far in the Earth Kingdom. Word could potentially get back to the wrong ears. Earth Kingdom soldiers on the other hand…if they recognized him, they'd probably crush his hands and feet or simply kill him.

And then what about Zuko?

Maybe he should just…trust the Spirits instead of trying to manipulate all the tiniest factors.

"Alright, then." Baem said with a smile.

Iroh bowed his head in thanks.

"Actually…hmmm…" Baem mumbled. She looked thoughtful, tracing a finger along one of the trade routes. "Let's see…we're here… What's today's date?"

Baem glanced at the calendar hanging on the wall. She looked back to the map, then to Iroh.

"You know…If I remember correctly, there are some Shūsàn merchants who pass by this area, though they're traveling through the next region. My cousin told me about them in one of our correspondences." Baem smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. As if absentmindedly, she added, "I think that was her way of inviting me to live with her."

"And you haven't taken her up on it?"

Baem shook her head. "No offense, Grand Master, but Song isn't really comfortable around Firebenders who are open about their power. She'll recover…someday. But…maybe when Song is older."

Iroh could tell that there was something else there, underlying within Baem's words. She didn't offer whatever it was up, and he didn't push for personal information.

"I understand."

"Anyway," Baem smoothed down her skirt, "We could write to them. Though, it could be pushing it pretty close. The messenger hawk-ravens are fast-fliers, so it should reach them in a timely enough manner."

Baem got a small bit of scroll paper that she normally used for writing down medicinal instructions.

Iroh wrote out his request, explaining what he needed. He signed his name as 'Mushi.'

Baem wrote out who she was; that she was Zhě-Sè's cousin, and that Zhě-Sè would be expecting Mushi and his nephew.

She wrote another letter to her cousin, and then she hurried off to have the letters delivered.

Iroh sat and meditated.

Shūsàn was a mystery. How could a Fire Nation colony not have ties to the Fire Nation?

He breathed slowly, in and out.

All this talk of an odd Colony brought out unwanted memories back to when he…

He'd proudly marked off on towns that had been successfully converted into Agni's Light.

An intrusive thought invaded his mind: Chantico's Mark was on Zuko's face because of him. Not really directly, but he was partially responsible. Sudden thoughts of what he should have done –

Deep breath, in and out. He focused on the candle in front of him.

He'd been given the rare opportunity to fix things. It would be okay; Zuko would be fine.

He heard the kids shuffling around in the kitchen as they started to prepare a late lunch.

He groaned quietly as he stood, stretching and popping his back and knees.

Iroh went out and prepared a special blend of tea that complimented the simple soup.

Dinner was a quiet affair. Iroh figured something must have happened.

Song was quiet as she poked at her food and took a few bites.

Zuko was hunched over his food and he slowly stirred it; taking a bite; repeat.

Even Baem noticed, since she asked, "Song? Is everything alright?"

Song shrugged. "I guess? Um… This…well." She spoke quickly, practically blending her words together. "Old Yon-Chul grabbed Zuko. And then Zuko flipped him over his shoulder."

"He what?!" Iroh glanced at Zuko who was still focusing on his food.

"So, um…if he comes here, all upset…you'll know why."

Baem shook her head. "That old fool likely brought it on himself."

"Was anyone hurt?" Iroh asked.

When it appeared that no-one was angry at either her or Zuko, Song spoke up with far more confidence.

"Just Yon-Chul's pride, probably. And Zuko was sorry – and he tried to apologize! He really did! Yon-Chul just wouldn't have it, and he kept yelling. Yon-Go had to literally drag him away."

Zuko was now feeding Sen some of his meat, and Sen was chirping with happiness as she devoured her snack. His nephew glanced up just then and noticed something was wrong.

'What's going on?'

"Song was just telling us about what happened at the marketplace…"

Zuko's eyes widened, before he quickly defended, 'That old guy grabbed my shoulder,' Zuko demonstrated the grip, and added, 'he surprised me. And he kept yelling and I didn't know what he wanted.'

He looked worried, like he thought Iroh was going to scold him.

"You don't have to explain." Iroh said.

Zuko looked visibly relieved.

Baem held no sympathy for this Yon-Chul fellow. She simply served the last of the soup to the kids, and the conversation moved on.

That night in their room, Iroh took out a map and showed Zuko where they'd be moving to.

"Joyous news, nephew!" Iroh announced jovially, but still kept his voice down so that he wouldn't disturb their hosts. "I've found a place for us to live."

He pointed out Shūsàn.

"It certainly sounds like an interesting place. There are Firebenders there. You'll be able to firebend all you want."

He watched as Zuko studied the map. Then, he tapped on…Ba Sing Se. His brows were furrowed as he frowned.

He then looked at Iroh.

'Is L-U-T-E-N there?'

Zuko was probably asking a lot more than that.

All those years ago, during that final battle – when the fires were put out – Lu Ten had only been identifiable because he'd had a bracelet that belonged to his mother before she died an untimely death. It had been something he'd never taken off.

And then he'd taken a closer look at his armor just to be absolutely sure – because royalty had its own design, and he was in the midst of denial – and there was the crown, blackened and bent from –

Iroh had wondered – how and why – Lu Ten – he would not blame his son, but Lu Ten had been out of position, somewhere he absolutely wasn't supposed to be.

He focused back onto the conversation at hand.

Iroh shook his head, assuring Zuko. "We were able to send him to Agni."

Lu Ten had had his own pyre, among those who had been lost in that final fight.

The Earth Kingdom had learned the hard way fairly quickly, that it was far better to burn Fire Nation soldiers even if it was in mass graves than it was to simply bury them.

Those at sea also learned to burn the ships and not simply toss the bodies overboard.

000

It was just months after the attack on their little village that killed her father along with so many others; and displaced the survivors. Song wondered if some of her friends and family were even still alive.

She'd been so terrified when Fire Nation folk came to their door the first time, asking for help. They hadn't been soldiers, but Song had been expecting the worst. It was a couple with their son. He was probably around her age. There was obviously something a little off with him.

He seemed to stare off into nothing; not reacting to anyone or anything. He ignored Song's forced polite greetings.

He also ignored her questions, which absolutely weren't prying at all. They were the usual getting to know someone small talk. Song remained polite, though she was insulted. He must have thought that he was above conversing with some little Earth girl.

Then outside there was crash, like something fell, which caused all of them to jump. There was shouting, but none of it sounded angry or panicked. No-one came rushing in yelling for Mom's help.

That was when the boy reacted – screaming and throwing a tantrum that he seemed far too old to have. Song could only stare in bewilderment.

The woman quickly went to her son, speaking quietly and whispering assurances.

It seemed to be handled, and the man was so apologetic.

"Loud noises set him off," he explained quietly, as his wife held the boy who was making humming noises and rocking slightly back and forth. "It just takes a bit to calm him down. We're…figuring it out as we go."

"It's quite alright," Mom assured.

The woman was suddenly in tears. "It's been so hard."

The man sat with his back so stiff, as if his pride was the only thing he had left.

"We'll manage," he said resolutely. It reminded Song a little of Mom and others who'd been displaced. They'd said the same with the stubbornness of Earth.

Mom and the couple spent several hours talking quietly.

The boy walked outside and stared off into the distance. Song followed, being unsure of what else to do.

Then he blinked when Chi-Chi walked up to them, probably trying to see if they had any snacks.

"…Ostrich-horse. Bipedal."

Song blinked as the boy began muttering words she didn't understand. He ran his hand along Chi-Chi's neck. Chi-Chi was an ornery creature, and often nipped people – and was worse with strangers. But she seemed to not care, and neighed happily as she leaned into the boy's fingers.

"…Chi-Chi doesn't usually like people so easily." Song said.

"Chi-Chi's nice."

Song didn't know what else to say. So she sat there until the boy's parents and Mom returned.

"Say thank you and goodbye," the woman gently directed.

"Bye-bye, Chi-Chi," he muttered. "Song gets a thank you and a goodbye."

The woman looked so happy and was near tears for some reason. "My son doesn't always say another person's name so quickly."

The man looked at her and gave a bow. "Thank you, so much, young miss."

She didn't really understand why they'd have such a reaction.

After they were gone, Song asked Mom, "Why would you help them? They were Fire Nation."

She didn't sound bitter, or anything. But she was curious. Because she'd thought the people would have gloated being from the oh-so-great Fire Nation. The boy hadn't been ignoring her – he was just…different.

Mom looked sad.

"Oh, my sweet," she tucked Song's hair behind her ear. "The Fire Nation can make victims of their own people. Children like that boy – who are different, and don't meet their standards…" Mom seemed to seriously contemplate what she was saying.

"Song. You know how the farmers will sell their livestock at the market?"

A strange, sudden change of topic, but yes. Song knew.

"That same thing happens to children like that boy." Mom hugged her tightly. "That couple…they took their son and left behind everything because the boy's grandfather wanted to sell their son."

It was so strange, Song thought. That someone considered fleeing into the hands of the enemy was far better than staying where it was safe.

Should have been safe.

It was hard to be angry at people who just wanted the same things that the rest of the world did: simply peace and safety.

"Why would he want to sell his grandson like that?" Song asked, trying to wrap her mind around it. Like Dad, Grandpa had been so large and impossibly kind; she'd felt so safe as he hugged and carried her. His strength was seemingly unmatched.

"The boy wasn't the sort of heir he wanted in their family line."

"But why?"

Mom hugged her so tight. "I'll tell you when you're older."

"Why can't you tell me now?" Song asked, pushing away just enough so she could look up at Mom. She pouted a little too, hoping that would help change Mom's mind.

"Because people are impossibly cruel," Mom told her, "and you are too innocent to know such things."

Mom explained nothing else.

Song decided that she'd always treat people like that with kindness and assurance. Just like Mom.

Song was proud of her slowly increasing signing skills. Zuko was happy to help. He lent her the signing books and scrolls he had, since they'd be staying for awhile as they waited for some merchants to come escort him and Mr. Mushi to some other town.

Song knew they were Fire Nation; it was hard to deny such an obvious fact. Not with their appearance and the mongoose-lizard.

She thought of others that she'd met.

None of them had ever used firebending around her – or inside the house, really. But she'd seen them use it to light things like candles. It was always so careful that Song was shocked the first time it happened. Like she'd never considered that firebending could ever be used for innocuous things instead of destruction.

Even though they were polite, the burns on Song's legs still stung and her breathing got so short she'd get light-headed. She hated having this reaction, though.

Even just seeing Fire Nation soldiers made the reaction worse.

She saw the burns on Zuko's wrists – saw the handprint – and she knew. Chances were, Zuko was a Firebender. She'd heard that Firebenders were difficult to burn. Song had seen her fair share of burns from both sides, unfortunately. She'd seen enough to notice those subtle differences between people who weren't Firebenders and those who were.

So his being a Firebender very likely was the case. But he never used his flames around her or Mom. Not even Mr. Mushi used fire – though maybe he wasn't even a Bender.

Song felt guilty that she'd made Zuko uncomfortable when she'd simply tried to show that she at least sympathized with him. Maybe she'd insulted him.

People who came to them didn't stay for long. Just a day, at most. They weren't very forthcoming, strictly kept to themselves. Most seemed more suspicious and cautious, even though Song was a child.

Song had overheard stories from some people who laughed about Firebenders going crazy from being away from the sun for too long.

A soldier laughed as he bragged about one lasting for near two weeks, and how much money he'd won from that bet.

Mom had simply nodded in acknowledgment that she'd heard, but otherwise said nothing.

So, she never asked and was guiltily relieved that any visiting Firebenders didn't use their flames around her.

Firebending scared her. That there had been times a patient's hand sparked – not because they were attacking or anything – but because of drugs, or they were in pain or something.

She used to think bonfires were beautiful.

But everything about fire now brought back unwanted memories.

What once was the sound of home and enveloping warmth was now terrified screaming and a raging inferno.

But there were days that Mom needed help cooking food and making medicine. She couldn't do it all on her own, so Song mustered up the courage to finally use something as simple as spark rocks.

It took almost eight months before Song could be around a cookfire without feeling like her breath was being sucked out of her lungs.

Song hated being so afraid.

Zuko was outside, petting their ostrich-horse, Chi-Chi.

He was running his hands along her neck and back, seemingly fascinated by the odd transition of feathers to fur. He also had a mix of nuts and apple-berries that Chi-Chi was happily munching on. Getting in Chi-Chi's good graces was definitely a way to prevent her nipping.

Sen was curled up on his neck, dozing. The red juice and crumbs around her mouth showed that she'd had her own snack.

Song approached him. Once Zuko saw her, a gave a quick nod of acknowledgement.

'Can I ask you something?' Song signed, carefully not speaking aloud just in case there was someone nearby who could overhear.

He nodded.

She could ask, this was her chance. But then, would he even tell her?

"Do you like Chi-Chi?" she asked instead, her determination and courage deflated.

Zuko made an odd face at her, as if he knew that wasn't what she wanted to ask; or he thought her question was strange.

But he still nodded and smiled.

She changed the topic to something more mundane.

Song was woken up way too early by some sort of screeching sound.

She shot up out of bed, ready to flee from the threat – but there was nothing. Mom shifted in her sleep.

Song heard shuffling outside, so she peeked out the window.

She spotted Mr. Mushi and Zuko – along with Sen who had apparently managed to catch one of the numerous crow-rats that plagued the farmers' fields. She saw that Mr. Mushi was putting a saddle and reins on Tofu.

What were they doing? Where were they going? The merchants wouldn't be here for a few days yet.

She should just go back to bed and leave it.

Song glanced back at Mom.

Curiosity got the better of Song.

She slipped on her coat, and quickly and quietly prepped and mounted Chi-Chi.

She followed at a distance.

Mr. Mushi and Zuko rode a few miles out, and then turned off the path towards a small valley that was surrounded by boulders.

Song dismounted. Holding tightly onto Chi-Chi's reins in her sweaty palm, she quietly shuffled off to the side. She hid behind a boulder so she could watch.

They were Firebenders!

They were a good distance away. They didn't know she was here. She was fine. There was nothing here that was flammable enough – she could escape if she needed to – she was fine. Song forced herself to breathe.

Mr. Mushi was practicing moves that she'd knew all-too-well.

Zuko though, was different. It looked like a dance of some kind.

Chi-Chi snorted and huffed.

"Shhh!" Song put a finger to her mouth.

She looked back at Mr. Mushi and Zuko.

There was a shuffling, and something licked the back of Song's neck.

The amount of screaming Song did would have woken her entire village and everyone would have poured out ready to defend themselves or flee.

Tofu blinked down at her and made a curious trilling sound as she tilted her head. Chi-Chi scratched at the ground and huffed.

Mr. Mushi and Zuko though, were staring up at her.

"Good morning, Miss Song." Mr. Mushi called out very pleasantly, like Song hadn't been spying on them.

"I'm sorry!" Song rapidly began trying to explain. If they told Mom – would Mom be angry? Were they angry?

Mr. Mushi held up a hand. "It's quite alright."

He smiled gently. "Would you like to stay and watch? Or do you want us to escort you back? A young lady such as yourself shouldn't be alone out here so far from the village."

She was surprised at the offer, of course.

"I can watch?"

She watched from a distance.

To see control – and there was a massive difference between the soldiers and what Mr. Mushi and Zuko were doing.

She was still nervous, honestly. Because her thoughts were plagued by Fire soldiers who didn't hold to those same ideals.

They headed back.

Mom wasn't up, yet.

Song figured since she was, she might as well get her own day started. Even if she went back to bed now, she'd probably only have to get up again in forty-five minutes or so anyway.

Zuko sat outside on the porch. Song walked up and sat down.

She got his attention. 'Thank you, for today.'

Zuko nodded. He had a strange frown on his face.

'I was nine. Father caught me signing with my sister. So he burned my wrists. Later, my shoulder.'

Song stared at him wide-eyed. She couldn't wrap her mind around such cruelty, in spite of seeing it time and time again.

'I was scared of fire too, for a long time. I didn't want to use my bending anymore.'

How'd he know that she had been scared?

"How'd you get over it?" Song asked quietly. She didn't truly understand it, but the Benders she had met seemed to describe their bending as being such an integral part of themselves that it was like an extra limb. If someone was afraid of their own Element like that…

Zuko smiled, just a little.

'P-I-M-A. My Master. Firebending isn't just about anger.'

Zuko had so many stories about his life in the Fire Nation – about Pima and her family, and his friends, even his sister that he hadn't seen for years.

"What's the Fire Nation like?" Song also asked. When else would she ever be able to have this chance?

People around them knew that their visitors were Fire Nation, or were at least from the Colonies, but looked the other way in this case.

Zuko invited her out early the next day. How in the Names of the Brothers did Firebenders manage this every day?

Back in that little valley, Zuko held Song's hand.

'Trust me?'

Hesitantly, Song nodded.

He breathed out, forming a small flame. She stiffened as it spun around them. After a few seconds of watching – it was mesmerizing, really. It looked like how a Wisp probably would.

It twisted around her; it was so very warm, and it didn't burn.

000

A week-and-half later, there was a knock at the door. Baem went to answer it.

She took in the sight of three people; two men, and a young woman – late teens if Baem had to guess.

Taking note of their appearance; according to how they were dressed, two of the three people were from the Bhimangala region of the Earth Kingdom. Or perhaps they were descendants if they were this far East.

Baem felt that there was something slightly…off about their clothing, but it wasn't something to dwell on.

Baem smiled pleasantly and greeted her guests.

She noticed the girl had dual-colored eyes; one green, one gold. It was such a rare thing to see in people, that this girl was only the second person Baem had ever seen personally.

The man who knocked was fairly pale-skinned and had honey-brown eyes, and his goatee was finely trimmed. He held up a piece of parchment paper as he smiled pleasantly, looking as if he thought himself quite the charmer.

"Good afternoon. We received a letter to escort someone, Miss…?" he looked at her expectantly.

She bowed with a polite greeting. "Baem,"

He nodded. "I'm Ten-Yu. These lovely people are my traveling companions."

The dual-eyed girl stepped up and bowed politely with a smile. She adjusted her sari. "I'm Eshika."

The jewelry around her wrists and ankles jingled with even the slightest movement. Baem wasn't sure if it was her imagination or not, but her jewelry seemed to shine more than usual…perhaps she polished it to an absurd degree.

Again, really. Not something to focus on since it didn't pertain to the matter at hand.

"Pedang," the second man said casually, giving a slight bow.

Baem stood back, sliding the door open and inviting them in. "Right this way, please. They're in the kitchen."

"Zhě-Sè never said anything about a cousin." Ten-Yu bluntly stated as he followed her in.

There had been a time long ago when Baem and Zhě-Sè's families were close. They both had been so young, then. Aware of the dangers in the world; yet ignorant of how severe it all truly was.

Zhě-Sè was a few years older and was like a big sister. But as the Fire Nation encroached, many families were forcibly split, either through death, or by unfortunate circumstance.

When her family members died (may the Brothers rest them) leaving Baem alone, it was in desperation that she sought out Zhě-Sè, along with any other survivors.

She asked Earth soldiers to keep an eye out throughout their own travels. Of course, she was just one of hundreds, of thousands also desperately searching for long-lost family members.

Baem thought for sure that they had to be dead and long gone.

But then one day, several years later she received a letter from one of the Earth Kingdom soldiers, telling her that he thought he'd found Zhě-Sè.

It was like a bitter sting of betrayal when she learned that Zhě-Sè had married a Firebender. Baem regretted ever worrying and praying for Zhě-Sè's safety. It didn't matter the reasons; she had married the enemy.

She felt the sting especially when her home burned a second time and took her husband and several friends with it, may the Brothers rest them, while also giving her daughter scars that marked the occasion.

Baem needed to know why. She reconnected with Zhě-Sè a second time just to understand – and in her bitterness and anger, she told Zhě-Sè the kind of people she had dared to let into their family.

But then, Baem had learned about the kind of people who resided in Shūsàn.

Even with Zhě-Sè's invite, and what Baem hadn't told Iroh, was that Song was terrified of Firebenders. Those who were simply walking by were meant to be feared. Even if they were friendly, Song would feel like a cornered animal trapped in a cage if she were forced to live among them.

Neither Iroh nor Zuko had used their flames around her – maybe she knew they were Firebenders, or maybe she didn't. She still happily interacted with Zuko. Perhaps she didn't care that they were so obviously Fire Nation. Still. Baem didn't ask and didn't push.

Her family and everything it entailed; quite frankly, was none of his business.

"Be nice, Ten-Yu." Pedang drawled.

Ten-Yu simply shrugged.

"We've only recently reconnected," Baem said, and that was all she said on the matter.

She led them to the kitchen.

Song and Zuko were playing a card game. It was a child-friendly version of gambling; they were using stones as currency.

As he usually did, Iroh was preparing tea. Although she liked and respected the man, part of Baem would be glad to see him go. She would swear to the Brothers that if she got even the tiniest cut, she would leak tea!

Song smiled saying, "Oh, hey! The merchants are here!"

She pointed, and everyone turned to look.

"Good afternoon!" Iroh greeted and welcomed the group as if he wasn't a guest.

"What the fuuuu—uummm…wow." Eshika fumbled, especially when the others were looking at her. "Hi."

What was that about?

Anyway.

Everyone introduced themselves, and Iroh (who introduced himself as Mushi) served them tea.

0000

Zuko stared at the people who came in with Song's mother.

Two of the people wore that strange, colorful clothing.

The man had not one but two of those strangely curved blades, but they were smaller – like dagger-sized. He wondered if this man would let him see his weapons, and spar.

The woman – a teenager, maybe? She didn't look that old. She had a small ring in her nose.

And he'd no idea that a person could have different colored eyes. He also noticed how the her jewelry glinted even without sunlight shining directly on it. Was it made using Lost Arts?

The woman sat down with him and Song, and she smiled friendly and kind – her teeth looked especially white.

Song was openly gaping at her wide-eyed, completely mystified.

With how close she was, he could see intricate carvings engraved on her bracelets.

The woman laughed shaking her head.

"Thank you, but no. Hi, there. I'm *****."

Oh…Song must have said something, and he completely miss it.

Song had to finger-spell her name. Eshika.

Eshika was looking at him. It felt…intense. Like she was studying him.

She was sitting on his left. Could she see it? He wasn't sure. But out of everyone he'd run across so far, she seemed to be the only one who was acting like this.

Song interpreted for him. 'I'm Zuko.'

"Nice to meet you," Eshika said, and her smile was bordering on too friendly. "I can't wait to start traveling together."

Zuko looked from Song as she interpreted and nodded at Eshika.

Maybe he could ask her where she got her jewelry.

---

A/N: Song kinda just came in and took over a portion of this chapter.
Don't grab people from behind; don't grab them in general. It could trigger a violent response.