Prince Zuko was exhausted. His journey to the earth kingdom port was long. Leaving the colonies undetected was easy but time-consuming. His legs burned from the exertion. Scaling mountain after mountain.
Zuko had slept occasionally. He rested his eyes once aboard the boats he stowed away on. Finally, he had reached his destination.
"Nephew!"
The prince embraced his uncle. Exhaustion finally caught up to him.
"You look, awful nephew."
Zuko couldn't help but chuckle.
"I've had a long trip... you were right, it was worth every minute."
His uncle beamed with pride.
"I am glad. It is time you got some proper sleep. A man needs his rest."
Zuko only nodded.
Zuko sat meditating in his room. After a long restful sleep, he had decided to think about the things he had learned. The candle flames flickered in agitation.
The door swung open violently. Prince Zuko stood.
"What is the meaning of this!"
He turned to face Zhao. The admiral's eyes weren't on him though. He walked right past. Eyes zeroed in on Zuko's Dao swords.
"I didn't know you were skilled with Dao swords prince Zuko."
"I'm not. They're decorative."
General Iroh rested a hand on Zuko's shoulder.
"Have either of you heard of the blue spirit," Zhao tested.
"I must say I haven't," Iroh countered," why the interest. You don't seem the spiritual type."
"He's no spirit. He's a criminal."
Zhao walked past him.
"An enemy of the fire nation... he won't be a problem for much longer..."
Zuko glanced at his dao blades one more time.
"I'm taking your crew."
"What!"
Zuko exploded.
"You can't take my crew! You have no right!"
"Prince Zuko, I do. I'm preparing an invasion on the North Pole. All naval officers are under my command until further notice."
Zhao looked all too pleased.
"I hope you weren't planning on going anywhere..."
Zuko clenches his fists.
"General Iroh, your assistance in the siege of the north would be invaluable. I offer you a position in my fleet."
"Thank you admiral but I must decline. I am retired."
"Well, you know where I'll be if you change your mind."
With those final words, the admiral walked out, leaving a fuming prince behind him.
Zuko paced his empty ship that night. His uncle had left to eat dinner but he wasn't hungry.
His crew was gone. The last he had of his former life was stripped away.
At least I still have uncle...
Zuko made his way up to the deck. He surveyed the town. Docked at the far end of the port.
A small sound caught his attention. He looked up to see a feathered bird flying away. A bird he recognized. Pirates.
Zuko dove for the edge. He threw himself overboard just as his beloved ship exploded.
Only fate kept the banished prince from being skewered by burning shrapnel. His home for the last three years went down in flames.
Had he reacted just a moment later Zuko would have died.
He pulled himself to shore sore and tired. His body lay broken and bruised in the sand.
"Zuko!"
Zuko faintly called out to his uncle. Luckily Iroh heard him and came running.
The old general rolled Zuko onto his back. A quick assessment of his injuries proved him not fatally hurt.
"What happened?"
Zuko sucked in a painful breath.
"Zhao. He hired those pirates we fought to kill me."
Zuko attempted to sit up only to be forced back down by his uncle.
"He tried to kill me. He wants me out of the way."
General Iroh nodded sadly.
"He's planning something," he said.
"Uncle, the avatar is in danger. We have to stop Zhao."
"But how?"
Zuko paused.
"I have a plan."