((Hey I just want to thank you guys for commenting. I give you my love! Well I believe I have at least four chapters left in this story. Or maybe more if I think of another adventure...or something spiffy like that. Well enjoy!))

Chapter 19: Of Wetting Pants and Blue Boats

Zuko sighed heavily, he hadn't seen Ciara since the meeting and he desperately wanted to talk to her. A cool breeze passed by and brushed against his face, as he observed the dock carefully. "Zuko, you look troubled. Are you in need of assistance or a good cup of tea?" a voice asked from behind in.

Zuko didn't need to turn around to know who it was; he growled slightly and snapped back, "Uncle. I don't have time for-"

"Alright, alright. No need to wet your pants."

Zuko turned around to face his Uncle slowly, his face showing anger and confusion, "What?" Iroh's hands were inside his sleeves, as he tried to hold in the oncoming grin, "I said, 'No need to wet your pants.' Did I say something wrong, Lord Zuko?" Zuko clenched his fists slightly, "I'm going to go check out the ships."

As he turned to walk off, he accidentally ran into someone, "My apolo- Zhao?" Zuko stepped back to get a better look of him, he still looked the same except his dark hair had gray strands in it.

"Last time I checked my title was Admiral Zhao not Apolo Zhao."

"Forgive me Commander, sometimes I get confused with titles that are of no importance to me."

"Admiral."

"Did I do that again? Well since I am having such a problem with this, you are now stripped of your title. Welcome back Commander." Zuko replied haughtily, walking past him with his hands clasped behind his back. Commander Zhao gapped, "What the hell did I do?" Iroh just chuckled, "I told him not to wet his pants, and look what happened."

Zhao gave a puzzled look at Iroh, before stomping to his residence. "Spoiled brat." he murmured to himself, leaving Iroh laughing from his own past comment. Iroh sighed happily after he was finished, wiping an oncoming tear away. "That nephew of mine sure knows how to make me laugh."

Zuko found himself in a deep conversation with one of the captains of the ship. "What I don't understand why we should have the ships just black. Why not red?" continued the captain, his blue eyes shinning brightly in the afternoon sun. Zuko frowned slightly, "But the color would stick out."

The captain just answered back, "So does black." Zuko raised an eyebrow, "Are you saying we should pain the ships blue?" The captain grinned and shook Zuko's hand, "I knew you would understand." The man saluted and dashed off to his ship before Zuko could reply. Zuko slapped his hand on his forehead, sliding it down on his face, "Great, the Fire Navy has blue ships. Just grand."

Ciara looked up at the sky, watching sheer feather-like clouds drift slowly through the vast sky. A sense of awe filled her as she felt something inside her lighten up, like a burden or thought...but she didn't know which one or why. A warm hand tapped her shoulder lightly, "Commander Ciara, it is time to set off." Ciara turned around to face the guard, unable to see his expression from the mask he wore.

Ciara nodded and turned her gaze at the ground below her, her eye caught a figure who was wildly waving at her. She leaned over the side slightly, smiling warmly to see Iroh. "Ciara! There is a large crate of Ginseng tea! Use it wisely!" he called out. Ciara laughed and shouted, "Will do Uncle!"

She felt the ship leave the port; the rocking was violent at first but ceased down to be gentle and smooth. Ciara gave a final wave to Iroh before heading toward helmsman. Her footsteps echoed loudly, making her wince at each of her step. Finally reaching the door, she pushed roughly on it. The door moved slowly inward, revealing a sunny room with broad windows that showed the green water.

She looked in the corner to see a game set up with three figure sitting around the board. "Uncle Iroh?" she asked softly, tilting her head to see if she was right. Iroh turned around and grinned, "I forgot to give you this game if you got bored. Then I decided to stay here with you if you ever need a butt whooping in Pai Gow from me." Ciara smiled and took a seat by Iroh, "What about Zuko?" Iroh laughed and suddenly frowned, "I hope he can take care of himself without my infinite wisdom…"

"WHAT? Who in the hell told you I liked tea?" Zuko shouted angrily at the guard, flames flickered on his wrists. The guard cringed, "Your uncle, sire." Zuko glared fiercely, "I advise you to leave my presence before you receive a nice gift on your eye!" The guard gulped and dashed off, noting the flames on his wrists were growing brighter.