A/N: Sorry everyone! (again) I am so dang busy with school, band, and hockey that I have so little time to write anymore! I love holidays even more now. (writing time!) Wednesdays are my only days off right now, in the afternoon (from band) so I try to write then as I am now. I really hope I can keep up with you guys! I'll keep doing my best to get chapters in! thanks for your support!
Kaida shivered at the thought of the last time she stayed in an Earthbending community, and because of the little heat that wretched green dress gave her. She glared up at the ceiling thinking back harshly. She was glad, however, the troop was able to bring a small bit of their previous attire, being their grey pants and shirt. It was late and many stores and little places scattered through the city were still open in the dark. The distant clashing sounds of a struggle were muffled it not blocked out by the thick brush and trees.
Changing rather joyously, Kaida reentered the large room the troop was staying in wearing the grey outfit like a pair of pajamas. She appeared to be the only person in the room, save for a couple older soldiers and sailors catching up on sleep. She made her way to one of the mattresses laid out in neat rows along the walls. They weren't exactly as comfortable as the bunk beds aboard the ship, and were rather flat on the ground, but they did feel good to lie upon.
Blowing out her lantern, Kaida slipped under the covers and fidgeted about until she got comfortable. She watched the smoke billow up from the dimmed candle using the light pouring from the hall through the half closed doorway. The little blonde closed her eyes and listened to the faint voices streaming from downstairs where many people gathered for late night chatting, gambling, and drinking, as well as the light snoring from the same quiet room.
Uncle Iroh chuckled deeply, taking great humor in seeing his nephew so flustered and embarrassed. Zuko had made it clear Iroh's disguise was absolutely hideous. The retired general had headed off the back line and learned of Zuko's idea through the soldiers still waiting in the forest for clothes earlier. Uncle Iroh's elaborate hat was the main object of the prince's embarrassment, as if anything could be worse than his own straw rice-picker hat. Many of the crewmen were joking with one another as if there was no problem to be found. They acted as if they were on board ship again, in the mess hall goofing off on music night. One would never assume these men were hiding in an enemy's cover, hunted by opposite armies and their very allies.
Prince Zuko covered his flustered face with one hand resting the other in his lap. If they were going to start playing their usual game of charades, he would rather go stand outside and wait to be captured. It was bad enough being in his own undercover wear, an outfit that was sure to get him disowned by his father at first glance. But if his uncle started making a fool of himself in an enemy's territory, he would have no part of it.
The only part that did catch the prince's attention was when Uncle Iroh began explaining the battle the men gathered round had missed. Iroh spoke in a low whisper, in case any others were trying to listen. His story went on telling how Zhao and the Earthbending captain had quarreled, continuing much longer after the small group's escape. It gave Iroh's own brigade time to slip past and get away from the chaotic city behind them. The general's explanation was cut short by an indignant yawn, making some of the men laugh along with Iroh.
Zuko felt a yawn build up in his throat after seeing his uncle, but tried to swallow it. He had no intention of being disgraced as his uncle chose to. The tired prince stood up and excused himself from the gathering, saying he wished to go to bed. In return the men let the excuse pass and continued on with their stories, promising to head to bed in a little while.
Walking down the dark, almost quiet halls, Zuko looked around taking in the new form of architecture and décor. Doing so, he almost passed right by the large room the small brigade was staying in. Most of the men were still downstairs, but a handful had already fallen asleep in the pitch black room. Zuko yanked off the fowl hat, thinking it was safe to do so inside the room. He walked along the rows of cots lined up along the floor, choosing one by a quiet sleeping soldier instead of by the loudly snoring ones. It was a wonder they didn't wake each other up by the racket they were both making.
Tossing the hat next to the cot, Prince Zuko flopped down upon the mattress on top of the blanket and pillow, not caring if he looked ridiculous or not.
"What a mess," he sighed to himself, cursing the "peasant's clothing" he was now forced to wear. All of this chaos these past couple years was all his fault, and he knew it. If he hadn't gone into that war chamber to that meeting, if he had kept his mouth shut, none of this would be happening to him, or his uncle, or his crew. He rolled over onto his side and shut his eyes, hearing heavy steps coming from the halls along with talking growing in volume. He fell asleep just as his uncle and company entered the room and settled down. The night was quiet for all but the earth-shaking snores echoing throughout the inn.
The night air had made the large room chilly despite the warm sunlight lighting the room. The morning was still and silent, the snoring had long since died out. Distant chirps and calls of birds were the only sound that early. The morning in this town was different from the metallic sounds of the ship and the great, excited crowds in Heilong.
The soft light almost stung Zuko's eyes when he finally succumbed to opening them. He had at first forgotten where he was, thinking he would either see that wretched cat from Heilong or the dull grey walls of his room onboard the cruiser. Instead, he found himself in a green and chestnut room with the rest of his crew just waking up or still asleep. His eyes came into focus at last. The prince noticed the soldier still asleep in the bed beside his was Kaida, and on the other side, his lone snoring uncle. Kaida was curled up under her blanket like a child would, one hand resting next to her chin. Her hair had been taken down from its usual bun and cascaded over her shoulders and pooled on the sheets around her like liquid. It was strange to see someone so innocent looking in the midst of so many army men and tough deckhands. Zuko almost slapped himself after coming to his senses by a loud snort from his uncle's direction.
The prince turned his head at the exact time to get smacked in the face by his uncle, who juts turned over in mid snore. The teenage boy fumed silently, shoving the arm off his face furiously. He slid from the sheet on his cot and snuck to the window where a small commotion could be heard seeping through the shutters. He cracked the shutters open a bit, they squeaked an awful lot, and noticed a large group of green dressed soldiers gathered in the street. He sighed irritably, these guys, like Zhao, just never gave up on the most hopeless and meaningless tasks. Zhao was concentration more on capturing a banished prince and a fake avatar more than the real master of the elements. What an idiot. Zuko slammed the shutters together loudly, waking up a couple startled crewmen in the process. The fire nation prince knew it was going to be a long day.
Thanks to all my wonderful reviewers! There's kuramafan58, Khazia, Limely, SailorNeo, Hiko-Chan, niwrem, Serpent Knight Wing Weaver, crazyloverofboys, TitanKardinal, shlalu, Khaiya, hetfan7708, starlightz1112, and a buncha anonymous peeps who also most rule! Thanks a bunchies you guys!