I stand on the deck of the ship, looking westward. There is just enough light in the sky to see the bustling port in the hazy ocean mist. Ogata looms before me and I feel a coldness seep over my body. I don't know exactly why I am nervous. Once they see that I am alone and intend them no harm, I'm sure the people will not try to arrest me or anything. They're used to people of all nationalities coming into their land and settling I'm sure. It is a city after all and one that is fairly close to the Fire Nation. There's nothing to worry about.

A creak sounds behind me and turn my head slightly to see who is coming up. It is Iroh and closely following him is Zuko. I return my gaze to the sea. I don't want either of them seeing my uncertainty.

I will be strong. There is nothing that can stop me. I am invincible. I will not show weakness in the presence of my enemy.

This chant circles around and around in my head. We were made to repeat it everyday at the academy. It has become like my prayer. It is what keeps me motivated; keeps me strong. Hold your head up high, Tama. There is nothing that can bring me down.

"Are all your things packed?" Iroh asks, sneaking up from behind me. I blink and turn to look at him. His face, wrinkled and weathered, is still as dignified as when he was younger, helping me to become a swords master. His eyes are clear and wide, like those of a child. I envy him slightly. For someone so old, he seems so carefree. It is hard to picture a man like him ever having to take the lives of others. Did he ever falter?

"Yes, they are. I had them put on my barge. I intent to take the barge to reach Ogata, so that it looks like we were not traveling together. Just incase…incase something should happen to put you under suspicion," I respond, gazing back out at sea. He nods his head and takes a long sip of tea.

"A wise idea. I will go then and leave you to your pondering. You look like you are very much in deep thought," Iroh says while turning around to go back inside. He closes the door and I am alone on the deck once more.

"What's the matter? You're pale," Zuko says from my side. I nearly jump out of my skin. I forgot that he was still on the deck.

"There's no problem. I'm fine," I reply coolly. He can't know that I am not certain of myself.

"I hear your traveling to Ogata with the barge. When are you planning to take it out?" he asks.

"When we're at least a mile away. I hope to swing it around to the right and get it to dock a few piers away from you."

"Good."

Another awkward silence. He glares into the distance and I can't help but wonder if he is always glaring because he is recalling everything that has happened to him.

"What are you going to do?" he asks. I shrug my shoulder and run a hand through my black hair.

"In all honesty…I really don't know. I suppose I'll sell the barge and my armor and settle down in the city. Maybe I'll find some kind of a job. Blacksmith or something…" I say, thrumming my fingers along the hilt of my sword. Zuko nods and turns around. He walks back into the ship and leaves me alone to my thoughts.

Could he be any colder?

"Well…I guess this is goodbye, then," I sigh, looking down at Iroh. The old man nods sadly and pats me on the back.

"If there is anything you ever need…" he says. I don't understand where all of this sudden generosity from him is coming from. We really didn't know each other that well. I was the pupil and he was the teacher. We didn't have much of a relationship other than that.

"General, I'll be fine. You of all people know that I can fend for myself. Don't worry about me!" I laugh. He chuckles and says that he knows. The old man sighs, gives me one more pat on the shoulder, and turns to walk back into the ship.

"Have you got everything?" Zuko demands, inspecting my barge from over my shoulder. I nod and give him a tight lipped smile. He sighs and looks at me.

"What?" I ask. He shakes his head and suddenly glares at me.

"Don't think that just because I poured my heart out to you yesterday that means anything."

"Well excuse me for trying to be friendly with you, Prince Zuko," I spit the name. He curls his lower lip and takes a step back from me, disgust evident on his face. He rolls his eyes and marches to the door leading back to the main haul. He wrenches the door open and casts a long look at me from over his shoulder.

"You know, I never liked you…" he snaps, still glaring at me from over his shoulder.

"Well, neither did I," I retort. I cross my arms over my chest and glower at him. He shakes his head and starts to leave. Suddenly, I feel bad for what I've said. I may never see him again.

But why do I care? It's not like I have any kind of special feelings for him. I don't love him; I don't have any sort of a crush on him. So why do I care that I'm leaving on a bad note?

We are kindred spirits, Zuko and I. We both know what it is like to be betrayed by a father. To shoulder a burden of knowing that everything you've ever known was a lie. To continue to be strong in the face of pain and suspicion. Both of us are hot-headed and both of us are honest. And most of all, all Zuko and I want is some form of escape. I guess where I falter is where Zuko continues. Where I choose to run is where Zuko continues to push through. I admire him, I really do. I hope that one day…he gets everything that he's ever wished for.

"Zuko!" I exclaim my hand extended as if to grab him from behind. The door is nearly closed, but he stops just as it's about to slam. It opens a little and I see his head stick out from behind the iron thing.

"What?" he barks, still glaring. I wish he wouldn't glare at me. I wish he could understand. I wonder if he'll ever have the epiphany that I just did.

"Good luck…" I say, smiling a little. His glare disappears and is replaced by a look of confusion. Soon that façade evaporates into a look of bittersweet happiness. He manages a small smile, barely even there, but still smiling. He walks out of the hallway back into the hanger a little.

"Yeah? You too," he says, the smile turning into a smirk. Zuko and I stare at one another for a moment, just staring. I don't think he ever loved me, let alone liked me as a friend. I don't think we have anything special, in a cliché sense. Still, I think that Zuko and I both recognize each other for who we are. We see each other's shortcomings and we see each other's victories. We see in each other what we as individuals lack. He nods his head and disappears behind the iron door once more. The sound it makes echoes throughout the hanger.

And for some reason…I don't feel alone. I don't feel like I felt when I had to return to my room in the dark last night. I have a warm feeling inside of me. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that everything will be fine. Zuko gives me hope and even leaving him now, I still feel the way I felt last night. I know that deep down he understands what we really are. I don't expect to see Zuko again, and frankly I never hope to. If I should see him again, that means that he'll still be out chasing the Avatar. I'm still doubtful if the thing really exists, but for Zuko's sake I'll believe and I'll hope that he succeeds. That's all I want for Zuko. Success and all the happiness in the world.

I hop onto the barge as the gate opens. It descends into the water. I start a quick fire and raise the sails. I take one final look back at the small cruiser that was my home for these two days. I don't see anyone on the deck, but I know that up in the control room, he's looking down at me, wondering if I'll be okay. I give a final wave as the sails catch a gust of wind and the barge darts away.

I will never see Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation again.