Lustful Bending

Disclaimer: I woke this morning to find that I still don't own Avatar the Last Airbender. And I cried!

Chapter Six

With a worrisome sigh the prince lingered in bed. Thinking of the dream he had the night before. Subconsciously a hand found its way to his lips. Wishing that it could be more than just a dream he made an effort to rouse himself out of bed. He was dreading facing this day more than any other. For the mere fact he had made a choice. A choice that most likely be his undoing. But he had made up his mind and would stay by it. Now he just had to tell his uncle and his crew. That was a worry for him even though they had all said numerous times that he would lead and they would follow. He told himself as soon as he left his quarters he wouldn't let his worry show.

Finding a change of clothing he quickly changed and put on his boots. He assessed himself before exiting,and took powerful determined strides at a rather ample pace. Having made his way to the outer deck he scanned the vicinity for his uncle. Not having sighted him he made his way to the bridge. Where he was not the least bit surprised to see his uncle sipping tea and playing pai sho with some crew members.

"Prince Zuko, Lovely morning for a relaxing game of pai sho." His uncle stated as if he would want to play with him. He hadn't played that game in two years. He wasn't going to start today. He walked over to captain Jee, who had some maps spread out before him. He quickly noticed that they were of the earth kingdom. The city of Omashu circled in red. He was being over come with the feeling of dread. "Are you feeling well my Prince?" He turned his head to the source of the voice to see captain Jee. He only shook his head in reply. Captain Jee not wanting to pry accepted this and went about his morning tasks.

"Well better luck next time, boys." He heard his Uncle say as he won yet another round. "You are getting much better. How about another round after lunch?" The soldier nodded in agreement and left to go find his post. Soon it was just the three of them left on the bridge and Iroh could not help but worry for his Nephew. He didn't come to breakfast this morning and hadn't said a word since he entered. He was getting concerned that his favorite Nephew was not well. "Are you ill, Prince Zuko?"

Zuko lifted his eyebrow at his uncle, "No. Why do you ask?" And he turned back to the maps pretending like he was interested in them.

"Just being the kind concerned uncle that I am." raising two hands in the air in defense. "But really, you don't look so good. Did you not sleep well" Is there something on your mind?" Placing a comforting hand on his nephew's shoulder he hoped the young prince understood he would do anything for him. He was just ready and waiting for his prince, his dearest nephew, to say it.

"Uncle, I want to talk to you." He said in an uncharacteristically cool tone. His uncle nodded and took a seat waiting for his nephew to continue. "What I have to say you might not like and I'm prepared to accept that." His uncle nodded waiting for him to continue. "I've been having thoughts about what I am meant to do in life. Am I meant to take the throne? Am I destined to sail the seas forever never returning home? Do I even care if I ever get home? Do I capture the Avatar and bring him to my father? If I do will my father really accept me back? I'm not really so sure any more. I really do not know what to think." He remained silent allowing his words to reach his uncle.

His uncle looked up at him genuine concern in his features. "And whathas brought up these concerns?" He paused and then spoke a small smile on his face. "The girl." He wasn't asking he knew. The prince looked down he couldn't help but feel ashamed. Letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding he spoke. "Zuko,I'm very proud of you. I always hoped that you would realize that there are far more important things in life than titles and throne's."

Zuko couldn't believe his ears. "Uncle, I thought you would be upset. I mean, I'm talking of treason to my nation after all. This isn't something to be taken lightly." But he was only met with a smile. His uncle stood, stretching his old bones. Smile still on his face he cast a knowing glance to his most beloved nephew. "My boy, you are not well." He took his nephews chin in his hand. Contorted it to and fro, scrutinizing every feature. "Wars have been fought for far less nobler causes. If the love of a woman is not noble this man does not know what is." Releasing the boy who was playing at being a man he took his seat once more. "Capitan Jee would you not agree?"

The Capitan who had been trying to fade into the background now found he had been drawn into the forefront. "I must agree with your uncle, my prince." He stated all too simply, something compelled him to continue. "But do you even know if she feels the same?" Immediately he regretted his words. He closed his eyes waiting for the backlash to come, but it didn't. When he opened his eyes again he saw the prince looking out the window of the bridge. Gazing out at the ocean below he spoke softly, "She hates me." Placing a hand to his temple he tried to ward off a throbbing that had set up camp in his brain. "She most likely wants me dead. She would never want someone like me." Turning to face the man he continued hands flaying at his sides. "I'm the fiend after all. Nobody ever falls for the fiend." Feeling defeated he slumped down on a stool.

Crossing the distance between them the middle of the three men placed a hand on the prince and turned to meet his gaze. "That doesn't mean you shouldn'tor can't try. We stand behind you as we always have. We always will." The prince seemed to accept his words but remained silent. All Jee could think was, 'Is this really our prince? Well love does change a man.' He thought back to his wife who he had left two years ago. Tearswelling at the back of his eyes. How he had loved her. He still loved her, but because of his situation he could not mourn her. He wished for a much happier fate for these two. He would see to it.

"Zuko, Why don't you try to get some rest and leave the preparations to Jee and I?" He pleaded. He shook his head in agreement he was so very haggard. He looked once about the bridge of his ship then turned to exit.

He placed a hand on the door and pulled it open only to find himself falling onto the flat of his back with some of his crew scrambling to get off of him. They stood and bowed, begging to not get charred. But prince just stayed where he was for a moment shock strewn across his face. Once he regained his composure, he straitened him self and brushed some imaginary dust from his person. "Eavesdropping?"The crew bowed to their prince, begging for his mercifulness. "Well?" He paused. "Get going I Don't want the Avatar to think my crew is a bunch of ruffians. Get this ship in order." He waited until they had all scampered back to their posts. He turned to look at his uncle who was obviously very amused. "I'll be in my quarters." And he left a smile on his face as well.

Days had passed since the incident as he had come to terms withit. And he was really amazed at how well the crew took to the news of him joining with the Avatar, but then again they didn't know that it was all because of the girl. Uncle and Jee and the bridge crew swore not to tell a soul that part. Would they still follow him then? If they knew? He pushed it out of his mind for the moment. He would know soon enough. As they were about to enter the territories that surrounded Omashu.