Epilogue.
Zuko stood on the bow of the ship. His arm was in a sling. Uncle Iroh was talking with Commander Hotan and Inquisitor Dali, his arm in a sling as well. "So what was the final count Commander?"
"Twenty one dead." Commander Hotan replied gravely. "I didn't think a twelve year old boy would be so brutal."
"It wasn't the boy." Zuko said not looking at the men. "The Avatar is a monk, he won't even eat meat, much less kill. No, that was all the doing of the Blue Spirit."
"I wonder who this Blue Spirit is?" General Iroh said looking off in the direction the balloon had sailed away.
"The reports are that he was using Earth Kingdom fighting styles." Inquisitor Dali said sagely.
"Yes, but the fish oil is an old Water Tribe tactic." Iroh countered.
"Those explosives are definitely Fire Nation issue." Hotan added.
"Then there was that strange glow…" Iroh started.
"The Blue Spirit is a Fire Nation soldier." Zuko said certainly.
"What makes you say that nephew?" Iroh asked curiously.
"No one else would have reason to disguise himself, or would go to such great lengths to keep us guessing as to who they were. I imagine that is why Zhao jumped to the conclusion that I was the Blue Spirit. It would appear that there are some within the Fire Nation who support the Avatar." Zuko said seriously.
The three men looked at each other uneasily. The crew had nearly finished restocking the ship, and the inquisitor and the commander were preparing to disembark when Azula came onboard. The two older men bowed to the young princess as she walked directly up to Zuko.
"I just want to know one thing." Azula said looking up at Zuko.
"It would be a start." Zuko said acidly.
Azula ignored the barb and pressed on. She looked at the older men and then looked at the deck in front of her.
"When the Blue Spirit hit us with that oil, you stopped me. Why?" Azula said before looking up to see Zuko's reaction.
"You would have been burned otherwise." Zuko said simply.
"What I mean is, why should you care?" Azula said quickly.
Zuko looked at her for a long time before turning away. "Because no matter what happens, you'll always be my little sister."
Azula stood there for a moment before turning on her heels and heading for the dock. Just before she disembarked she stopped, not turning around.
"Zuko."
"What?" Zuko said impatiently.
"Thanks." Azula said before leaving the ship. When she reached the dock she turned around suddenly with her fist in the air. "But you better not think that I'm going to let that stop me if you get in my way while I'm trying to catch the Avatar! You're still a loser!" Azula yelled.
Zuko stepped up to the rail and looked down at his sister. "Well at least I've never let the Avatar steal my underwear!" Zuko shot back.
Zuko dove to the deck to avoid the torrent of flame that struck the side of the ship where he had just been standing. He peeked back over the rail, but Azula was already headed for her ship in a huff. Zuko couldn't help but smile.
"Well, I'll be leaving myself." Inquisitor Dali said slapping Iroh on the good shoulder. "My report to the Fire Lord should clear up the misunderstandings of the northern invasion fleet."
Iroh smiled and nodded as Dali left the ship. Commander Hotan watched him go and then turned to Zuko. "Good luck your highness."
"Thank you, commander." Zuko said cordially.
The commander leaned close to Zuko and nodded with a wink. "There are many commanders who think you'll make a fine Fire Lord. We look forward to your return from exile. We just want you to know, we're all behind you."
Zuko was touched by the man's sentiment. Most everyone had considered finding the Avatar a fool's errand. Now that he had returned, everyone was clambering to get to him first. It was good to have someone expressing such confidence in him. Normally, only his uncle would say something like that.
Zuko smiled. "Again, thank you commander. Time has taught me that it takes more than just one man's effort. I'm glad to know that when the time comes, there will be others there by my side."
The commander seemed to swell, puffing out his chest and nodding. "Very good sir! Until then." With that, the commander disembarked, leaving Zuko to the sea and his search for the Avatar.
After the ship was gone Commander Hotan watched the sea. It looked like there was a storm brewing. His first officer stepped up to his side. "Did you get a chance to say anything to the prince about the rumors we've been hearing sir? Is he really going to oppose his father?"
Commander Hotan turned to his first officer and nodded. "He said it was going to take all of us when the time comes. Bring me some paper and ink, I need to talk to some old friends of mine."
Elsewhere across the Fire Nation, promotions were handed out. Reassignments were being made. Merchants talked. Soldiers listened. Rumors began to fly like messenger pigeons heading towards their destined recipients. It was a slow way of communicating, but was surprisingly efficient when one considered the fact that the man sending the messages didn't know who would be receiving them.
In the capitol, Ozai looked down from his throne at the scene playing out before him. He was powerful when it came to controlling fire, but had always been limited when it came to controlling the minds of his people. Ozai watched as lords he knew, who always looked nervous or frightened, suddenly took on new confidence. Generals who were always intent on their battle plans started to look at each other in uncertainty, or worse, suspicion.
Ozai was not as skilled in the art of controlling minds as he was in firebending, but he was good enough to see it when it was being done. This was the work of a master; he was certain of it. Ozai looked down from his throne helplessly as Chief Arnook began to bend the world around him.