Rebel: This is my first Avatar Entry. It was written just after Chapter 13, so sorry if it's old and doesn't match newer info about Avatar. Also, Zuko has a pal in this story. She's an OC named Drzym who happens to be a shape shifter which is a rare offshoot of earth bending where you become one with nature and its wildlife. She met him in her town two months after he was banished, and refused to leave his side. Another thing, I'm not sure if Dragon Jadefire ever posted the story, but she wrote one where Zuko and Katara switched diaries by accident and learned more about one another. This is what happened after the diaries were returned.
Ends Are Only Beginnings
It had been three days since Zuko had traded diaries with Katara, and he wasn't sure what to do. Drzym sat down next to him.
"You know, I'm with you, no matter what you decide." She said.
Zuko steeled himself. "I know what I have to do. Drzym, help me get ready." She nodded.
The next day Uncle Iroh came to wake up Zuko who would most likely be grumpy all day, but Zuko was not in his room. Iroh came out onto the deck to find Zuko saying good morning to everyone on the ship…and he was smiling! Iroh opened his mouth to question Zuko's sanity, but was cut off as Zuko walked up and handed him a cup of tea.
"Today there's going to be a storm. Perfect for Pai-sho. How about we play a round after dinner?" Zuko said smiling. Iroh nodded, dumbfounded. Zuko was like that all morning. Then the storm hit.
People rushed through the ship, securing hatches and windows. Nobody noticed as Zuko came up from below deck, a bulky pack strapped on. He reached the prow of the ship and looked over the edge. Iroh looked around in time to see his beloved nephew about to jump overboard. He ran over and grabbed Zuko by the arm. Zuko spun around and hugged him.
"It's okay. I know what I'm doing. Goodbye, Uncle." Zuko whispered. Iroh felt a slight chill pass through him and wanted to do something, but all he could do was watch as Zuko disappeared over the railing. Shouts came from behind as a struggling Drzym broke free of the guards trying to keep her safe below. She leapt into the raging sea after Zuko, leaving no trace of her entry in the crashing waves.
For the next week Zuko's men looked for him but to no avail. Iroh had confined himself to his room.
Iroh sat on the edge of his bed, holding a small tin soldier. Memories came flooding back. Iroh saw the small golden-eyed boy opening his present and shouting with joy as he pulled out a tin army. He had fallen asleep that night with the tin prince who looked much like himself safely cradled in his arms.
A small change had been made to the figure. Iroh ran his finger over the little prince's face where a faded scar had been painted on two years ago. "If this is your decision, then I hope you know that you never truly lost your honor, Zuko." Iroh said, remembering the flash of blue in Zuko's backpack as he jumped.