Heart of Gold
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Avatar characters except for Maeli. Thank you.
Summary: This is going to be a long story. Some parts will take place during actual episodes of the show. A story of true love, that's what this is about. Not a love fueled by lust, but by loving someone for who they are on the inside. Two different people from different places who come together and soon realize the strong bond between them. Its hard to find golden hearts, but they are out there. Just open your eyes.
Who says a prince can't love a peasant?
Chapter 1: A Lost Lamb Meets A Prince
The air was cool that night, as rain clouds gathered overhead. The moon was full and gave off a comforting light for the midnight creatures. The only sounds that could be heard were those of chirping crickets and rustling footsteps in the grass. A hooded figure wandered the land. A rumble of thunder in the distance signaled that the storm was getting closer. The hooded figure looked up to the sky. A raindrop fell onto the person's nose. Rain steadily began to fall and then grow heavy. The hooded person began to walk at a hurried pace to find shelter, but there seemed to be nothing around. Then, the silhouette of a ship came into sight. The hooded person ran towards it. Luckily, the ship was settled on shore and the bridge was lowered; therefore, easy to enter.
The mysterious person approached with caution. There seemed to be no one in sight, so the person snuck on board. Male voices echoed through the hall. The hooded figure made its way across the room, but knocked over a candle post in the process. "What was that?" said a man. The figure scurried into a dark corner. "I'll go check it out," said another man. Footsteps came echoing in the direction of the stowaway. "Looks like this candle was knocked over," the guard took a moment to look around, "Hey, you in that corner!" The hooded person jumped up and ran down the hall. "Stop him!" shouted the first guard. The second guard unleashed a fiery blow at his target; the person barely evaded it. "What're you doing? Stop him!" the first guard shouted. The other guard shot another fireball and it burned part of the stowaway's cloak. The person screamed in fright. "Did he just scream like a girl?" said the second guard.
A young man with a scar on his left eye came out from his cabin shouting, "What's going on out here?" The hooded figure bumped into him and was knocked onto the floor. "Who is this?" the young man asked in an angered voice as he pointed to the person in question.
"We don't know, Your Highness, but he snuck on here."
The mysterious person rose to his feet and tried to escape, but the prince caught him by his arm, "You're not going anywhere!" he yelled. The prince pulled back the hood and came face to face with, "A girl?" The girl gasped when she saw the young man before her and turned to run, but the two guards blocked her path. The prince grabbed the girl's arm again and asked, "How did you get in here?" The girl was shaken, but kept her voice calm, "Y-your bridge was open and it's raining outside. I just wanted a place to stay."
"Are you a spy? Do you know who we are?" The prince's golden eyes pierced through the girl's soul; those eyes were so deadly, yet beautiful. "N-no. But, you're Fire Nation, right? Zuko, is it?"
"You will address me as Prince Zuko!" he released the girl's arm. "You get off of my ship and don't come back."
"Now, wait just a minute!" came an elder man's voice. "Zuko, don't you have any manners? She's a guest, treat her with respect."
"She's not a guest, she's a stowaway. She could be working for someone!"
"Nonsense! Now, let's get you dried off before you catch a cold."
"Uncle!" Prince Zuko yelled. The uncle paid no attention to him and led the girl to his room. Zuko faced the guards and said, "What're you waiting for? Close the bridge!"
"Yes sir!" the guards replied nervously.
"So, what is your name?" asked Iroh as he searched in the drawers. "Maeli, sir," the girl replied, glancing around the crimson-tinted room. "Ah, here we go!" the man handed her a towel, "I am General Iroh, but you may call me Uncle if you like."
"Thank you."
"You, girl," came Zuko's voice from the doorway. "Yes?" Maeli replied.
"You'd better not cause any trouble, got it?"
"Yes, sir, I won't," Maeli bowed.
Zuko turned on his heel and headed for the door. "Maeli!" the girl called after him. Zuko glanced back. "That's my name; Maeli." The prince left without a word. Maeli felt a bit foolish; like the great Fire Nation Prince would actually want to know what her name was. "Don't mind him," sighed Iroh, "He's always like that. In any case, there's an empty room right next door. We use it for storage but there is a bed in there. Make yourself comfortable." Maeli smiled and bowed before him, "Thank you!"
"Here, let me show you the way," Iroh led Maeli to the room he mention and lit the candles inside. Boxes were stacked along the walls and a thin layer of dust lay on objects. Iroh helped move some of the boxes and put sheets on the bed, along with a pillow. Maeli dusted off a small table in the corner and placed her cloak on it. The outfit she wore underneath was dirty and a bit ripped up. It was a green dress with long white sleeves and Earth Nation design. She untied the bun in her hair and began to dry herself; the cloak didn't do well to keep her hair from getting wet.
"Maeli, would you like some tea?" offered Iroh.
"Sure!" Maeli removed her wet shoes and sat on the bed to dry her feet. "I wonder if I made the right decision in coming here", she thought.
A few moments later, Iroh returned to the room with a teakettle and two cups in hand. Maeli pulled up the table and removed her cloak from it. Iroh sat the items down on the table and served the tea. "So, where did you come from?" he asked as he sat on his stool. "Earth Kingdom, I lived in a village called Nyu-jong," she slowly sipped the hot tea. "I've been traveling for some time."
"Where are you headed?"
"I don't know. After my father and big brother joined the war, I was on my own. I decided to travel to another Earth Kingdom village, where my aunt lived, but I guess I got lost."
"Its dangerous to travel alone, especially if you're a girl." He sipped his tea. "By the way, how old are you?"
"Sixteen."
"Really? That's interesting; you look at least thirteen! I wish I could have such youth!"
Maeli giggled. Iroh rose to his feet and scratched his belly, "Well, I won't question you any further; you need your rest. We can continue our conversation in the morning. Oh, and drink as much tea as you like, I'll retrieve the dishes tomorrow."
"Okay!"
"Good night!" Iroh waved. "'Night!" Maeli returned with a smile.
Maeli sat drinking her tea while trying to think of where she would go tomorrow; however, she didn't want to leave. She'd rather stay and learn more about these people. She heard that the Fire Nation was ruthless, but didn't entirely agree with that. General Iroh's hospitality confirmed Maeli's disagreement. The warm, soothing tea began to take effect and made Maeli sleepy.
Sometime during the middle of the night, Maeli awoke from her slumber. She sat up and felt something churn below her waist. "Bathroom" was the only word that entered her mind. All that tea finally took a toll on her. Maeli opened the steel door and her heart leapt when it made a loud screech. She peeked out the door and saw small candle-lit fires burning along the walls of the hall. Where was the bathroom? She did not know, and she was too shy to wake Iroh. "Can't be too far", she thought.
She tiptoed down one end of the hall, hoping not to disturb anyone. Suddenly, someone caught her by her shoulder and said, "Where did you come from?" It was another guard, but a different one. "Uh, um, the General let me – ah!" She twitched when the guard began running his fingers through her long hair. "A little mouse like you shouldn't be wandering alone in the dark." His voice changed into a looming tone, "You could get hurt." He grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer. Maeli gasped and felt her legs shaking.
"What're you doing?" came Zuko's demanding voice. The guard immediately released Maeli and faced the prince. "Your Highness, this girl is-"
"Is under my protection," Zuko ensured as he stepped closer. "If anyone is to harm her while she's on this ship, they will have to answer to me." The guard was taken aback. "Y-yes sir," he said with a bow and left. Once Zuko laid his eyes on Maeli, she immediately bowed her head.
"What are you doing out here?"
"I was searching for the bathroom", Maeli replied. Zuko approached her and said in a calm, yet demanding voice, "Raise your head." Maeli did as she was told but was too shy to look into the prince's eyes. She tried to straighten her brown hair to have a decent appearance before him. Zuko spoke again, "Earlier, you called me by my name before I told you who I was. How did you know my identity?"
"I heard about you in my village, and recognized you by your scar and your eyes."
There was a brief silence.
"The bathroom is over there," Zuko pointed out. "Oh, thank you, Prince Zuko," she bowed her head. Zuko left in silence. He returned to his cabin to continue going over the map of the Four Nations. He knew the Avatar was somewhere nearby. This time, he would be sure to catch him.
The next morning, Maeli had forgotten where she was and was startled to find herself in a strange room. But, she then remembered that Iroh took her in. She smiled at the thought of him. Then she remembered how Zuko got that guard away from her. "I have to thank him!" She brushed her hair and went to see if Iroh was awake first. Before she even knocked on his door, she heard Iroh snoring loudly and decided not to bother him. Feeling curious, Maeli began exploring the ship; it was her first time on one. She made her way towards the deck and heard blasts coming from the top. She climbed her way up and found Zuko sparring with a training partner. She stood there in amazement. She sighed dreamily as she watched the red flames dance around the two men. Zuko's movements were fierce, yet had a certain grace to them. Every breath built up his chi and unleashed bright flames from his fists. Zuko's brilliant roundhouse kick looked as if he was dancing with a fire dragon. "He's amazing!" Maeli whispered breathlessly.
When Zuko and his partner stopped practicing, Maeli subconsciously applauded. They were surprised to find someone watching them. Maeli ceased her applause. They didn't say anything. Zuko's partner bowed to him and took his leave. Zuko sat at a table and drank a glass of water. Maeli slowly approached with her hands held behind her back, "Uh- good morning, Your Highness. You were really amazing! You're a great firebender!" "Thanks", the prince replied plainly. A little smile stretched across Maeli's face, "Oh, and I wanted to thank you for last night. The way that guard tried to…come on to me…"
"Don't worry about it. Fetch me more water." Maeli blinked, "Okay. Would you like ice?"
"Yes."
Maeli started for the exit but stopped abruptly and faced Zuko again, "Um, where do I get it?"
"The galley. Its straight down the hall." The girl nodded and left.
Maeli could hear some of the guards talking about her as she made her way to the galley. "Why did they let her on here? She's from the Earth Kingdom!"
"I don't understand either."
"Zuko's just going to scare her off; he can scare anyone with a face like that."
"Yeah, ol' Pony-Tail!" The men chuckled; Maeli simply rolled her eyes.
"Where could he be? I'm sick of this game of his!" Zuko was wracking his brain about his plans to capture the Avatar. "I could've sworn I found him in this area, but I've seen nothing so far! Now this girl is going to be a nuisance. Then again, she could make a good servant."
"Prince Zuko?" Maeli called. Zuko met the girl's eyes. "Here," she handed him the water. He gulped it down fairly quick. He slammed it on the table with a slight growl. Maeli stood awaiting a command. "Sir, is there anything else I can do for you?" Zuko raised his head and stared at her for a long time. His stare was hypnotizing, and for once, Maeli stared back into his golden eyes. His eyes told all; his soul was tormented and had a longing for something to bring his mind at ease. "Go," he finally replied. Maeli frowned slightly, "Will you be alright? You look stressed." "Just go," he answered. The girl hesitated for a moment then took off. The prince rubbed his forehead out of exhaustion.
Iroh caught Maeli walking in the hall. "Oh, Maeli, good morning! Did you sleep well?" he called.
"Yes. That tea helped me sleep."
Iroh smiled, "That's good to hear. Now, about you situation: I don't like the fact that you're traveling alone. I know we've just met, but I do care about you. And as my duty as a parent, it is my responsibility to look after young people like yourself."
"What're you saying?"
"I am saying; how would you like to stay here? I know life at sea might not be so great, but I assure you, it is better than wandering on foot. And, if we come to a place that you'd like to live at, then we'll let you go. Besides, I think Zuko could use a little female company, especially someone his own age. He doesn't have any friends out here, so maybe you could cheer him up."
"Oh, but I don't think he likes me very much," said Maeli, scratching the back of her head.
"Yes, I know it may seem that way, but he's just going through some very hard times. Trust me, once you get to know him, you'll see what a kind person he is. He'll learn to like you, if he doesn't already," said Iroh with a chuckle.
Maeli smiled, "That's good to know. Ya' know, I don't care what other people say about you guys; not all people from the Fire Nation are bad. There's good and bad people everywhere, its not right to just proclaim one nation evil." Maeli sighed, "Some people are just so closed-minded."
"That is very wise! I can see that you were raised well."
"Thank you…I'm glad I met you and Prince Zuko; now I don't feel so alone."
"That's good – ", before Iroh could speak another word, Maeli ran up to him and embraced him. "Thank you so much for taking me in. I really appreciate your hospitality. Thank you…Uncle." Iroh hugged her back, "You're quite welcome." He patted her shoulder and said, "Now, would you join me for breakfast?" Maeli nodded happily and they walked to the galley.
Later, Zuko returned to his room, to find a plate of food sitting on his table; it was still warm. Maeli was busy in her room laying out the contents in her backpack. "Hmm, looks like I won't be needing some supplies for a while." A gold chain was sticking out from under a wrapped sandwich. She pulled it out and held it up. It was a gold, tarnished, heart shaped locket. There were no pictures on the inside, just the words: "Learn To Love Others". Maeli smiled at the locket and thought of her grandmother.
A knock at the door snapped her back to reality. "Yes?" she called. The door creaked open and Zuko walked up to her holding a pair of Fire Nation clothes, "Wear this. If you're going to stay here, you have to blend in." Maeli bowed graciously after accepting the clothes, "Yes, sir. Thank you- " she looked into his eyes and then shamefully stared at his feet, "Your Highness."
"Don't fear me. I'm not going to hurt you," Zuko spoke bluntly.
Maeli raised her head, "Prince?"
"You're always afraid to look at me. Am I that repulsive?" He raised his eyebrow with a somewhat menacing stare.
Maeli's eyes grew wide, "Oh no! Not at all! I think you're quite handsome! Its just, you're royalty and I'm…some peasant girl."
Zuko smirked, "Well, you are a peasant, but that doesn't mean you can't look at me, unless I say you can't."
Maeli's brown eyes glistened and she smiled widely, almost to the point of a giggle. Zuko turned his back to her and muttered, "Thanks for the food", but Maeli didn't catch it.
Maeli looked at the clothes she was given and said to herself, "This needs some modification." Iroh had lent her a sowing kit and she turned her outfit into a more girly fashion. It was a short-sleeved shirt with a pair of pants underneath a mini skirt. Zuko was puzzled when he saw her walking in the hall. He thought to himself, "That's not what I gave her!" "Zuko!" Iroh called, "So, how do you feel about Maeli staying here?"
"Its fine, I guess."
"Isn't she a doll? I think she looks nice in her new uniform!"
Zuko sighed heavily, "I'm going to practice some more."
Iroh simply smiled after him. On his way back to his room, he saw Maeli's things laid out on the floor. The locket caught his eye; he grinned deviously when he read the inscription.
Later that day, when Zuko finished training, he retired to his room. On his pillow, he found the heart-shaped locket. It was already opened and he read the words inside. Those words made him feel like he was missing something, something important in his life. He closed it and stuffed it under his pillow, "Maybe this omen will be of good use".
End of chapter 1Hope ya'll are catching my little "read-between-the-lines" shots I'm throwin' in there; especially in Zuko's last words. LOL Oh, how fun! More soon! Reviews please!