Corresponding Hearts Chapter 2


Zuko

How can I even respond to the letter that you've written me? Do you really think that I can accept it just like that, that I can actually believe that you want to help us instead of use us to capture Aang? Yet, to tell you the truth, some part of me wants to believe you.

I saw your face that day your uncle was attacked. There was so much sorrow and confusion. It was as if you were battling for the right emotion to feel. Forgive me for being so bold, but if you are truly sincere about helping, then you need to know that I pretty much call it like I see it. If you can accept that without trying to fry me to cinders, well, then, at least we're on the right track.

And if you're wondering how my brother, Sokka and Aang are handling this, they don't even now. I can't tell them and I won't tell them, not until I know you're for real. Like I said, I want to believe you, but after all that you've put us through, I won't risk the safety of the ones that I love without knowing, with one hundred percent certainty, that you won't betray us.

If you truly want to change and if you truly want to help your people like you said you did; then prove it to me. Do something that would prove, not only to me, but to Sokka and Aang that you truly want to help. Then I'll know that you're for real.

Oh, and by the way, great bird, bit of an attitude, but very beautiful.

Katara


Zuko threw back his head and laughed. His bird of paradise had arrived early the next morning with what appeared to be a response to his letter. He stood in front of his carrier with a bit of apprehension. He wasn't really expecting anything in return, he almost expected to see his own letter returned unopened.

Yet, here was his response. The only thing he had to do now was reach out and take it, just open it and read what the water bender girl had written. It turned out harder then he thought and when he finally read it, he laughed.

"How typical; she wants to believe me, yet she expects me to perform some wondrous act to prove my self to her. That wench!" The piece of parchment in the prince's hand went up in flames.

"What seems to trouble you nephew?" Iroh had heard the strange laughter from his young charge and took it upon himself to check if everything was all right. Ever since that day with Azula, Zuko had seemed withdrawn. More and more each day, Iroh felt as if he were loosing him. It was like loosing his son all over again. He had to find some way to help him, even if that help came from unexpected sources.

"Nothing troubles me uncle." Zuko stormed past his uncle and threw himself into his tent shutting the flaps, clearly stating that he wanted no interruption.

Iroh shook his head sadly and looked to the floor where his hot headed nephew once stood. There, being consumed by embers looked to be the remains of a letter. He stamped the fragment snuffing the supply of oxygen from the paper. He wondered if this would grant him some knowledge as to why his nephew was acting so strangely.

The aged general picked the shred of paper from the floor and was only able to make out a few neatly written words; do something…. prove….. help……. Katara, and, amusedly enough, a small reference to Zuko's bird.

So this is what's going on. /Zuko is trying to find his way and does he by some chance think that his path might intersect with that of the Avatar/ "Interesting. Well, my young prince, it looks like this Katara might be more of a challenge then capturing her friend." A sly smile crossed over Iroh's face. This was the sign that he had been waiting for, the opportunity to help his nephew find his way.

"And it appears, my dear Katara, that you might be the key to this mystery."


Well, that was part two. I hope that I'm developing the plot to this story with some kind of structure or another and I hope that it isn't too typical. I guess the only way that I would know would be to review. So, please do. Thank you!