CHAPTER SIX
Old Enemies Become New Allies
After much thought Prince Zuko finally decides that he is tired of chasing the Avatar and is giving
up. Once he has made up his mind he reluctantly tells Uncle Iroh. Zuko is ashamed to give up
because to him it is a sign of weakness. Iroh on the other hand praises Zuko's decision saying that
there are more important things in life than hopelessly pursuing after what one cannot catch. "After
all, a man needs his rest" he says.
After this conversation Zuko turns to leave, but Iroh notices that there is more on his mind. Iroh
fatherly asks "anything more you want to talk about?" Zuko says "no" and begins to walk away
again. Iroh is unconvinced but decides not to press the matter. As Zuko walks away he begins to
consider that he should have told his uncle, Zuko is secretive by nature but he feels that if he does
not talk about what is eating him on the inside that he will explode.
After much more contemplation Zuko decides to tell his uncle his reasons for giving up the chase.
Uncle Iroh calmly listens while Zuko tells him his love for Kattara. After Zuko is done there is a
long silence. After many moments the silence is finally broken. Uncle Iroh quietly says "Love is
very powerful, very beautiful, and sometimes very dangerous." "The power of love has led many
people to take unnecessary risks and it has even cost some their lives." "Be very careful in this
matter, Prince Zuko. Love has clouded the eyes and minds of many, be sure it does not cloud
you." "As for your decision to give up the chase of the Avatar, that was very wise. As I've said
before a man needs his rest." "Your destiny is intertwined with the Avatar, as you have long known
he is your only chance of reclaiming your throne; but not in the way you originally intended."
"We have figured out what we need to do, the only problem is finding out how to do it." Says
Uncle Iroh. After the conversation had ended Iroh and Zuko spent the rest of the day thinking
about how they were going to find and convince their enemies that they now wanted to join forces
to accomplish a common goal. Zuko finally decides to become the "Blue Spirit" once again and go
scouting for them. A thought dances across his mind of kidnaping Kattara, but he quickly
dismisses it as ridiculous. Prince Zuko leaves after sunset because that is when he can travel with
the least possibility of interruption and discovery. After a brief good-bye with his uncle Zuko
leaves to scout out Aang and his friends.
After only one night and half a day of searching Zuko had found them, the were in a forest not to
far from the town that he and is uncle were in when they were sarcastically invited to Princess
Azula's wedding. Aang and his friends needed to be near the town just in case they needed
supplies; but they didn't want to go in the town unless they had to because every time they were in
a town they always got in trouble with the Fire Nation or with the towns residents. When Zuko
found them he decided to just watch them and see what they were doing.
Right now they weren't doing anything except relaxing and conversing. Zuko wondered if he
should go back and get Uncle Iroh but if he did he might not be able to find them again. After
many hours Zuko finally decides to put himself at their mercy and tell them what he is doing. Right
after nightfall Zuko approaches the camp quietly and cautiously. When he finally gets the nerve he
comes out. The group don't see him for a while but when they finally do they jump up and quickly
surround him. They handle him quite roughly, but Zuko does not offer resistance. After he has
been disarmed they interrogate him about his purpose for tracking them. Zuko tells them that he
wants to surrender and stop chasing after Aang. They don't believe him at first because it seems
weird to them that Zuko the son of Fire Lord Ozai would want to surrender. Zuko tells them that
they both have a common enemy and that they can help each other out. Zuko promises that he is
not trying to trick them. He then asks if he can go and get his uncle whom he had left behind. They
agree but only on the condition that Hakoda and Bato go with him. Zuko agrees and they set out
to get Uncle Iroh. They have no trouble in finding him and they quickly return to the camp.
Hakoda and the other Water Tribe Warriors ask Iroh and Zuko many questions about why they
have decided to betray the Fire Nation. Prince Zuko remains silent but Uncle Iroh tells them
everything and after many hours of discussion everyone finally goes to bed.