~ The Blue Spirit ~

Ryuu POV

"We haven't been able to pick up the Avatar's trail since the storm, but if we continue heading northeast ..."

After the storm incident that happened day ago, we had managed to lose the Avatar's trail. Not that we had it in the first place, but Zuko had woken up grouchy, so I decided not to point that out. As we poured over the map, the sun was blocked by a massive hulk of a vessel. The helmsman rolled up the map, saluted and marched back to the newly repaired command tower.

"Oh, no, Look sharp. We've got company," I hissed.

Iroh, Zuko and I stood on deck after a brief talk with the helmsman (well, Iroh was sitting opposite a solider, playing Pai sho). The storm had cleared of overnight, leaving us floating about to a port. After a relatively quick repair, we were off again. Iroh had set up a Pai sho board on deck to make the best of the brilliant weather.

"What do they want?" Zuko growled.

Iroh, being ever positive, gestured to the board, "Perhaps, a sporting game of Pai Sho!"

In unison, Zuko and I went 'Pfft.'

A lone soldier was lowered on a rope ladder to our ship. I crossed my arms defiantly, but Zuko and Iroh knew that meant I was terrified. The soldier marched over to us, scroll in hand. He hid behind an emotionless skull mask. He unravelled the scroll and began to read:

"The hunt for the Avatar has been given prime importance. All information regarding the Avatar must be reported directly to Admiral Zhao."

Behind us, Iroh spoke up, "Zhao has been promoted? Well, good for him!" Before promptly winning the game. The soldier he was playing against , Private Xie, face-palmed.

Zuko turned back to the soldier, a deep scowl embedded on his face. He made a half step infront of me. I cannot Bend any elements, or defend myself to a great extent (I hate being useless), so what he was going to say next, he was afraid that the soldier would react badly.

"I've got nothing to report to Admiral Zhao. Now get off my ship and let us pass." Zuko said it with a scary amount of calm for him.

The soldier went to go into a Firebending position, "Admiral Zhao is not allowing ships in or out of this area."

Zuko reacted, putting his whole body infront of me, crossing his arms and raising one hip. He stepped forward to intimidate the older soldier. To some extent it worked as he stood back up. But he didn't lower his hands. Zuko snarled.

"Off my Ship! Now!"

The soldier did not show any respect. He turned on his heel and marched back to the ladder, scroll trailing after him. Iroh yelled unexpectedly, making my jump. It made Zuko whip around and prepare to fight. Iroh held his fists in the air.

"Excellent! I take the pot!"

Private Xie threw his hands to his face. He groaned as Iroh took a sack of jingling peices; several spilling out onto the deck.

"But you're improving! I'm certain you will win if we play again."

Zuko and I shared a glance. If we didn't stop the game, Poor Xie would be broke by three games in...

...

A few hours past and Zhao still wasn't giving permission to leave. We had steamed up and down the same shoreline for two hours. My self-played game of Eye spy was getting really boring. The sun was setting over the horizon as Zuko made the best of it. He practiced his Firebending like there was no tomorrow.

While he did that, I tried Exposure Therapy. It was slightly working, but I still felt the usual adrenaline rush of fear. Iroh stepped towards us from the Command tower. He looked genuinely concerned.

"Is everything okay? It's been almost an hour and you haven't given the men an order."

The older man laced his hands. Zuko stopped fighting with the air and wiped his head free of sweat, using the back of his hand. He suddenly swung at the air, shooting a turret of flames.

"I don't care what they do. Anyway, What is there to do?!"

Iroh remained calm. He was amazing like that. Zuko screamed at the invisible enemy. He was making me worry for him - Zuko looked desperate.

"Don't give up hope yet. You can still find the Avatar before Zhao."

He swung back towards his Uncle, "How, Uncle? With Zhao's resources, it's just a matter of time before he captures the Avatar."

He turned his back on both of us. Hardly audibly, he whispered, "My honor, my throne, my country, I'm about to lose them all."

Iroh put out his hand and gently patted his Nephew on the shoulder. He motioned I do the same. After the storm, I'd made it my mission to walk, so I could be more of use. I didn't sleep a wink that night as I was practicing without the cane. It sort of paid off. I managed to stand and walk short distances without falling over.

I placed my hand on the Prince's forearm, "No you aren't, Princess. The world works in mysterious ways. Never know... if you meditate enough, a spirit may come and help you."

For the record, I wish I didn't say that, because it gave Zuko that stupidly brilliant idea.

...

Third person POV

Pohuai Stronghold, Night

He was good at what he did. He had managed to sneak past the first gate via a well timed wagon, after that, the other gates just got easier. All that needed to happen now was free the Avatar. That thought didn't sit right in his head.

Previously, on the ship, he had tried to Firebend with that thought sitting heavily in the front of his head. Only pitiful flames came. So the swords would have to do.

Now, up in the central tower, The Blue Spirit just needed to knock out the guards. One was down, than another and another. They followed in quick succession, like dominoes. While he was supposed to be silent, he couldn't help he chuckle. He had just managed to take down about four fully grown adult men without much of a bother, with just his own strength and swordsmanship.

The two swords, wickedly sharp, easily sliced through the chains restraining the Avatar. He decided not to speak, even to the boy he was freeing, for fear of being recognised. He wouldn't even scream. That's how scared of recognition he was.

Getting out of the Fortress was much harder than getting in. As it should be. But it was still a pain in the ass.

The final gate was so close. But they didn't make it. They fell but The Blue Spirit mask stayed put, much to his relief. He had threatened to kill the Avatar so they could escape. So close to freedom. A few steps left.

But the it all went dark.

...

Ryuu POV

Zuko was gone.

Initially I panicked. But then, when I noticed the two swords were gone and the most recent update of the Avatar being captured- I cursed Zuko. He was gone to retrieve what he viewed as his. The sun was still down and, bar a few fuzzy outlines, I couldn't see anything.

And the fact that Zuko was gone.

...

When He woke up, Zuko was shocked at the revelation he found. The Avatar was squatted on a tree root, The Blue Spirit mask was no longer hiding his identity. After a lengthy 'Friendship' speech Zuko ended it in the appropriate way, by sending a scorching Fire his way.

The Avatar fled. Zuko grabbed his mask and dual swords and, despite himself, he wondered what Ryuu would say about this whole business... if was ever to tell her.

...

"Where have you been, Prince Zuko? You missed music night! Lieutenant Jee sang a stirring love song. And Ryuu did the most amazing Flute solo."

Iroh gestured to prove his point. I sat opposite him, holding my flute. Zuko walked between us, dragging his swords and a Blue Spirit mask, while dressed in all black. He looked severely disappointed.

"I'm going to bed. No disturbances."

Iroh scratched his beard and went back to playing his Tsungi horn. I watched Zuko go into the darkness. When Iroh was fully into the song, so I took my chance and slipped away. After making a detour to the kitchens for Ginger tea, I took a deep breath.

Slowly, I opened the door to Zuko and my room.

"I said NO DISTURBANCES!" Zuko yelled, launching a low flying candle at me. I ducked it easily.

In the darkened room, Zuko was laying flat out on his bed. The swords had been replaced on their correct places and he had changed into an open tunic and loose fitting trousers. Even though it was dark, I looked away.

"Just... here."

I handed him the tea before quickly turning and closing the door behind me. Either I was mistaken, but I thought I heard Zuko whisper a 'Thank you'...

...

It was around lunch when I next checked on Zuko. He didn't throw a candle at me but did protest to the noise. Light filtered better through the slit above the shrine, glowing off of Zuko in an ethereal way. He had his hands tuked beneath his head and his tunic was fully open, showing off his chest.

He was asleep - I put the bowl of noodles and cup of Ginger tea beside him. I didn't know whether to wake him or not. He needed to eat. So I decided to risk being killed and wake the sleeping Prince.

Placing my hand on his shoulder, I gently rocked him awake. Initially, he murmured nonsensical things, swatting away my hands. Then, when he had stirred better, he stared up at me. I took it to mean back off. He pushed himself up on his elbows, groaning and gasping.

"What- are we being attacked? Is Zhao here? Is-"

"No, no- you- you need to eat..."

He burrowed his eyes into mine. His two pools of molten gold. They swirled in the light, playing tricks, producing their own light. I dug my nails into my palms in way of scolding. How could I even consider thinking those things?

Slowly and cautiously, He reached for the bowl of noodles. I ended up handing it to him. He put the bowl to his lips and swallowed the whole lot in one gulp. I have to say, I was impressed. He passed the bowl back and took up the Ginger tea. He knocked it back in one shot. The whole thing.

"I'll go now," I stumbled, taking the cup and bowl.

I managed to get to the door but something told me not to leave. I could feel Zuko's eyes on my back. He was breathing deeply, like he was going to say something. Instinctively, I whipped around. Zuko was massaging the small of his neck sheepishly.

"I'd- ugh... Stay. It's an order. "

The bowl and cup clanked together in my hands as they shook. I plopped myself down next to the Prince. He lay back down and exhaled sharply.

" Thank you... for the... the."

I cocked my head and studied his face. He screwed his eyes up, sighed and flicked them open again.

"Should I g-"

"Please stay... please. Uh, What happened to you? Before you- you worked for me?"

I flinched at the question. When he saw he touched a nerve, Zuko was the perfect gentleman.

"You don't have to answer. I just-"

"No. I will."

I threw my hands into my lap and drew in a long breath, "Now, Where do I begin..."