Chapter 3: What Are You Searching For?

I was awakened to the sound of walking outside my door. I sat up and stretched before walking out. I felt a yawn coming as I exited my room so I closed my eyes. When I opened them, I almost walked into Zuko.

"Watch where you're going." He said walking by.

"I guess someone didn't sleep well." I smirked. I guessed he just tuned me out because he kept walking towards the stairs that led to the deck. I followed behind but a good distance behind him. As I walked up on the deck, the sunlight was blinding so I tried to shield my eyes. Once my eyes adjusted, I saw Iroh looking over the edge of the ship. He looked up at me.

"Good morning Anhayla. Did you sleep well?" He asked.

"Actually, I did." I said, almost not believing it.

"Good, good." He said turning his attention back to the other side of the ship. Curious as to what he was looking at, I stood beside him and looked over with him. I sighed when I just saw Zuko ordering around his soldiers.

"Spread out men. You have absolutely no reason to fail this time since the sun is out!" he shouted.

"Is he always this cranky or only when he's forced to have someone who kicked his ass on his ship? I asked.

Iroh laughed, "Oh don't worry about him. That's actually him in a good mood."

"So what is the grinch looking for, his heart?"

"No, he's looking for the Avatar."

My eyes widened, the Avatar? "Whoa, good luck with that. Didn't he die a long time ago or something?" I asked.

"That's what some people think but honestly, if he did I'm pretty sure he would've showed up in the Water Tribe. Since he didn't, I would guess he's still alive…somewhere…." He trailed off. I looked off to see Zuko entering the woods a few yards away. Once again, I felt Iroh staring at me. I didn't face him this time,

"You're staring again." I said.

"Oh, I'm sorry really I am, it's just that you look so… familiar for some reason. I can't put my finger on it and it's driving me a little crazy."

"I don't think we've ever met before." I said facing him.

"I know we haven't. It's just that you look like someone I've seen before. You must forgive me, I'm getting older and my memory isn't what it used to be."

"It's ok, I'm sure you'll remember." I said.

It was a couple of hours before Zuko came back angrier than when he had left. Iroh and I were engaged in a game of Pai Sho when he came stomping towards us.

"So I take it that you didn't find him?" Iroh asked, not taking his eyes away from the game.

"This is getting ridiculous! How can he be that good at hiding?" Zuko asked frustrated.

"Maybe you're not looking hard enough." I joked.

"Come now Anhayla, that wasn't nice. This is very important to him." Iroh said.

"So, why exactly are you looking for him?" I asked, making my move in the game.

"Why do you care?" he asked.

"Because I need to know something. Are you trying to find him so you can ask him for his help in ending this war?" I asked.

"And if I was?" he asked.

"Then I'd help you." I said. I closed my eyes a little. Nothing would make me happier than to end this war. It's brought me so much pain. But can I really trust these people? Not only are they Fire Nation, they're the Fire Lord's son and brother. If I really want to end this war, I should get rid of them both.

"HELLO!" Zuko yelled.

I snapped out of my thoughts, to see Iroh staring at me and Zuko even more frustrated. "WHAT?" I yelled back.

"So are you going to help me or not?" he asked.

"Fine, whatever it takes to get you to shut up. Can't you see we're playing a game here?" I said.

"Yeah and it's your move Anhayla." Iroh said. I guess that's why he was staring at me.

Zuko stormed off, "Great, now there's one more person to drive me up the damn wall!"

I laughed a little before moving one of my tiles, " So is that still him in a good mood?"

"No, that's definitely his bad mood." Iroh said making his last move and ending the game.

I frowned, "Now I'm in a bad mood. That's the 6th time you've won." I pouted.

"Yes but you're getting better with every play. Would you care to play again?" he smiled.

"I'd rather eat, I'm starving." I said rubbing my stomach.

"Of course, I guess we're due for something to eat.