Okay, I swear by Agni that this chapter was meant to be a light and funny chapter. Those who know me know that the week it was written was not a happy week for me; I have a lot of bad memories due to the separation of my parents. Frankly, the Fortune Teller was so sugary sweet that it only worsened my mood. Hence, warning! This is a dark chapter, leaving out Music Night till next chapter. There is a lot of violence and sadness in this chapter. I worked hard to keep Zuko IC, angry but honorable. I hope I did him justice. The prayers Zuko said come from the Rosh Hashana Jewish prayers and were translated and adapted by yours truly. Hope you like this story. Special thanks to Roseblade, a great author. Dedicated to Khazia, a brilliant and amazing person and as always to Firebend, my angel and almost sister!
Look down, look down
Don't look 'em in the eye
Look down, look down,
You're here until you die
Look down, look down,
You'll always be a slave
Look down, look down,
You're standing in your grave
----Look Down "Les Miserables"
Look Down
Prince Zuko lay back on his bed, smiling. Hotaru was sitting on a pile of cushions, her eyes shining. He had to admit, life was good. He had spent the last day with his beloved sister. Nothing was better then laughing together over their precious few happy memories. Hotaru had changed a lot, she had gotten taller but in Zuko's eyes, she was still his big sister.
They had even skipped dinner to have more time together. Uncle Iroh had brought them a snack and the three of them had roared over shared experiences. Zuko had forgotten any pain in his life as he enjoyed his evening. He had been recounting tales of Mother and himself when they were young.
During the holiday of Sham'a, it was tradition for the teachers to play practical jokes on the students and the students to return the favor. Uncle and his protégé and best student, Lady Sakura had amused the entire school with their elaborate pranks. Each one hoped to out-do the other and the rest of the faculty and students had placed heavy bets on the victor.
"So your mother dances the entire evening, not realizing her hair was covered in flour. She was so angry when she found out," Uncle finished with a yawn. Zuko could not believe his stern mother had once been so jolly.
"I can't believe you are still alive after dumping flour on Mother," Hotaru giggled, tossing her pretty hair. Zuko was very proud of his elegant sister. When he returned, he'd see her married off to a noble of the blood.
"Oh, she got her revenge. I'll tell you about it later. It's getting late; we'd all best get to bed. I shall see you both for breakfast. I had the cook make you almond paste cookies. I remember feeding them to you when you used to come for tea," Uncle said, sipping the last of his tea.
"Zuko used to hide them in his pocket when you weren't looking!" Hotaru teased, ducking a pillow thrown at her.
Uncle grinned. "It would take a lot more then two little children to fool your old uncle. Sleep well!" He kissed Hotaru's forehead goodbye and patted Zuko's shoulder. "And behave yourselves! If the kitchen is raided, I will hold you both responsible!"
The two siblings giggled. "What you think we'll do? Dump your Ginseng tea overboard?" Zuko asked.
"Not a bad idea!" Hotaru laughed, winking at her little brother. Zuko smiled back, feeling six again.
"You both aren't too old to be sent to the corner!" Uncle called over his shoulder as he left. As the door closed, the two siblings collapsed into giggles.
"This really is like old times, Hotaru," Zuko said, his voice quivering. He had the Avatar and he had his sister back. He had nearly everything he ever wanted. Zuko feared that he would wake up and everything would be a dream.
"Old times without the homicidal father figure?" Hotaru questioned, her eyes narrowing. "Prince Zuko, don't be angry but I need to know..." she trailed off.
"It won't be discussed. I am in a good mood now and I do not want it ruined. It's completely irrelevant, it's the past. We are looking to the future. Sister, I wanted to discuss something with you anyway," Zuko said firmly, turning his face away so she could only see his unscarred side. Zuko didn't need his sister to know the extent of his shame. It was better for her to only have happy memories and pleasant information. Zuko had to protect her, like a brother should. "Your clothing is unseemly for a woman of your station. We'll buy you a veil and proper clothing when we reach the next port. The future Fire Lord's sister must dress modestly and in a manner dignified as befits her lofty station," he explained.
"Brother, I like my clothing. I can wear some of your clothing as well. I'm not some cultured lady of the court anymore. I'm a warrior," she retorted.
Zuko smiled. "It's my job to protect you now. You don't have to worry about anything. Now you take the bed, Sister and I'll sleep across the door to insure no one gets any ideas about losing their heads," he said as handed her one of his dressing robes for her to sleep in. He then turned around so she could change.
"Brother, why don't you buy me a chastity belt and be done with it?" Hotaru tasked, her voice light with merriment.
"Excellent idea. I'll have Uncle pick one up as well," Zuko said in serious tone. He had to keep Hotaru safe and pure. It was his duty.
"Prince Zuko! I am a big girl now; I don't you to watch over me. I'm your elder sister; it's my job to look after you!" Hotaru laughed. Zuko didn't laugh with her. He couldn't bear the thought of losing his sister again. She may think she was safe but Zuko would keep a close eye on her doings, just in case. Still, he had never been happier!
On Prince Zuko's ship, the word had spread like wildfire. Prince Zuko had gone stark raving mad. Stories of his insane behavior were traded throughout the ship. Prince Zuko had been seen whistling, reported one shocked warrior! He had not bereted anyone in the last day, added the Helmsman. He had not moodily locked himself in his room but had been walking around the ship smiling. At this point, every member of the ship would not be surprised if Hell had frozen over.
When Prince Zuko ordered a special Music Night be held, the crew had heard enough. Something had to be done. Prince Zuko hated Music Night; he barely could stomach it and would sulk in his room. Now he wanted the galley decorated! Helmsman Saiga insisted that they would have to inform General Iroh that Prince Zuko would have to be captured, restrained and taken to the finest healer available for treatment.
This was said with considerable affection. When they had learned how the prince had paid a heavy price for standing up for the common soldiers, the crew had decided that they could stand the youth's prickliness. After the young prince had risked his life for Helmsman Saiga, the crew's respect and loyalty had been won. This tormented boy was their responsibility now and they were determined to serve him to the best of their ability. They would defend him from all danger, including his new cheery madness. With the help of Agni, the prince would return to his normal moodiness.
"Perhaps we should enjoy Zuko as he is. Whatever the cause, it sure is pleasant," suggested Lt. Ryota in a soft whisper. "How often do we get a break like this? A week without being yelled at would be nice." A few heads nodded. They may have grown fond of the prince but no one liked receiving a verbal lashing from the sharp tongued prince.
"Pleasant to have completely lost his mind? It's not even capturing the Avatar, he's gotten him before. He has just gotten happy. Maybe he just spent too much time in the sun, but I think we should make sure the pressures of being captain haven't gotten to him," Saiga retorted protectively.
"Well...I am sure a week would make no difference in his treatment. I mean, if everyone's happy, then why stir the flames?" Daisuke agreed, rubbing his hands. When the prince had caught him sleeping on patrol last week, Zuko had lit his clothes on fire. After a verbal drubbing, Daisuke had been forced to scrub every inch of the deck every day for a week on reduced rations. No one was more eager then he to have a happy master to serve.
Suddenly, they heard a sound that chilled them to the very marrow of their bones, a sound so strange that they wondered if they were dreaming. Prince Zuko was in the hall outside, singing! "Rise up, Rise up O Agni, source of my happiness," Zuko was warbling happily the popular folk ballad. The prince was crooning like a female in love. This was beyond temporary insanity. This was madness!
"Ryota, enough is enough. He needs help. Even if it means ending the period of peace, we must protect our prince. He risked his life for us, we must do anything in our power to help him," Saiga demanded, slamming his hand down on the table.
"Now that he's got the Avatar, he'll be our future despot. Let's keep him alive and sane as long as possible so he can end this war," Daisuke agreed reluctantly. The problem was how to capture him.
Lt. Jee had reminded everyone that Prince Zuko would not come quietly. Saiga recommended drugging him, but none of them could get near his food. The general had long complained that Zuko never ate enough.
Ryota suggested everyone tackling him at once. Sergeant Daisuke looked a bit worried at that suggestion. Zuko was a formidable combatant; it would be a tough fight. Yet, the boy was only sixteen and they were all trained warriors.
"Sir? Could you come in here for a moment?" Ryota called out, as the men took their places. They all hoped to Agni that Zuko wouldn't skin them alive when he returned to sanity.
"Yes?" Prince Zuko walked in, looking quite cheery. The cheery grin faded the moment twelve men jumped on him. Prince Zuko squirmed and struggled as his hands were tied behind his back. The boy was an exceptional fighter, but he was no match for twelve well trained Fire Nation troops. "HOW DARE?" Zuko spat, before a gag was shoved into his mouth.
"We are sorry, sir. This is for your own good. We want you to get help and we know you can be cured of this insanity," Saiga soothed as the prince thrashed about like a fish. "I know you are angry but we are worried about you. Just relax; we are going to make sure everything will be all right."
Daisuke stared down at the captive. "Well, he does look angry now," he said as he, Jee, and Ryota picked up the captive and carried him out of the room. Zuko wasn't heavy but he was making it difficult to hold him by his wriggling about and him shouting muffled threats through his gag.
As they passed the kitchen, the little Water tribe girl was taking some laundry outside the room. She paused and burst out laughing as she noticed what was happening. She giggled, tears streamed down her cheeks. "Finally, some sweet revenge!" she taunted, throwing a dirty robe at him.
Zuko was mumbling something through his gag. His eyes were flashing sparks as she giggled at the prince's predicament. Saiga realized how close Zuko was to combusting! "Say it again? Hearing you restrained like the animal you are is music to my ears," the girl spat. Her eyes glinted with hatred as she walked around him, laughing. "I hope they kill you!"
"That's enough of that, girl. Back to your chores!" Jee snapped, trying to limit the mental anguish to his beloved prince.
"No, don't hurt him!" the little water prisoner begged, his eyes wide.
"Don't worry, he'll be fine," Saiga assured him, wondering why the little prisoner cared. They hustled their young master away to General Iroh's room. Zuko was clearly not making things easy, the men carrying the future lord were sweaty and breathless by the time they entered the General's chamber.
Inside they found General Iroh and the young lady found on the ship yesterday sitting together. Both their eyes widened when they saw the sight. "What have you done to my brother?" shrieked the young lady, flying towards them. "If you've hurt him!"
"Begging your pardon, my lady, but we fear Prince Zuko has gone mad. We think we should talk him to a healer. It's not natural for him to be so- well, so damn chipper," Saiga insisted.
General Iroh gave a worried laugh. "Please release him, gentlemen. I assure you that my nephew is not mad, or at least, he wasn't till you assaulted him. He was merely in a good mood," he said, waving his hand.
Saiga winced and cut the ropes binding the young prince. As expected, Zuko ripped off the gag and ignited flames in his hands. "How dare you assault my royal person? I shall see you all hanged for this!" he shouted.
The crew members fell to their knees. "We thought you were ill, we only did this to help you!" Ryota pleaded.
"Please sir, we only wanted to protect you!" Saiga continued the plea. Zuko actually had little power against them all but with his uncle at his side, he could kill them all. They looked to General Iroh, hoping he understood.
"Prince Zuko, I believe them. They will now ask before vigilante action and I think you should forgive them. They were merely showing their loyalty to you," General Iroh said, putting his hand on Zuko's shoulder. The prince growled angrily and stalked out of the room.
The general turned to the crew, his eyes blazing. "That was not very intelligent of you," he said in a withering tone. "Zuko will be hard to deal with now. I suggest we all stay out of his way till he calms down. Hotaru, that includes you. This storm will blow over but I can't promise the safety of the next person to anger Zuko," he said in a low firm voice. "I will go see what he is up to. Everyone return to work. Hotaru, stay here," the general continued, as he got to his feet.
"At least he's back to his normal angry self," Daisuke muttered, though no one listened to him. Katara giggled madly at the sight of the proud prince gagged and trussed like a fowl for slaughter. She and Aiiro were summoned early in the morning and told to begin work. They had been working hard all morning cooking and scrubbing for the depraved crew of this voyage under the supervision of the stern cook. Both of them spent the time fretting over their family and friends. Now, there was some payback! "Maybe there is justice in the world," she informed her young friend Aiiro, who was dutifully folding the tunics into neat piles.
"Poor Prince Zuko. I hope they don't hurt him, "the little boy answered back, his eyes wide. "He is the one who makes sure no one else hurts me. He gave me a ginger bun today and told me it wouldn't be long before I saw my friends again. I asked him and he said he'd even buy Aunt Sura a new parka! I know she wanted one so badly and now I'll be able to get her one," he chirped.
"Don't be foolish, Aiiro. Zuko is not going to keep his word. He's a freak of nature, a cruel, evil, depraved human being who should be strung up by his own entrails," Katara spat.
"Hush, Katara! Someone could hear you!" Aiiro said nervously. "You don't want to make anyone angry!"
"No one is around! They are all giving that loathsome beast his just desserts. I hope it's a mutiny and they are tossing him overboard!" Katara said. She pitied poor Aiiro who had been so traumatized by the events.
"Katara, please don't say anymore!" Aiiro begged, his eyes widening considerably. Katara rolled her eyes; she had to restore Aiiro's confidence.
"That stupid, smelly, ill-bred, worthless Fire bender shouldn't scare you, Aiiro. He is only protecting you because he's using you as bait. He told me himself that he has no honor and capturing Aang is the only way to gain it back. As far as I am concerned, the crew should restore their own honor and slit that cretin's throat. His own family must not want him; why else would they send him on a wild goose chase to capture the Avatar when no one knew Aang was alive. Whoever gave him that scar, I'll bet he deserved it. I bet he did something horrible. I really hope he suffered good and well for it," Katara said, her voice dripping with poison.
"Oh really?" roared a furious voice. Prince Zuko marched into the room, his eyes glowing with rage. "You trollop!" he hissed, moving lightning quick to grab her shirt. "I warned you about angering me! I told you to watch your mouth and show some gratitude for my kindness," he snapped, shoving her against the wall. Aiiro cried out and huddled by the side.
Katara whimpered under the assault. She had no water to bend! She tried to concentrate on the water in the pot, but Zuko began shaking her. "Do you think you are so damn clever, laughing and giggling at a person who holds the power of life and death over you? I could break my bargain and sell your tribe into slavery to teach you a lesson about insolence."
"No! Don't hurt them; they didn't do anything to you!" Katara pleaded. She would never forgive herself if more people suffered because of her. Please, she hadn't realized he had been there listening to her.
"Please don't hurt her, Prince Zuko. She's really not a bad girl," Aiiro pleaded, throwing himself at Zuko's feet. Bubbles of water floated around him. Aiiro was water bending! Katara wondered if Aiiro could actually fight back!
Zuko glared down at Aiiro. "Be quiet! I won't have you interfering!" he hissed.
"Please, Prince Zuko. Katara just talks too much. I'm sure she's really sorry," Aiiro continued softly. Prince Zuko turned to look at him, his expression unreadable.
"You leave Aiiro alone, you big bully!" Katara commanded, trying to be braver then she really was. She wasn't sure what that expression meant but she had to protect her little friend at all costs!
The furious prince turned back to her. "Hold your tongue, wench! Your days of trying my patience are over. You will learn respect and suffering will be your teacher," Zuko roared, making Katara's teeth rattle. There was a mad glint in his eyes that made Katara believe her captor had completely lost his mind.
"I'm sorry, please don't hurt me either!" she found herself begging. Katara found herself so terrified. There was something deeply unhinged about this teenager. He was not only a Fire bender but he was also a twisted psychopath. Katara knew he could go from suave interrogator to madman in seconds.
"It's a little late for that, you floozy!" Prince Zuko growled, shoving her down on the floor on her knees. "I am your master! I should cut out your tongue for your impudence!"
Katara moaned with fear and curled up into a ball in case he decided to hit her. "I'm sorry," she repeated. "You have Aang, you have me. We are all your prisoners. You've won. You don't need to do this," she soothed, trying to make her captor see reason.
"Don't tell me what to do. I won't be commanded. I will be respected!" he yelled, staring down at her. His hands were shaking and he seemed to be speaking to someone else. "I will be worshipped! I am the future Fire-Lord; I am the living incarnate of Agni on earth, I am the Morning and the Evening Star! I will not be mocked!"
Katara stared up at him with terror in her eyes. "Please stop. I am begging you," she beseeched. Aiiro was huddled in a corner, looking petrified. Obviously, he was smart enough not to speak again and suffer the consequences. "I'm sorry."
"Not as sorry as you will be. I'm the Prince of the Fire Nation, I will not be derided. I own you! I own everyone! Now, come on. I think I know the way to relieve this anger," Zuko snapped, dragging Katara along by the manacles around her wrist. "It's time you learned what happens to slaves when they forgo the mercy of their masters!"
Katara's blood ran cold as she mentally processed what was about to happen to her. She had always known about the facts of life, living in a single tent meant little was a shock to her, but she couldn't imagine what was about to happen to her. She wished to the Gods that Sokka was here to protect her. Whenever she had been afraid, Sokka had always been there to dry her tears.
None of the crew did anything to stop their prince from dragging her along. They merely stared for a moment before returning to their work. Katara didn't expect mercy from Fire benders but surely one of them had some sense of morality. Zuko pulled her into an empty bedroom, with a narrow bed against the wall. He had not said another word since he had threatened her. He had just fumed quietly to himself, his hands shaking with rage.
Katara squeaked fearfully as Zuko grabbed her by the shoulders. She could feel his hands digging into her shoulders like steel pincers. He then slammed her down on the bed. His eyes looked demonically possessed as he climbed on top of her. "You aren't laughing now, are you?" he hissed. Katara felt her hands pulled above her head by the manacles. He felt so heavy! Katara felt her chest tighten with terror as she waited to be assaulted.
"I'm begging you, don't do this to me." she pleaded as Zuko removed a knife from his boot and traced the blade across her neck.
"I could end your life in a breath, you know. I could do it," the angry royal hissed. "I want you to know that I have all the power in the world over you. I want you to understand to that every second you are alive is by my grace. I want you to beg me for mercy," he sneered.
"Mercy!" she whispered, willing to do anything to keep her honor.
Prince Zuko smirked and began cutting her clothing off. "Denied." Piece by piece, her clothing was ripped off her body, leaving her vulnerable to the cold and worse. She squirmed as her entire body was exposed before this perverted prince. She couldn't imagine what being violated felt like but she just wish he'd slit her throat and spare her the shame.
"Sokka..." she thought, wishing her brother was here as well. Her brother could make her feel so safe, she thought of him, holding her close and stroking her hair. She kept visualizing her family when they were happy.
Zuko finished disrobing her but had not disrobed himself. Just as quickly as his anger began, suddenly the storm cleared inside his furious eyes. "You aren't worth my time."
He studied her for a moment, his eyes gentle and terrified, so confused. Katara stared up at him. He seemed so much younger and helpless, that if it wasn't for the fear coursing through her veins, she'd almost pity him. Almost as if he was in a dream, Zuko backed away from over her. He looked at her almost fearfully. He looked remorseful and sad. Katara could not believe the transformation. "Get out! Just get out!" he roared. Katara just lay there, too shocked to move.
With a howl of rage, Zuko turned and strode towards her. "I said to get out, you strumpet," he roared, grabbing her chains, dragging her along. Katara numbly was pulled along across the floor and shoved outside the room. As the door slammed behind her, she realized dazedly that she was completely naked. She realized with burning shame that the eyes of the crew members were on her. She could only imagine what these monsters thought happened. Tears ran down her cheeks as she lurched to her shaking feet, trying to cover as much as she could. She could feel the eyes of every single person of the crew burning into her.
Katara felt so drained emotionally and physically that she almost wished she could throw herself overboard. She knew the chains would sink her to the bottom, and she almost hoped that would happen. She had no where to go, nothing to cover herself with. She was naked in front of Fire Nation men; she had nearly been raped by their prince. She was so numb at those thoughts, her entire soul felt broken beyond repair. Things that ordinarily would have mortified her beyond belief just stung. She just felt so lost and helpless.
"Don't you ever anger my nephew again. Consider yourself lucky you still live," a quiet voice said, disturbing her thoughts. It was the old man who traveled with the prince. He was looking at her sadly, shoving a blanket towards her. Katara barely listened to the voice; she was too busy wrapping the blanket around her body. Hands on her shoulder lead her inside another hall. Katara shivered. She didn't want to be touched. She tried to resist but the old man was too strong for her. He just kept dragging her along and Katara finally felt too weak to fight back. She fell into the closet she and Aiiro had been imprisoned in. "You will remain here, until my nephew decides what will be done with you." The door then slammed and the footsteps faded away.
Katara sat dully, staring at the wall. Her mind was completely blank. She didn't know how long she sat there before she began to sob. She couldn't stop the tears from flowing as waves of rage and humiliation stormed within her. All she wanted to do was die.
Iroh sighed. He couldn't believe how angry his good-hearted young student had gotten. Between the crew tying him up, breaking his precious code of honor and being insulted, he was glad to see Zuko hadn't killed her. He knew what Zuko had done was wrong, but he had seen soldiers Zuko's age do far worse to women for far less provacation. War was a cruel teacher.
His poor Zuko, he could only imagine how guilty the wretched boy was feeling. After seeing that trollop off to a prison cell, he returned to insure Zuko was all right. He wasn't surprise to find him prostrate on the floor, his head pressed firmly to the ground before the idol of Agni in his room.
"For the sins committed before your holy name, I beg forgiveness. Your right hand is stretched out to receive the penitent. May you receive us into your presence in perfect repentance. In Agni's name, I pray!" He was muttering, stretching out his hands. He was praying, saying the prayer of contrition. There was something soothing about it; Zuko was definitely remorseful for what he had done. Iroh knew Zuko battled with his explosive temper, the violent anger that had been created out of the pain in his life.
Zuko often meditated, trying to calm the raging fury inside him. After he committed a truly evil act, Zuko would pray for hours. Iroh had been aware of how many moral lines his student had crossed; it was only a matter of time before he exploded. Iroh knew Zuko had a good heart, he was inherently a good person and how much doing cruel acts pained him.
"To know one's opponent is half the battle," he said softly, placing his hand on his student's back. He wished he could comfort Zuko a bit more, he could not believe how much this poor child had gone through. "Any battle can be won if your heart is in it. Eventually, even the strongest fire will stable itself out," he assured his young ward.
"He lives in me. I can feel it," Zuko whispered, his head bowed. "I must not allow myself to be ruled by anger. "I must be a true leader; I must keep a level head. I must prove myself worthy." He had not opened his eyes. In the candle-light, Zuko's youthful appearance seemed older. The harsh light illuminated the folds of his scar and the angry lines in his forehead. "I have a kingdom to rule. I dream of being like Sozen and Katsui, the great leaders of the past," he continued, his voice hollow. The unspoken 'not like Father or Grandfather' lingered in the air.
"If you believe, it is no fantasy," Iroh quoted wisely. He wished he knew how to phrase himself properly. "Did you finish the deed with that girl?" he asked, afraid to broach the subject. Zuko's posture stiffened at that comment. "I am not angry, nephew. I merely wish to do as much damage control as possible. There are herbs to make sure nothing of significance comes from it. And then you really should take a bath. A peasant girl like that, who knows what kind of illnesses she could be carrying?" he continued, patting his nephew on the shoulder.
"I don't want to talk about it," Zuko explained, his voice quivering with shame. "I don't want to ever remember what I did again." His chin lowered at that, Zuko seemed completely mortified by his actions. Ozai had never felt remorse for his cruelty. As long as Zuko did, there was hope for him. It was better he got his anger out on slaves then on people in his family. "I will cut off my hand before I ever do that again."
"I heard what you said to her. That she would learn respect and suffering would be her teacher," Iroh continued. He saw Zuko's jaw tighten at those fateful words. "Not the best choice of words."
"I know what I said. Father would be so proud of me," he muttered, still not opening his eyes. His hand reached up to touch his scar. Iroh winced, he hated looking at that reminder. Iroh had never forgiven himself for letting Zuko into the war chamber. He would give his life to erase that event from existence.
"When in battle, one often flings back the stones thrown at you. That does not make you your enemy." Using the harshest words ever said to you doesn't make your father, Iroh longed to say. He knew Zuko would understand. They had their own way of communicating. Zuko finally opened his golden eyes. There was so much uncertainty and sadness in them.
"I…I…what I did was unforgivable. I am my father." Zuko seemed so desolate at that thought. Iroh wanted to laugh. Zuko may have a violent temper but he had a heart softer then water.
"I am responsible for the deaths of thousands of people. I burned down cities to the ground, destroyed entire areas. I enslaved so many people and sent so many to their doom. My hands are not clean either. We can't look to the past, we can only look to the future. And you are the future." Iroh smiled and bowed his head. Soon enough, he'd see Zuko happy. "I must remember to insist you study the sacred chants, my nephew. The future Lord must know them perfectly. I am disappointed that you haven't studied them harder considering all matters. You must work harder and properly nourish yourself to fulfill your destiny as the next great one, a king known for justice, wisdom and mercy and remembered as the greatest master the nation has ever known," he chided gently.
Zuko instantly got the message. "Do you really mean that?" he asked, his voice quivering. Clearly, the last few days had been an emotional whirlwind for Zuko. He needed some rest. As soon as Zuko returned to Azar, Iroh would insist he rest by the hot springs. It would keep him away from Ozai for a while. He still didn't know how he would tell Zuko that Hotaru couldn't return with him. She had been permanently banished and only a miracle could save her. Well, there would be time for that later.
"Of course, I do. You know I don't think you eat enough. Proper nourishment is essential for a happy life. Now we should be arriving at the port of Khazia in an hour or so. We'll restock supplies and we'll take Hotaru shopping. Then tonight is music night. We should be arriving at the port of Azar in ten days," he explained. Iroh wasn't used to be so open with Zuko, he preferred conveying his lessons through humor. Yet the message was clear. Everything was going to be all right.
"Thank you, Uncle," Zuko whispered, still looking utterly ashamed of himself. "I swear I will never lose my temper like that again."
"Do you wish to keep praying?" Iroh asked, kneeling down next to Zuko. He supposed it was good for the boy to turn to Agni instead of sake. Zuko nodded and bowed his head again. "Heal us, O Agni, You who cure all of us. Redeem us, O Agni and guide us. Heal us, redeem us for Agni is our salvation," the two warriors began chanting. "Agni's name be praised."
A/N-I promise things will lighten up a bit, though this story is dark. I hope it wasn't too suddenly dark! Poor Katara, she doesn't know the problems ahead. What will Hotaru think of what her brother did? What happened to Sokka and Aang? What was going on with Lt. Jee's stirring love ballad? All shall explained next time!