"I'm taking your crew," Zhao had said much too happily as he left the ship, Zuko's once loyal soldiers following him. Just like when Zhao had first betrayed them, Zuko locked himself in his room and refused to let either Mai or Iroh in.
"I hate him," Mai said, her voice tight with anger. "I really wish he would just drown already, or that the Avatar would go insane and kill him."
"Now Mai, you know nothing good will come of speaking that way," Iroh scolded gently, then after a slight pause, "even if I can't exactly disagree."
"And I can't believe he had the nerve to make that offer, right in front of Zuko!" Mai crossed her arms over her chest. "Pretty stupid of him considering the last time he tried to get me on his side."
"Perhaps he has a death wish," Iroh chuckled. Just then, Zuko approached them. His face was red, as if he'd either been crying or swearing with rage, but unlike the last betrayal his expression was anything but blank and hopeless.
"Hey. Sorry if I worried you," he said, almost as if it were a reflex.
"No more than usual," Mai teased. "So, what made you decide to come out on your own this time?"
"I realized we don't need a bunch of useless sailors and Firebenders," Zuko said. "Especially ones stupid enough to follow Zhao. We're going to do this alone from now on, just the three of us." He sighed. "Of course, that's all I've figured out for the moment. We'll need time to plan our next move and we'll have to be extra careful from now on."
"Wow." Mai smirked. "Check out the new Zuko. All the determination with half the stubborn recklessness!"
"I approve of this change in your attitude, nephew," Iroh added. Zuko blushed, rubbing the back of his head.
"Y-yeah...well, remember when I'd get angry and think the crew's safety wasn't important? I can't do that this time." He paused, looking down at his feet. "Mai, Uncle...you're all I've got now."
Wordlessly, they nodded and pulled him into their embrace.