It had been seven days. An entire week since Zuko freed his uncle jail and fled the capitol city of the Fire Nation, since he'd declared that he wanted to end the war. Unfortunately, he still fell back into old habits, and hadn't thought things through, thus having no idea how he was going to accomplish such a thing.

Iroh was not going to give any advice this time, though. Zuko needed to make his own decisions, and Iroh was going to respect whatever actions he took. He realized his nephew had his own choices to make, and his own path to follow.

So, the pair traveled throughout the nation as the young prince tried to concoct a plan. Iroh stayed by his side, happily offering comfort and support.

One night, they sat silently in their small camp, Iroh watching the campfire, Zuko staring at the sky.

Zuko broke the silence by asking, "Do you think the moon's lonely?"

Iroh was surprised by the question. It was an odd thing to ask, especially for his nephew. He looked to the sky, where a full moon shined brightly, and, after thinking for a moment, said, "No, it has all the stars to keep it company."

"What about pressured?" Zuko asked. "Like it has too much responsibility."

"Why do you think it would feel like that?"

"Well, because the whole world counts on it give light at night."

"It doesn't do everything alone," Iroh said, turning to look at his nephew. "The stars provide whatever light they can, and the sun gives its own light to the moon."

Zuko was quiet, seeming to mull over his uncle's words. After a few moments, he spoke.

"I know what I want to do."

The next day, they set off to search for the Avatar.


Author's Notes: Yeah. This can be interpreted as either Zutara or a Zuko-centric. It doesn't really matter.

Uhh, I actually wrote this before 310 and 311. xD So, that's why Zuko isn't immediately going after Aang. Sorry if he's OOC in this. xP I tried my best to keep in character, but I don't think he is.

Disclaimer: I do not own 'Avatar' or any of its characters.