Disclaimer: I don't own Zuko or anything else Avatar.

Author's Note: This story is focused primarily on Zuko and his adventures, but I will add little Iroh shorts to help tie up the ending. Enjoy!

Aboard "The Granite"

Chapter 2

In the morning when Zuko had awakened, he found himself below deck of an Earth Kingdom ship. He could hear the waves hit against the ship's sides and could feel the gentle rocking of the boat, to which he had grown accustomed with his two years at sea.

He had hoped that last night was just a bad dream he could wake up from, but his head hurt and he felt dizzy. That's when he was sure that his experience was real. Soon the world began to spin and Zuko felt that he might throw up when he heard someone speak.

"Drink this," the figure said as he handed him a cup of tea. "it will make you feel better."

Zuko took the tea and drank. He never thought he would be so happy for a cup of tea in all his life. The banished prince took one sip and immediately felt better. He handed the cup back to the figure, which he could now make out to be a man in an Earth Kingdom uniform.

"My name is Lang," the man greeted Zuko. "welcome to the Earth Kingdom army."

Lang appeared to be no older than Zuko. He had brown hair and looked like a common Earth Kingdom citizen.

"Lee" Zuko replied wearily. "My name's Lee"

"Good to meet you" Lang said reaching out and shaking Zuko's hand.

Zuko sat up and found that he was laying on a pile of sheets.

Not much hospitality in the Earth army Zuko thought dryly while he looked around the dark bleak room.

He stood up and Lang handed him an Earth Kingdom uniform, but Zuko pushed it away. "I'm not wearing that."

Lang shrugged, "Suit yourself, it's ten lashes though."

Zuko cringed as he grabbed the uniform.

ATLAB

It was morning and the sun was just coming up when Iroh had awakened. He felt bad about his little fight with Zuko the other night. He knew his nephew was having trouble adjusting to their new life in the great city of Ba Sing Se. Iroh knew as well, deep down that Zuko would have no life here.

Iroh yawned as he got out of bed and walked into the kitchen. He then got out his tea pot and kindling. Noticing that his spark rocks were still missing, Iroh shut the shutters. Then he took a twig between his fingers and a small red flame began to form on the twig. He laid it with the others and soon a small fire had started. He knew his nephew would give him grief about using fire bending, but tea was worth it.

"Zuko!" Iroh called, "It's time for breakfast." When he got no answer he walked over to Zuko's doors. He knocked. Still no answer. Iroh then opened the doors and found the room empty.

ATLAB

Zuko stood on deck of the Earth Kingdom Ship called "The Granite". After going out on to the deck, he and the other new recruits were divided into two groups, benders and non-benders. Zuko, of course went to the non-bender side.

A bump had formed on the back of the banished prince's head and he was sore all over. He looked down at the uniform he now wore. It was green, of course and had the symbol of the Earth Kingdom on it. His feet were bare, as is the custom for men of the Earth Kingdom Army. Zuko also wore the helmet of a Earth soldier.

This is humiliating Zuko thought bitterly, good thing Azula is not here, this would give her license to mock me for the rest of my life. Which might not be too long if she does find me. Even Uncle Iroh would get a good laugh at seeing me in this uniform.

Zuko and the other benders lined up as an officer began to speak. The officer paced back and forth. With his hands behind his back he began to speak.

"Men" he started, "You have an important duty to your nation, by protecting it from those fire breathing savages. That is why you must do anything, even give your life for the country you love." he paused for a moment, turning to face out into the bay. " We will be arriving at the training camp shortly. From there you will be given your orders. And remember it is important that you show no fear and no mercy because you will be shown none."

After he was done talking, Zuko and the other men headed below deck.

What have I gotten into Zuko thought wearily as he went below.

When he was below deck, he and the other recruits were handed a bowl of cabbage stew. After looking at the stew with disgust he sat down at an empty table and began to eat. He felt like he had never eaten before. Zuko was so busy slurping down the stew that he didn't notice that some of the men were gathering around him.

"So Lee, how did you get that scar?" Zuko almost choked on a piece of cabbage. He looked up to see Lang and a few others sitting at his table.

"None of your business" Zuko replied coldly.

"I mean you must have had a lot of great adventures," Lang continued, " so you bumped heads with a few fire benders?"

"A few"

Lang sighed. "Did they kill your parents?"

"Yes" Zuko answered, keeping his tone emotionless.

"They killed my father, after that my mother and I came to live in Ba Sing Se." Lang lowered his voice. "We were there ever since, I waited until I was old enough to join the army and avenge my father's death."

Zuko was moved by Lang's story, but it was so much like all the other stories he had heard through his travels. After that, the other men introduced themselves and told their own horror story of their experiences with the "evil" Fire Nation. Until Zuko could bear it no longer. So he got up silently and left.

"Lee" Lang called after him, "Where are you going?" but Zuko already disappeared up the stairs.

Out on the deck Zuko stood peering off the side of the ship. He could see the seaport in which they would be docking in only a few moments.

Why do theses things happen to me? he thought frustrated. He could remember the words that he had spoken just weeks ago. I want the Avatar, I want my honor, my throne, I want my father not to think I am worthless… All of that seemed so distant now, as if it was hard enough being scarred, banished, considered a traitor and now on the verge of actually becoming one. It wasn't fair, but of course my life never was.

The Banished prince was soon taken out of his thoughts "I'm sorry, Lee I did not mean to bring up painful memories." Lang now stood beside Zuko. "Your scar is nothing to be ashamed of, as far as I am concerned its a badge of honor."

Zuko snorted. "I am sure it is."

"Listen, all those things are behind us" Lang said, "we need to look to the future and make the best of things."

"I guess you're right." Zuko said.

Lang smiled, "It's just about time to dock, we better go below with the others."

"Alright, I will be there in a minute" Zuko called after Lang, after he disappeared below. The banished prince stood looking out into the water. My honor, my throne, I want it all. He silently vowed. I will get it all back, somehow.

Next chapter is called "The battle of Serpents Pass"