Chapter 4
Zuko
"Hush now, Zuko. There is nothing to be gained by your screaming now." Iroh's soft footsteps crunched in the courtyard until they paused. Zuko heard a rustle of clothing followed by the woosh of a dying flame.
"Uncle! The castle!" Zuko panted while standing up. Composure he reminded himself. If Iroh could walk in and see Zuko, anyone could.
"It was one of the small battalions," Iroh said while bending the last flame out. "They were after the Avatar travelling with Katara and Sokka."
"The Avatar?" Realization dawned on him. "The bald child?"
"Yes. It was quite a bold move bringing the Avatar into the land of those hunting him. Not many would have seen that coming. It's a shame that they played right into my brother's hands."
"I'm such a fool, Uncle! All this time I thought father trusted me! Turns out I'm still worth nothing in his eyes! At this rate, father will forfeit the thrown to Azula."
Iroh's body conveyed his sadness at the situation. "Things are looking grim indeed. If Ozai manages to get his hands on the Avatar…I fear that day. Wherever the Avatar, Katara, and Sokka are going, I hope they find friends. I helped them as best as I could from the shadows but I'm still fearful that the Fire Nation soldiers know my identity."
Zuko took a deep breath to calm himself. "We should buy supplies and head home, Uncle. If they do know it was you then I'm sure we won't make it home. We'll leave as soon as we buy supplies."
Iroh dusted his clothes off and motioned for Zuko to follow him out of the courtyard. "We'll only need a day's worth of food. With luck, the town's merchants won't have run too far from their stores for fear of thieves."
Zuko didn't reply. Everything reminded him of how misplaced he was in his family, even the deserted street. Earlier when Zuko believed his father had accepted him the townsfolk represented all the information Zuko was told. The street seemed to overflow but now that he knew the truth, there were only a few people. He knew nothing and he didn't doubt that Azula knew everything.
Azula was born lucky. You were lucky to be born, Ozai boomed in Zuko's head.
He grunted as he kicked a small rock with all his strength. A storekeeper or two stared at Zuko like he'd grown a second head but he just gave them a glare that could stop a volcano from erupting.
"Ah, there's a fruit vendor. I'll be over there. I trust you can take care of yourself, Prince Zuko," Iroh chuckled. Zuko just glared at Iroh too then walked down the street looking for that unfortunate rock.
His search took him down the street. Zuko recognized the area; it was where he and his Uncle had arrived a couple days before. It was strange that those streets looked just as empty when they were lined with bowing citizens as they were at that time after the fire. No emotions other than fear saturated the air. "What a sad life."
"I agree. An older man like me should be home with his family, not scouring the streets for promising rocks." Zuko hadn't heard the man walk over to him. Firebender, thought Zuko. From the straw basket he carried and his regular clothing, Zuko guessed he wasn't a soldier. It was a rare thing in those times.
"You're looking for rocks?"
"You bet. I'm a jeweler and all those gems don't just land on my doorstep all cut and shiny. I have to walk the streets, forest, and mountain for rocks that may contain minerals. Unfortunately, today, I've only found one." The jeweler held up his prize. Zuko's eyes widened. It was his rock.
"I'm certain this rock will contain a treat. If you come over to my stand, I can show you. Maybe you'll find something you fancy while you're there. Something for a special lady?" he chuckled.
Phantoms of the avatar and Katara fiddling with objects at the jeweller's stand danced before his eyes. "I'll come. Maybe I'll learn something about her."
"Then come right this way, your highness. I can even show you my most treasured hammer." He winked then led Zuko over.
"Zuko, look! Look at the fish!" Katara looked up and saw Zuko walking straight ahead, not looking. "Look!" She looked back at the river running alongside the road anxiously but it was too late. "Aww, you missed it. You should have seen the fish. It sparkled like a diamond!"
"There are plenty of fish like it. I'm sure you'll see another before we get home."
Katara scowled for a second. She recovered and ran in front of Zuko. "Could you buy me one of those moon peaches from the Earth Kingdom merchant? He said he got it from an Air Temple so they're extra juicy"
"Why would the fruits be juicier from the air temples than the ones from Earth Kingdom?"
"Because of the altitude? Cleaner air?"
"You have no idea why. You do know the merchant probably lied, right?"
"So what if he did? They're still good."
"They remind me of the Fire Nation's ocean kumquats. They're sweet but still taste great in Uncle's stew."
"Does that mean you'll buy me one?" Katara asked with stars in her eyes.
"No."
"But why not?" she whined.
"Because you don't always get what you want. Trust me. Now do you think you could help me and carry one of these bags?"
"Fine but you don't have to be so grumpy about everything. The sun is shining so bright that I could almost take my jacket off! Families are all out together enjoying themselves and yet you're walking around like your…What's that little Fire Nation bird? Oh oh, a puffy toucan! Like your puffy toucan died!"
"They're toucan-puffins and they're annoying. I'd never be sad about one of them dying. You sit on the beach and they decide your head or bag is a nice place to rest. How do you know about them?"
"Iroh told me. They sound cute. Will you get me one of them?"
"I can't go back to the Fire Nation so it's safe to say no, Katara."
"Oh…" She walked quietly beside Zuko. Water glistened with sunlight in the roadside river and families were walking together, hand in hand. He was sure it was a nice sight but he wasn't ready to see its beauty yet. All he saw was ice.
"Prince Zuko, your father will see you now," a servant of the palace said as she pulled the door's curtain aside.
"Thank you. I'll see you after the meeting, Uncle."
"Before you go in, Prince Zuko, remember what we talked about," Iroh whispered.
"I will, Uncle." He bowed respectfully as was expected of someone towards their elders. Arms at his side, no eye contact to indicate Zuko believed Iroh garnered more respect than himself. They exchanged a quick nod before Zuko turned his back to his uncle.
The Fire Nation royalty was the world of rules and expectations. The leaders of the nation were expected to lead the youth in how they should act and behave. Zuko scoffed at the irony of this world. The true leader of the nation, king or queen, rarely left the throne room or their castle. Their days were spent sitting upon their throne in the stone room that was dark as the night. The Fire Nation citizens were pale but Zuko's father was the palest of them all.
The throne room was darker than it was during Zuko's grandfather's rein. Zuko couldn't see the throne or his father resting on it through the darkness; it was the battlefield where Ozai had the ultimate advantage.
Once Zuko walked as close as Ozai felt necessary, flames erupted from the floor and surrounded the king. They casted a daunting silhouette across the valley of flames from Zuko but he paid it no mind. Instead Zuko focused on his reflection on the stone surrounding him.
Zuko pressed his forehead to the cold stones, "I've returned, Father."
Silence resonated in the room as Zuko remained knelt with his forehead on the floor. He remembered a time when his father stretching the silence on would have had Zuko's heart beating in his throat. However, now he knew this was a game his father played; those who cowered lost their position. Ozai never believed Zuko was strong but Zuko smirked at the floor. He was still in his father's court.
Iroh and Zuko had discussed his situation in the gardens the day before and decided it would be best for Zuko to do as his father asked and do it perfectly. 'Zuko, you, and I as well, may be a pawn in Ozai's eyes but that in this world that is better than being a piece removed from the board. After all, at the beginning of time, the first king was only a pawn,' Iroh's words echoed.
One day, father will see. The ones he believed to be weak will rise. I will rise above, Zuko thought.
"Did you succeed at your task?" Ozai may as well have spat on Zuko. Through the fire, the silhouette sneered at what was its son.
"I was, Father. Trade has been maintained but most importantly, the Southern Tribe has renewed the open water policy. Our ships will not be sunk without valid cause."
"Excellent. Thanks to you, my nation will achieve what it failed to three years ago. You may take leave of my throne, Zuko."
"Understood, Father." Zuko's hands didn't feel when they were lifted off the black marble floor. His father's flames burned bright and hot but no warmth was ever felt in the room. Zuko clenched his fists at his sides as he exited the throne room. The cold bit up his arms. He clenched his teeth to keep the guilt ridden memories the cold brought away. They rammed against his skull, exerting every ploy they could to break free. No matter how hard he tried, Zuko couldn't be a firebender with his heart sealed in an iceberg like his father.
Zuko slouched on the wooden bench of the courtyard. Watching over the noble family's son was painful. His form was terrible and thought he was the world's best comedian. As Sokka's wristed circled again, Zuko groaned and covered his face in his hands. He looked like a windmill.
From across the courtyard, Sokka picked up on Zuko's contempt. "Do you have a problem with my sword wielding, your highness?" he mocked.
"I do. The only thing you can do right is grip the blade."
"Eh. Whatever. I doubt a girly-haired prince like you could do any better. You probably spend your days sitting behind a curtain, watching Daddy."
Zuko leapt up from the bench, nostrils flaring. The wind blew up behind Zuko causing his hair to wrap around his shaved head. "You better watch what you say, Water Peasant!" he roared. Sokka 'eeped' and flinched in response to Zuko's outburst. It wasn't until he heard nothing but the wind when Sokka uncovered his face. Seeing Zuko enraged but stationary, he bent down and picked up his fallen sword to continue his practice.
The wind calmed, bringing the red armour of the Fire Nation away with it. His clothes were blue and there wasn't a tree or beach in sight. No trains or steamboats. He wasn't in charge here, the exact opposite. As much as it didn't suit his title, Zuko had to grumble in silence and obey.
After a deep breath, Zuko marched to Sokka's side. Sokka eyed Zuko with suspicion but kept about his business. That business was interrupted by a sharp chop to Sokka's wrist. The blade fell to be captured by Zuko. "You're using the sword wrong. A weapon isn't something to twirl to hit something or someone," Zuko explained. He slide into a wide stance, sword held horizontal, slightly above his head. He began a series of smooth glides through his arm with his body moving to give the blade space to move. "A sword and any other weapon is an extension of your arm. It becomes a part of your body."
Sokka laughed and slapped Zuko on the back. Zuko choked on his own spit in his surprise. "Man! You sound just like these white-faced, warrior girls in the Earth Nation...Maybe I should have taken them seriously after all," he thought out loud. "Hmm, you know what, Zuko? You should come here again to help me train. You seem to know what you're doing."
"I'll think about it."
When Zuko freed himself from his past, he realized he wasn't alone in the hall. He felt chills again but these were chills of a different kind. "Azula."
"Back from your trip already, Zuzu?" Azula charmed. Her sharp footsteps resonated down the hall followed by two other sets.
Zuko turned around to face his sister and his friends. "Good morning Ty Lee. Morning Mai." Zuko's greeting to Mai was warm enough to make her blush slightly and Azula to smirk. "The after meeting festivities were cut short due to an unscheduled strike on the Water Tribe."
"Unscheduled? Are you sure about that, Zuzu? It doesn't sound like Father to not plan things out ahead of time. Don't you agree, Ty Lee?"
Ty Lee was startled by Azula calling on her. It took her a couple seconds to gather herself and answer. "Well..." she said slowly. "It does seem a little...odd for a king to put together an attack for last minute. Royalty with information channels that slow...probably shouldn't be a leader. But don't take my—" Ty Lee tried to add quickly before being cut off.
Azula began to bridge the distance between her sibling and herself. "See there, Brother. Everyone can tell you weren't told something. Maybe it was because no one wanted to burden you or distract you from your duty." She trailed two fingers up Zuko's neck to rest under the point of his chin. She stared straight into his eyes without an ounce of compassion. "Or maybe it's because, even after everything you've done to help, Father still doesn't trust you."
Zuko's ears burned. Father's favourite knew everything and it wasn't him. "Whether he trusts me or not, I'm still next in line for the thrown. That's the only luck life has given me."
"Perhaps. We can't forget that dear Uncle Iroh was first in line for the thrown as well. Speaking of him, where is our Uncle? Is he in his room writing mail to all his friends in the Water Tribes?" Sensing Azula was trying to push Zuko off the edge, Mai walked to Zuko's side while Azula was speaking to rest her hand on Zuko's shoulder.
"No. He doesn't mail anyone from the Water Tribes, Earth Nation, or Air Temples. Neither of us does."
"That's a surprise."
"Azula, I you should stop now..." Ty Lee said gently.
"Why? Do you not agree that Zuko and Iroh got cozy in the Water Tribes when they should have been proving themselves as worthy of being part of the Fire Nation?"
After hearing those words, something in Zuko snapped. The hall's temperature began to rise. "You know nothing about what Uncle and I went through, Azula! Someone who has always been favoured could never understand!" Zuko jerked his shoulder away from the comforting squeeze of Mai's hand and walked away. At the end of the hall, Zuko forced a servant out of his way without a glance.
A warm feeling enveloped Zuko as he walked down the street. He'd never been more happy to listen to his uncle's wise cracks and wise sayings than this moment.
"So then I said to the good man 'Is it possible that the Pai Sho piece is..." Iroh said then nudged Zuko's ribs with a wink. "The man looked like someone had pulled down his pants during a royal proceeding after I said that!" Iroh laughed from the bottom of his belly remembering the moment. Zuko smiled seeing his uncle so happy.
"I've been thinking, Uncle. You said here being servants for this family can be a new beginning for us and I think you were right. I've never felt so light."
"That's marvellous, Nephew! Maybe now you'll listen to me more often."
"Maybe but there's something I want to do. I feel like I have to do it to truly move forward here." Zuko grasped the end of his pony-tail. "I'm going to cut my hair."
"We shall do that once we return home. What is that?" Iroh looked frantically to locate where the female scream came from.
"This way, Uncle!" Zuko shouted while running off alone. He didn't know where the street lead or who was waiting at the end of. His legs strained when the flattened snow began to slow –Why the Water Tribe created hills in their city, he never understood. The street widened into a gathering space with a second entrance opposite to where Zuko stood. At the back, a stream of water used for boats trickled down from above and feed a fountain pool. The beautiful waterfall held the knocked over body of a girl. Katara.
Three boys, clearly older than Katara, stood nearby, water floating around them, laughing. One began the motions of bending and the water moved to wrap itself around Katara's ankle. 'No!' Zuko thought. Fists flaring, he shot a fireball at the ground between Katara, currently suspended by her ankle, and the boys. Startled, the boy keeping Katara in midair lost his grip on the water. The other two quickly began to move and try to catch Katara with more water. Their efforts slowed Katara's decent enough for Zuko to run over and catch her.
He placed her safely on the ground and addressed the boys while in a bending stance. "Anyone want to explain what the three of you were doing to a young girl? Do you have no honour?"
The boys glanced at each other. "He's a firebender," The middle boy muttered.
"What should we do?" asked the one on the left.
"He could really hurt us! I think we should run! What do you think?" The last boy said to the first. The middle boy ran without another word with his friends following suit. 'They have absolutely no honour,' Zuko decided.
"Are you okay, Katara."
"Yeah..."
"Who were they? And why did they do that."
"They're from my bending class...I don't know why they did that. I was minding my own business when they pushed me. I'm going to get them back."
"Revenge is not a path to be followed. Especially by someone as smart as you are, Katara," Iroh warned from across the clearing.
Katara lit up seeing Iroh. "Iroh! Did you see what Zuko did? He was so cool!"
"On the contrary. What my nephew did was reckless. He could have seriously hurt someone."
"Yeah...I still think it was cool." Katara grinned. "One day, I'm going to be strong and independent just like you, Zuko. When that happens, I'm going to bury you in the snow!" She laughed and stomped the snow around her. "See you two at home!" Katara said as she ran off.
"Zuko, wait!" Mai shouted down the hall.
Zuko hadn't realized she was chasing him down the hall. All he could hear was the blood pounding painfully in his ears with each beat of his heart. "What is it, Mai?"
"Don't let what Azula said get to you."
"How can I not let what she said get to me? I've done everything Father has asked of me and even provided the information needed to bring down the Southern Water Tribe."
"It's not your fault, Zuko. Iroh and you never could have known the dangers of the Water Tribe. You did what you had to."
"The dangers?"
"You have to admit, your ties to the Water Tribe can make your loyalty to the Fire Nation questionable."
"I see." Zuko looked away from Mai. "I have to finish my reports. We can catch up later."
Mai stared at Zuko but he said nothing. "You better hold yourself to that promise. Later, Zuko," she said before returning from where she came from leaving Zuko to whisper goodbye to an empty hall.