This is my first Avatar The Last Airbender fanfiction this chapter was not Beta read and if any are interested in beta reading my work before it's post PM
I would like to thank all my patient reads and hope you enjoy this next chapter and for all those reading please stay safe out there especially with the virus going around because if you don't stay safe how will you be able to read what comes next
Disclaimer I don't own anything related to ATLA
When the next morning came even before the sun reached over the horizon, Zuko was already up. He was taking an inventory of his supplies going over everything they will need for their journey. Luckily he had food and rations packed away in his saddle, and one of Suki's old maps rolled up in his bag. He then checked his equipment but to his disappointment, the blue robes she gave him were charred and stained with blood. Though the armour was still in good condition, he could no longer use his robes. Putting the robes away he slipped on his dull brown shirt and trousers. Then fitting the armour over it as he got dressed.
Soon Iroh too did wake as he came out to greet his nephew, seeing he was already up. "Morning Prince Zuko," he smiled to him but then arched his brow. "What are you doing nephew?" he asked curiously.
"Morning Uncle," Zuko said not turning to face him as he continued to look over his map, to chart their path. "I'm figuring out the best route to Ba Sing Se," he answered as he ran his finger over the parchment marking which roads to take.
"Why Ba Sing Se?" Iroh questioned confused as he came to Zuko's side. He leaning over to look over the map, curious of their destination.
"Well... I have some friends there I promised to meet," he answered still remaining vague. "Azula is still coming after us. Ba Sing Se is the safest place in the world where we can hide, even you couldn't break-in," he reasoned.
"That is true," Iroh agreed, stroking his beard. "Hmm, in that case, we should go here first," he said pointing to a small town on the outskirts of the Si Wong desert.
"Why there Uncle?" Zuko questioned.
"You are not the only one with friends Prince Zuko," Iroh chuckled. "If we are going to get into Ba Sing Se, we are going to need passage and papers," he explained.
Zuko nodded in agreement. "And you sure these friends of yours can give us these?" he asked as he jotted down the path his Uncle selected.
"Of course," Iroh smiled as he pushed himself up onto his feet. "When have I been wrong?" he said rhetorically.
"Do you want me to give you a list?" Zuko asked as he grabbed up his stuff.
Iroh just shook his head. "This won't be like those times I promise," he said and Zuko then reluctantly sighed in agreement, deciding to go with his Uncle's plan.
They both quickly had their breakfast and were on their way heading off towards the Misty Palms Oasis. During their travels, each day they stopped to rest Iroh would continue with his nephew's lessons. Each day he would teach Zuko different bending forms. Instructing him on the ways of the other elements. He knew Zuko would need every advantage against Azula. But he also secretly hoped that these lessons would open up his mind, helping him understand a new point of view, and help him find peace.
Although all it ended up doing was increase his frustration. Each time he taught Zuko a new bending form, he'd struggle to master it, or worse fail to understand and learn. Iroh believed the blockage that ran through his nephew was hindering him more than he could imagine. He feared Zuko would never be able to move on till he confronted the festering darkness inside. And even though Zuko continued to struggle he didn't let that hold him back, he persevered. Iroh saw a determination in Zuko that he never saw before, and his will to keep going gave Iroh hope.
After almost a week of this, they finally arrived at the Misty Palms Oasis. Though their arrival wasn't as smooth as they would have hoped. A few bounty hunters recognizing them in the bar. Luckily for them, Iroh's friend did come through sneaking them off as the bar erupted in a brawl. Sneaking them both inside a flower shop across the street.
"It is an honour to welcome such a high-ranking member of the Order of the White Lotus. Being a Grand Master, you must know so many secrets," the man bowed his head in reverence to Iroh.
Before the old general could reply Zuko interrupted them. "Are you able to hurry this up, I'd rather not have those bounty hunters catch wind of where we slipped off too," Zuko said anxiously, as he peeked through the slit in the window. Cautious to see if anyone spotted them.
"You must forgive my nephew. He is not an initiate and has little appreciation for the cryptic arts," Iroh apologized on Zuko's behalf.
Zuko just rolled his eyes at the comment. Then the man waved them over guiding them to the back of the flower shop. Once there they knocked on the door and an eye slit slid open. "Who knocks at the guarded gate ?" the man behind the door asked cryptically.
"One who has eaten the fruit and tasted its mysteries," Iroh replied as the door opened to welcome the old men in. But just before Zuko could enter the door was slammed shut in his face. "I'm afraid it's members only. Wait out here," Iroh apologized from behind the door.
Zuko groaned in annoyance as he crossed his arms, wondering what to do now. He then tried to occupy his time walking around the store, examining the different foliage that lined the shelves. But finally decided on taking a nap, resting his head on a table as he took a seat in the chair. Allowing himself to rest. After awhile Zuko was startled by the squeaking of the door. Iroh stepping through as Zuko took to his feet. "What's going on? Is the club meeting over ?" he asked groggily.
Iroh simply smiled offering to ease his nephew's mind. "Everything is taken care of. Our passports and transportation will be ready momentarily," Iroh said as he bowed to his friend with respect.
"Transportation? what do you mean Uncle?" Zuko asked but it was his friend who answered for him.
"To get you passed both the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom patrols unseen. We are arranging transportation to sneak you by, and into the refugee population," The man explained.
Zuko then took in his words, realizing quickly if they are being transported that he no longer needed the Ostrich horse. Thinking of it actually, made him feel disappointed. He had come accustomed to the beast, it becoming a companion he could actually depend on. "Could I ask a favour of you? I may not be a member of this club, but I would still like to make a request," Zuko said as he looked to the man.
"Certainly, if the request is reasonable I'm sure we could make an exception for the nephew of a grandmaster," he said as he turned to the Fire Prince. "What is your request?"
"There is an Ostrich horse outside... a few months ago I stole it. Now since... since we will no longer be needing it, I was wondering if... if you could have it returned to its real owner?" Zuko asked as the man listened intently on the request. Iroh though couldn't help but smile to his nephew seeing how much he had indeed changed since there time apart.
"It seems like this request is in our power to grant," the man said as he grabbed a note pad from the desk Zuko was just napping on. "Do you know where and to who the beast shall be returned to?" he asked jotting down the details.
"It belongs to Song, she... she works at a clinic in a small farming town called Kaishi. Will you be needing anything else?" he asked giving him as much information as he could remember.
"No, that should be enough for us to go on," the man said jotting the information down. "We will find her and make sure the animal is returned to her swiftly. Is there anything else you'd like? Would you like us to deliver a message to her as well?"
"No that's it," Zuko sighed as Iroh came over and put a hand on his shoulder. "You are doing the right thing nephew," Iroh smiled warmly to the young man.
"I know Uncle," Zuko nodded his head, though in truth he was going to miss the beast. It had been by his side for so long, that knowing now that they are finally going to part ways it felt, wrong.
"I have the passports for our guests," a young man interrupted stepping into the shop. He handed over the two sets of paperwork to them before bowing his head. "I also have the cart with their supplies packed and ready to leave," he announced.
"Good, now let's get going before those bounty hunters find us," Zuko said as he turned to follow the man outside.
"Before we leave do you wish to say goodbye?" Iroh asked but Zuko simply shook his head in response. "No, Uncle it's best if we just go. It's returning to its real owner, no reason to draw this out," Zuko said simply.
"Alright Zuko, let's go," Iroh nodded his head as the young man opened a hole in the wall through the back of the building, letting them all slip out unseen. Once they were outside the man had Iroh and Zuko hide inside his cart, hiding amongst the flowers. But as they began to depart he swore he could hear the Ostrich horse's cries. Only the sound of the wheels, bumping along the uneven terrain drowned out the beast's whimpers.
Zuko couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh, immediately regretting his choice. Although he knew it was the right thing to do, regardless of his feelings. And soon enough all that could be heard was the sound of the screeching wheels and the deafening silence of the night.
They continued to travel like this for several days. Zuko and Iroh only getting out of the cart to sleep or to train. The driver taking every back road and scenic route he could. Doing his best to travel undetected. And soon enough they soon arrived near a rocky canyon range.
"Why are we stopping here?" Zuko question as he turned to look at his surroundings hopping out of the cart.
"I can go no further," the driver said turning to the banished prince. "Just beyond and down this path is the entrance to the refugee port," he explained as he got off the cart. "It is best to depart from here so we aren't seen travelling together," he said as he began unloading their supplies.
Zuko was about to argue when Iroh stepped in bowing before the young man. "Thank you for all your help, and the risk you took to get us here," Iroh spoke thankfully.
"Anything for the white Lotus," the man replied bowing before the old general. He then remounted his cart, after unloading the rest of their supplies. And before Zuko could even mutter a word the man snapped his reins and began riding off, leaving them both on the side of the road.
"We should get going," Zuko groaned as he grabbed his stuff off the floor, hauling it over his back.
"What's wrong Zuko?" Iroh asked as he went to grab a few things out of the dirt to carry too.
"Nothing... Just, you'd think your little club could offer us more help then dumping us on the side of the road," Zuko complained as he was in no mood to have to carry and hike all of his stuff through the canyon.
"Well, Prince Zuko it wouldn't be much of a secret club if people saw them helping us. Would they?" Iroh retorted as he did his best to pull the bags over his shoulder as he began to walk with Zuko along the winding road.
"Guess not," he sighed once more shaking his head.
"By the way, I was meaning to ask. Who are these friends of yours we will be meeting?" Iroh asked as he still has yet to hear anything about them.
"They are just some people I've met... while we were apart," Zuko says with a shrug. Though to be honest, he had no idea what he was doing. He had promised to meet Suki in Ba Sing Se, but he had heard how massive the city truly was, and was afraid he may never find her behind the walls. During this entire trip, he tried to brush off that fact, but now as they got closer to the port the hopelessness, the sinking feeling in his chest just grew.
Soon they managed to find the cave entrance. They easily heard the voices of the refugees echoing along the cavern. Zuko took a deep breath as him and Iroh made their way inside. The darkness that overtook them was quickly replaced with the dull light of torches, that lined the walls. Once they went further inside they were soon greeted by the sight of a massive refugee camp. Dozens of tents were set up with people waiting to board the few ferries docked at the port.
"We are never getting inside at this rate," Zuko groaned as he saw the length of the slow lines to the border agents.
"I'm sure we will get inside in no time," Iroh tried to encourage his nephew, but even he wondered when it'll be their turn to board. "Come let's get in line with me," he urged Zuko to follow along.
Zuko just rolled his eyes and huffed in defeat. "This will take forever," he mumbled to himself. He was then forced to watch as some cabbage merchant was trying to pull his cart along the line, to everyone's annoyance and frustration. Zuko just wanted to get this over with and soon, but as he waited, he noticed a few guards walking along the line. Each person they passed they were checking their passports and papers. Zuko got worried as he averted his gaze concerned they would recognize who he was. He cursed that he didn't have his mask as he heard the border guards getting closer.
"Excuse me, can I see your papers?" a woman asked as Iroh turned and smiled up at her. "Of course let me get them for you," he said kindly as he began to search his tunic.
Zuko's ears perked when he heard her voice, the familiar tone was striking. Afraid even more that they would recognize him and blow his cover. "Oh sorry, I don't seem to... have them," Iroh apologized as he searched his pockets.
"Sir if you don't have your paperwork you can't enter Ba Sing Se. Not until you register and apply for refugee status... you'll have to go to the other line," the woman explained with a heavy sigh.
"No, I do have them just ... give me a second," Iroh became frantic, worried he might have lost their passports. "Oh um... Li could you check if you have them?" he asked turning to the young man with an uneasy smile. "Damn you Uncle," Zuko huffed under his breath as he reached into his tunic to find the papers. To his relief and his annoyance, he did find them. "Here," Zuko said only turning slightly to hand them over still worried about being recognized.
"Thank you-," the woman went silent, her hand had reached out to take the papers but froze when she looked to the man. His back was to her, but she still noticed his scar. "Blue?" the name slipped from her lips as both of them turned to face the other.
"Suki?" he whispered almost breathlessly as he looked to her with wide eyes.
Suki couldn't help the smile that grew across her face as she leapt and wrapped her arms around him. "You made it! I knew you would!" she said as she hugged him tightly in her arms.
Zuko was still in shock as he felt her arms around him. It took a moment to realize this was real, and soon his arms too wrapped around and pulled her in close. "I... told you I would," whispered as a small smile graced his lips. "What are you doing here? And what are you wearing?" he asked as he got a good look at her once more, seeing her in the unusual attire. He rarely ever saw her without her makeup and seeing her now, she looked almost like she was an entirely different person.
"Haha, you like it?" Suki said with a soft chuckle as they pulled away from each other. "When we arrived, we offered to help in any way we can. So they placed us here to try and organize the refugees. And this is what they are making us wear," Suki explained as she gestured to the uniform. "It's okay I suppose, but it's kinda uncomfortable," she shrugged as she adjusted the scratchy sleeves. "But enough about that, how about you... are you okay? What happened with you and your sister... did you...?" Suki asked worriedly.
Zuko nodded his head as he listened to her. "Yeah, I'm okay... and no. I failed, I couldn't beat her... I wasn't strong enough," Zuko admitted bitterly.
"I'm so sorry... I wish we were there to help you," she said apologetically.
"It's alright, you and the others being safe is all that matters," he said trying to shrug it off, but Suki quickly raised a brow as she folded her arms. "Oh you don't think we could have handled ourselves," she questioned with a small smirk.
Zuko just rolled his eyes. "That's not what I meant," he said with a frustrated groan.
"I know... I'm just teasing," Suki smiled as she leaned up to kiss his cheek. "I'm really glad you are okay... you had me worried when you didn't come back," she said as she watched the blush rush to Zuko's cheeks.
"I'm sorry... it couldn't be helped...I," Zuko was about to explain but groaned instead when he noticed his Uncle. The wide grin that was plastered over his face. "Sooooo, nephew would you care to introduce me to your friend," Iroh said only adding to Zuko's embarrassment. "Suki, this is my Uncle. Uncle this is Suki she's one of the warriors I was travelling with," he said with a heavy sigh.
"Wait, that's your Uncle? You found him?" she said, eyes wide in shock. "It is truly an honour to finally meet you. He has told me so much about you," Suki said as she turned and bowed to the old general.
"Haha, well I hope it was all good things," Iroh laughed heartedly as he returned the gesture, bowing to her. "And the honour is mine. It is very rare to meet a good friend of my nephews, especially a lovely girl," Iroh smiled as he looked up to the Kyoshi warrior, a small blush rushing to her cheeks.
"Oh, haha... thank you," Suki replied as she looked to Zuko with a knowing smirk. "Hear that, your Uncle thinks I'm lovely," she said teasingly.
"Ughhh, don't encourage him," Zuko said rolling his eyes to Suki's amusement.
They both then chuckled at Zuko's expense. "Haha so, where are you two headed off too?" Suki asked curiously as she glanced to them and then their paperwork. "Mushi and Li you applied to work as... tea servers?" she asked as she began to read over the forms.
"Of course it is," Zuko muttered not even the littlest surprised as he saw the sheepish grin on his Uncle's face.
"Haha well either way these seem to be in order," she says eyeing the passports before handing them over. "Though you both are wasting your time standing in line. The ferry will be leaving shortly and this is the last one for today," she began to explain. "It won't be back until tomorrow morning."
Zuko once again groaned in annoyance. "So much for getting here on time," he huffed as he crossed his arms.
"It's alright nephew. We will just rest and board the ferry tomorrow," Iroh offered trying to ease Zuko's frustration. But it didn't and as he glanced down the line, he doubted even if they waited till tomorrow if they'll get a chance to board.
"Maybe you can board," Suki says stroking her chin. "I can see if I can sneak you on board, before the ferry leaves," Suki suggested.
"Suki I can't risk getting you in trouble I-."
"It's fine Blue," Suki interrupts. "It's the least I can do. Come on grab your things," she ordered as she begins to direct them out of the line and towards the ferry. Zuko grabbed up their bags as Iroh followed right behind them.
Suki managed to lead them through the crowd ducking through to the border check. "Sorry these two got lost, I'm just checking them in," she said formally as they passed the border guards, as they let them through. Luckily for them, the ferry was still loading up the luggage as they made their way over. "Come on let's hurry," she said as she guided them over to the ramp. Iroh made his way inside as Zuko and Suki trailed behind.
"Thank you, Suki," Zuko said as he turned to her as they were about to board.
"No need, I was happy to help," Suki smiled as she looked up to him.
"You know... once I get my Uncle settled, I could rejoin you and the others down here," Zuko said as he turned to face her. "I'm sure I could help the refugees, and I could help you secure the border," he suggested.
"No, its best you stay with your Uncle," Suki said shaking her head. "It's been so long since you've seen him. I can't take that away now that you have him back," she explained. "Besides we are getting a few days off soon anyway. We will be together soon," she reassured him as she stepped in closer to him placing her hands on his chest. "Plus, I'll get to see you in an apron, now how can I pass that up," she said with a wink as she leaned up to peck his lips.
Zuko smiled as he returned the small kiss, their lips lingering for a moment before they began to part. "Okay... I'll see you soon then," he whispered.
RING, RING, RING.
Their ears perked up as the ship's bells rang for the last call. "Seems like you should get going. Don't want to miss your ride," Suki noted as the ferry was ready to cast off.
"Yeah I should," Zuko said but lingered a bit longer, staying close to Suki before finally pulling away. "Bye, Suki."
"See ya Blue," Suki smiled as she watched Zuko slowly pull away, turning to head up on the ship. She waved to him as the ramp for the ship began to rise, him disappearing into the bowels of the ship.
Zuko quickly made his way through and up onto the deck of the ship, joining his Uncle by the railings. He peeked over trying to see if he could get a glimpse of Suki as they began to take off. But her uniform made her blend too easily in the crowd below.
"So that was your friend?" Iroh asked with a mischievous tone.
"Yes Uncle," Zuko groaned in response as he leaned against the wooden railing. The edges digging into his forearms.
"She seems very nice, I approve," he smiled warmly to his nephew. "Curious though that she was calling you Blue is that... a nickname?"
"Yes Uncle," he sighed as he watched the pier begin to shrink as the ferry pulled out into the lake. The ship drifting out of the cave, the once cool shade replaced with the shining sun and the crashing waves.
"Of course," Iroh said as he looked to Zuko curiously. "I was just wondering how much she knows about you, is all," he said as he turned to glance around seeing if anyone was listening in.
"She knows Uncle... she knows everything," Zuko muttered still his eyes not leaving the hidden port even as it grew even more distant every second.
Iroh was surprised by his admission but couldn't help the smile that graced his lips. "She truly must be someone special then."
Zuko nodded his head as the edges of his lips curled into a small smile. "Yes, yes she is."
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