Author's Note:Oh wow! Thank you all for so many reviews, favourites, follows, and reads! You guys are making my entire birthday, week, and month. I hope you enjoy the first chapter of Book Two: Earth. This is where it gets spicy! Will we see more of Sadar and his men? Will Mira join Aang and his group? Will Zuko get over himself and kiss Mira?
Who knows, well I do but you guys don't, so enjoy!
P.S. I love writing Azula.
~Book Two: Earth Start~
~Chapter 1 Start~
It had been over three weeks since the Siege of the North Pole. Iroh, Zuko, and I had managed to find land and eventually a Fire Nation colony, so we were resting at a local spa. I wasn't sure what our next move was. Pretty sure sabotaging the Fire Nation's entire siege of the North Pole wouldn't land us on any favourable lists though.
The spa itself was beautiful. It was located on a small lake that led to a waterfall. The entire place was surrounded by cherry blossoms; it was altogether breathtaking. Iroh and Zuko were getting massages so I had been wandering around having some peace and quiet for the better part of an hour.
I turned the corner to enter the room but was stopped when I heard Iroh talking quietly as the masseuse left. I stopped myself from fully entering the room and just listened.
"I see. It's the anniversary, isn't it?" I heard Iroh speak.
"Five years ago today, I was banished. I lost it all. I want it back." Zuko answered, "I want the Avatar. I want my honour, my throne. I want my father not to think I'm worthless."
"I'm sure he doesn't. Why would he banish you if he didn't care?" Iroh answered.
I snorted to myself. How anyone could twist that into the caring was beyond me. I'm sure Iroh meant well, but whenever the Avatar was brought up, Iroh skirted the questions. It was almost as if Iroh didn't want Zuko to keep hunting him.
"Euh...that came out wrong, didn't it." I heard Iroh ask one of the attendants.
I decided that would be a good time to make my presence known, so I walked in.
"Oh, hello Mira, what have you been up too?" Iroh asked as I entered the room.
"Went for a nice walk. Not being cooped up on a boat has its perks." I smiled.
I noticed Zuko had left the room entirely and sighed. He had been in a mood ever since we escaped the North Pole. I wanted to know what was running through his mind, but didn't feel I had a right to pry.
"That sounds lovely my dear. You are welcome to join me, I'm afraid Zuko isn't up for company right now." Iroh said as he laid back down and the masseuse re-entered the room.
"When has he ever been up for company?" I grumbled as I took a seat and laid my head in my hands.
"Come now, he has always enjoyed your company. Surely you haven't traveled with us this long and not come to realize that much." Iroh hummed as he closed his eyes and was massaged.
"If you say so." I sighed.
"My nephew has a complicated past, please be patient with him." Iroh sighed with a sad smile.
Why was everything always so complicated when it came to Zuko? Why did I always have to be the patient one?
~Break~
It was nighttime, Iroh was already asleep but Zuko was nowhere to be found. It was strange how bothered I was when he was missing. I suppose living with him in such close quarters made that my new normal, so having him wandering off felt...wrong.
I tiptoed out of the room wearing my sleeping robes. I wasn't really used to wearing such flowing clothing, but we had lost all of our possessions when the boat exploded into pieces, so I couldn't complain.
The moon was high in the sky when I found Zuko sitting at one of the overlooks to the waterfall. He was the most calm I had ever seen him, not a single grimace or frown on his face. He seemed to be thinking so I started to shrink back and give him his space.
"If you want to join me Mira, just join me." I heard him sigh as I turned my back.
"Oh," I squeaked as I turned back around and went to sit beside him. "As long as you don't mind."
"It's fine." He answered back simply.
We sat enjoying the silence for a few minutes, him never sparing me a look as he gazed out into the water. I shifted slightly to get more comfortable as I studied him for a moment. He was sad, that much I could gather. He was also lost, it seemed like he was grieving for his home once more. Was I too hard on him?
"What's your home like?" He asked.
"Oh, well...it's busy I suppose. Different in some ways, the same in others." I shrugged as I attempted to figure out what it was he wanted me to say.
Why did I care?
"What about your parents, are they still alive?" He pressed further.
"No, they, uh, aren't." I shrugged, starting to pick at a loose thread on my robes.
"Was it...was it because of—" Zuko began to ask.
"No," I interrupted, "It had nothing to do with the war."
He turned away from me then and I realized he was worried if the throne he was fighting so hard for had been the end of my family.
Why did he care?
"I was a student, I was going to school before I met you." I found myself saying.
"School? I wouldn't have guessed that with how well you fight." He grinned a little bit.
"Well, that was just a hobby, a way to stay in shape I guess." I shrugged feeling a small blush flitted across my face.
"What were you studying?" Zuko continued, looking at me now.
"I was only in my first year of university, so I was taking a bunch of random things, I hadn't really...decided what I wanted to major in." I wasn't sure if he could grasp all the terminology I was using, but he nodded at me anyways.
"I never got a choice in my studies." Zuko said simply.
Was this the most polite conversation we had ever had? I wasn't sure. I took a moment to look at him, really look at him and found the same emotions mirrored in his eyes. Just how much had he endured at the home he was now fighting so hard to return too. How much had he suffered just by trying?
"After the war, do you plan on returning home?" He asked, interrupting my thoughts.
"No...I can't go back, not anymore." I managed to get out, steeling my face and hiding from my exploding emotions.
My chest ached and it started to become hard to breath. Oh anxiety, not now...The thought wanted to crack through me, but I couldn't let it. Not now. Zuko was giving me a funny look as he stood to get up.
"Well...I promise once I get my throne back, I will help you get home." He promised as he headed back to bed.
I know his comment was meant to be comforting, but it made me feel like I didn't belong. Didn't belong here, didn't belong in the Fire Nation, didn't belong with...him. I was a girl out of her time, would I ever belong?
The bigger questions were, did I belong with Zuko and did I want to?
~Break~
"So why am I helping you collect...shells?" I asked as I picked one up to inspect.
"Because I figured you'd enjoy the change in scenery, and I could use the help." Iroh answered as he took the shell from my hands with a smile.
He always had a way of knowing when something was wrong with me. Here he was yet again proving that point, keeping me distracted with...shells apparently. I placed one down that had a chip and grabbed one that was crescent shaped.
"Sure, sure, but what are we doing with the shells? Are they worth something?" I asked.
I couldn't really see the point to it. They were beautiful, sure, but we were now on foot most likely enemies of the Fire Nation after what we did. Assuming they even knew what we did.
I heaved out an anxious sigh, wonderful something else to worry about.
"Something does not need to be of value to be beautiful or worthwhile." Iroh answered me.
He said nothing further so I sighed and continued to help him. Why must this man always speak in riddles?
~Break~
"Look at all these magnificent shells. I'll enjoy these keepsakes for years to come." Iroh exclaimed as he spread the shells out before Zuko.
"We don't need any more useless things," Zuko responded, "you forget, we have to carry everything ourselves now."
"Well if Iroh wants them and is willing to carry them, why do you care?" I asked.
"Don't you start as well, you are the one who enabled his behaviour." He glared at me.
"Well I also happen to think they are beautiful." I said with a frown, challenging Zuko.
Our eyes were locked as we stared each other down, he opened his mouth for another lecture, but was interrupted.
"Hello, brother, Uncle and...Mira, was it?" A chilling female voice rang through the room.
We both turned to look at the intruding stranger, mouth agape. How did she know my name?
"Yeah...it's Mira." I dumbly responded.
Why did I respond?
Zuko shot me a withering glare and I inched towards Iroh. Wait, did she just say brother? I shot a look of surprise at Zuko. Was this the born lucky sister? She seemed to certainly act the part.
She was dressed in the usual Fire Nation armor, but more decorated and defined. It reminded me of Zuko's and even Iroh's. Royalty must have a special design then. She had long black hair tied atop her head and sharp amber eyes, much like Zuko. They looked surprisingly similar, but her eyes were so cold, so...filled with rage. She didn't look at us with much respect at all, if any; I knew a look of disdain when I saw one.
"What are you doing here?" Zuko demanded to know as he stepped in front of us.
"In my country, we exchange a pleasant hello before asking questions." She explained as she examined one of Iroh's shells and then stood up. "Have you become uncivilized so soon, Zuzu?"
I couldn't help but turn sharply towards Zuko in surprise.
"Zuzu?" I asked incredulously as the girl walked towards us.
"Don't call me that!" Zuko shouted at us both.
"To what do we owe this honour?" Iroh asked with a small bow.
Should I have bowed? Well...I never bowed to Zuko, so why start now with his sister.
"Hmm...must be a family trait. Both of you so quick to get to the point," She said in a clipped tone, breaking the shell she was holding between her clawed fingers. "I've come with a message from home. Father's changed his mind. Family is suddenly very important to him. He's heard rumours of plans to overthrow him. Treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust. Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home. He's even willing to help your friend Mira relocate to the mainland, she is after all a firebender and there can never be too many during times of war."
Zuko was giving her an even expression, but had relaxed his body. Iroh was staring at her with a stony look. One I had never seen on him before. I didn't buy it though. With how Zuko and Iroh had spoken about the rest of their family had me believing the treacherous plots were probably for us.
"Did you hear me? You should be happy, excited, grateful." His sister scoffed. "I just gave you great news."
"I'm sure your brother simply needs a mo—" Iroh attempted to step in.
"Don't interrupt, Uncle!" She yelled before walking towards Zuko who was now looking out the window. "I still haven't heard thank you. I'm not a messenger, I didn't have to come all this way."
"Father regrets?" Zuko finally asked. "He...wants me back?"
"I can see you need time to take this in. I'll come to call on you tomorrow. Good evening." She said instead of answering as she left the room.
"So that was your sister." I asked once she had left.
"Yeah, that was Azula alright." Iroh answered when Zuko didn't.
"She seems...charming." I gulped.
~Break~
"We're going home, after three long years. It's unbelievable." Zuko spoke, happiness swelling through his voice.
"It is unbelievable," Iroh answered from where he was sitting beside me. "I have never known my brother to regret anything."
"Didn't you listen to Azula?" Zuko asked in shock. "Father's realized how important family is. He cares about me, he cares about his people."
Zuko shot me a small nod as if the offer to take me with them was so generous, I wasn't so sure. The last place any Avatar wanted to be right now, was the Fire Nation capital. I also wasn't sure how I felt about being called 'people'.
"I care about you!" Iroh shouted as he stood up. "And If Ozai wants you back, well, I think it may not be for the reasons you imagine."
"You don't know how my father feels. You don't know anything." Zuko snarled as he turned his back to Iroh.
"Zuko, I only meant that in our family, things are not always what they seem."
"I think you are exactly as you seem. A lazy, mistrustful, shallow old man, who's always been jealous of his brother!" Zuko shouted, getting in Iroh's face.
"Hey, don't speak to your Uncle like that! He's making valid points. Aren't you the one who told me how terribly your father speaks of you? He's the one who scarred you for life! Literally!" I yelled, unable to keep my thoughts to myself.
"Excuse me?! And what would you know of my life? You're nothing but a nobody we took pity on. You know nothing about me, you know nothing about what happened." He growled as he stomped out of the hut we were in.
"Why that ego-maniacal, rude, pissy little-" I started to rant.
"Come now, take a seat and I will put on some tea." Iroh attempted to calm me as he took my shoulders and led me to sit back at the table.
"Iroh, I know what you are doing. Stop defending him." I grumbled, but did as he asked anyways.
"It is not about defending him, but rather giving him the space to figure out his thoughts. Zuko has a complicated relationship with his father, it wasn't my place to pressure him like that." Iroh spoke as he began to heat up the pot.
"But you had to say something, he can't actually be serious about going back?" I said before I could stop my tongue.
The thought of Zuko returning to the Fire Nation didn't sit well with me, I was...worried. Worried about what would happen to him, worried about what would happen to me...I couldn't seriously go with him, there was no way. What would I do if Iroh and Zuko left me?
"I believe he is. I am not so sure I needed to say anything, but what's done is done." Iroh spoke as he placed a cup before me and sat down himself.
"What are you going to do if he goes back?" I asked.
"Go with him." Iroh answered simply.
"You can't be serious." I said with shock written across my face.
"I am, but you do not need to come with us Mira. I understand if you want to stay here, perhaps start a life of your own." Iroh said as he placed his hand on mine.
What was I going to do? What life did I have on my own?
~Break~
"I see you have been practicing your meditation." Aang laughed as he took a seat beside me in our little dream glen.
"I have. I figured it would help me get some guidance." I sighed as I let my body drop form and looked up at Aang.
He smiled at me and took a seat across from me, crossing his legs. Placing his hands on his knees, he leaned towards me.
"And what do you need guidance for?" He asked.
"Zuko is planning to take Azula's offer and go back to the Fire Nation, and Iroh is going to follow him. I'm not sure if I should go as well. I know I still need to learn to bend the other elements, I know I need to help you. I'm not sure I can do that in the Fire Nation, I'm not even sure this is an earnest offer. I don't trust her, I don't trust the Fire Lord either. But you told me to stay with Zuko, and if he leaves with Iroh...I'll be stuck here, if I join him, I'll be stuck there. What do I do?" I asked with a somber expression.
"Whatever you feel is best." Aang smiled.
"But what about staying with Zuko?" I asked.
"You did, if this is the place you choose to part ways with him, then you just need to find me and join our group. The choice on this one is entirely up to you." He answered.
"But is it what I did in your time?" I asked.
"Hmm, I am not 100% sure to be honest." Aang said as he tilted his head in thought.
"Did I join you around this time?" I pressed further.
"Mira, I cannot answer that. This choice must be yours or it will never be a real choice. You have learned firebending, more than you even realize you have. You no longer need Zuko and Iroh to get better." Aang said in a serious tone.
"Will this choice affect my future?" I finally asked.
"Every choice will affect your future, Mira." Aang answered with a laugh.
~Break~
I woke up with my thoughts even messier than when I had gone to sleep. I had kept analyzing over and over again what the possibilities of my choices could be. But one thing kept coming back to me that I kept trying to put off.
Did I really want to leave Zuko?
I knew what I must do, I knew what I had to do, I knew what was important to do, but the emotional question of if I wanted to keep his company was...well to be honest, it felt selfish and useless to ask.
But the question kept coming back anyways.
So I got up and went about my morning ablutions. I finished getting dressed and packed up my bag. I gave the small hut we had called home for almost a week one last look. Then I turned and started walking towards the main building, my bag in hand, unsure of what I was going to do. I saw Zuko ahead of me, already leaving. My throat clenched and I wanted to shout out for him. To say what, I wasn't sure, but I wasn't sure if it really mattered what I said. Why did it ache that we were parting?
Iroh came to stand beside me placing a hand on my shoulder
"Have you made a decision, Mira?" He asked, his own bag slung over his shoulder.
I couldn't help the stray thought wondering if it was filled with seashells.
"I think...I think I have." I answered, clutching my own bag tighter.
'...I promise once I get my throne back, I will help you get home...'
~Break~
"Wait! Don't leave without us." Iroh shouted as we raced down the steps after Zuko.
"Uncle, Mira, you both changed your mind." Zuko smiled.
I almost tripped on a step when he did. My heart was in my throat as I caught his eye, averting my eyes to look downward.
"Family sticks together, right?" Iroh asked as he shot me a small smile.
"I'm family now, eh?" I asked with a grin as I looked back up.
"After spending three weeks on driftwood together? Of course you are, Mira." Iroh laughed, clapping me on the back.
"We're finally going home. Just you wait, Mira, you're going to love the mainland. I'll even show you around." Zuko smiled, chattering so quick I couldn't help but smile as well.
"Yeah, can't wait." I said, following after Zuko.
Iroh stayed behind us for a moment, looking out at the boat with a grim expression.
What was going through his head? The same thoughts as mine?
We entered the docks at a decent pace. Zuko was clearly excited, but trying not to appear eager. We walked through the last of the tall white arches to find two rows of fire nation soldiers lined up. We passed through them, Iroh and I linking eyes for a moment. It was clear he found it as suspicious as I did. If we were leaving right away, why would they not be on the boat waiting?
Azula was standing at the top of the ramp that had extended from her ship. I noticed it was a similar size to Zuko's, but more modern and decorated. I felt sick wondering if Zuko was handed an old ship in his banishment. Just how little regard did the Fire Lord have for his son? I felt on edge like my spidey senses were tingling, so to speak. None of the soldiers moved a muscle as we walked by them, it was disconcerting to say the least.
"Brother, Uncle, Mira, welcome," Azula spoke as Iroh and Zuko bowed. I quickly followed suit feeling foolish. "I'm so glad you've decided to come."
One of the unmasked soldiers beside her walked down the ramp and stopped just before us, hands behind his back. He was smiling kind enough, but his eyes seemed to tell a different story.
"Are we ready to depart, your highness?" He asked.
"Set our course for home, Captain." Azula answered.
"Home." Zuko softly spoke from beside me.
"You heard the princess. Raise the anchors. We're taking the prisoners home!" The captain ordered as he walked back up the ramp with us in tow.
The captain exchanged shocked looks with Azula as I let out a small choke.
"This is going well." I spoke, filling the silence.
"Your Highness, I..." The Captain stuttered.
Iroh acted first, spinning to kick two of the soldiers behind us away. I decided to follow suit, using the surprise as my opening. I flipped over one, before sweeping my leg and knocking the soldier into the sea. Iroh took out two more who rushed past me, grabbing one's arm and throwing him, and sending out a blast of fire at the other. I blocked an incoming attack, diffusing the fire sent my way, before redirecting the flame, sending the soldier flying back.
Higher up on the ramp, Zuko threw a soldier into the ocean as he advanced on Azula, enraged.
"You lied to me!" He spat.
"Like I've never done that before." She laughed.
Azula walked away with little regard for Zuko, as two soldiers intercepted and attacked. He diffused the flames easily, knocking them both away. He ran towards his sister and that's when I lost sight of him. Another soldier had rushed towards me, sending out a kick. I dodged it, sending out a flurry of hits, before twisting his arm behind his back and kicking him into the water as well. Iroh soon joined me and we took out the rest of the soldiers, Iroh cutting through them like a hot knife through butter.
"Zuko, let's go!" He shouted as he held a soldier restrained.
I intercepted a soldier heading towards Iroh, throwing him off the docks as I turned to find out what was keeping Zuko. I raced onto the deck of the ship to see him attacking Azula with daggers made of fire. He spun and attacked, a flurry of beautiful motion. She dodged with ease, almost laughing at him with her eyes. She caught his arm, throwing him away distracting him enough that his daggers dissipated.
"You know, Father blames Uncle for the loss at the North Pole. And he considers you a miserable failure for not finding the Avatar," Azula sneered, "why would he want you back home, except to lock you up where you can no longer embarrass him?"
"Oh shut up!" I shouted as I landed a kick on her back causing her to stumble forward.
"What? Oh why you!" She snarled as she rounded on me.
Zuko had his daggers back now. He rushed her unleashing a large blast of fire. She dodged as I followed after her, sending out several punches as we danced around one another. She caught me masterfully and reversed our positions before kicking me away. I stumbled at the force and caught myself, managing to flip over and spring up from the ground to avoid her flaming kick.
Zuko took the moment to continue his attack on his sister, pushing her back and away from me as she dodged his blades and kicks. She parried one of his attacks, managing to scratch his face in the process. Zuko's attacks were angrier now. He kept advancing, pushing her up the ramp that led towards the upper portion of the ship. She kicked him away before grasping one of Zuko's arms and pulling him in close with a smile. She shot out a blue flame, sending Zuko falling backwards as he dodged. She let go of his hand and the force caused him to tumble.
I rushed towards him, helping him sit up as I glared at Azula. Her hands were moving in delicate swirls. I could see sparks coming from the air as the unmistakable sound of electricity buzzed my ears.
"Zuko, we need to move, now." I whispered hurriedly.
He was groaning, I watched his eyes attempting to focus as he watched her. I continued to tug on his body, causing him to half kneel as he gathered his bearings. Just as I almost had him up, Azula let lightning burst forth from the tips of her fingers. I think I shouted, but the blood pounding in my ears was too loud.
We were saved as Iroh stepped in the way, grabbing onto Azula's hand and rerouting the lightning away where it hit the side of a cliff. Azula let out a pained shout as Iroh twisted her arm and kicked her over the side of the boat.
I finished helping Zuko up and we raced off the boat. My blood was thundering louder now as I felt like the air had been taken from my lungs. I was never an avid runner, and until now, I had always been on a ship.
But I didn't stop. The reminder of what we were running from was enough to keep me motivated. We didn't take the steps back up, choosing to race off into the thick of the trees. I felt branches snag on my hair and clothing as we went, scratching at my skin at my haste. Finally, we came to a stop by the riverside. We all fell to our knees catching our breath.
"I think we're safe here." Iroh said between breaths.
"I hope so." I sighed as I greedily sucked in air.
Zuko drew a small dagger and started at it. I had never seen it before and looked at it in curiosity. It was ornamental and had writing on it I wasn't able to read. A small jade stone was centred in the hilt near the base of the ivory blade. It had a carved dark wooden handle, polished brightly. Zuko grasped the base of his ponytail, placing the blade at the base and drew it across. Pieces of hair scattered to the ground as he brought the remains of his ponytail to his lap. He handed the blade to Iroh who did much the same. Letting it slip from his fingers, he dropped it into the river, before standing. I stood as well and we watched as the remains of their birthright washed away.
I hope I made the right choice.
~Break~
The first night was the hardest I think. I had camped rough before, but never without a tent, blanket, or anything else made for 'roughing it'. It made sleeping almost impossible, except for Iroh who seemed to be able to sleep just about anywhere.
We found a small outcropping of rocks that provided a small amount of shelter. Iroh had made us a fire as Zuko and I attempted to find something to eat. We had given up once it had become too dark to search any further, huddling around a small fire for warmth.
I lay on the ground, tossing once more, and turning again. No matter what I did, everything felt too damp, too cold, and too hard. Iroh softly let out a snore and I sighed. Counting sheep wasn't going to work, so I might as well sit closer to the fire and be warm. Sitting up I saw that Zuko was sitting beside the fire. His face didn't have much expression, but he was stoking the fire, adding another piece of wood to it.
I stood up, moving to sit next to him. I held my robe closer to my chilled skin and simply stared into the fire as I sat down. I didn't have the heart to explain myself, so I simply kept my eyes locked on the dancing flames. I drew my knees into my chest and wrapped my arms around them, basking in the warmth.
"Can't sleep?" Zuko asked.
"No." I said with a shrug.
The conversation felt forced and I was thrown back into how I felt when we had first met. Everything we both had was gone, for a second time. It didn't hurt as much this time for me, but it was clear it had put Zuko into a dark spot. I wasn't able to reach him, and neither could Iroh.
"Me neither." Zuko sighed as he tossed a twig into the fire.
Seeing him so apathetic pulled at my gut. When I thought of Zuko I thought of the passionate way he fought, how he always seemed to wear his feelings on his sleeve. He felt, perhaps too much and too freely. Now, it was like he had lost his drive. I couldn't handle how that thought made me feel.
"I thought sleeping on a ship was rough, but this just takes the cake." I said, shifting so I could look at him.
"We did have beds then, Mira." Zuko answered.
"Yeah, but I've gone camping before, this is just miserable. We don't even have blankets." I sighed as I stared at the ground.
"We have spare robes from the spa." Zuko snorted.
"They don't really help against how damp the ground is, and that's another thing, I thought when we got off the ocean I'd stop being so wet all the time." I muttered.
"That's really the least of our troubles." Zuko said as he shook his head.
I could see a glimmer of laughter begin to bubble and I knew I had a chance at reaching him.
"Well, if we aren't rested, being on the run is going to be kind of hard." I responded.
"Only you and I would be unrested, uncle would be just fine." Zuko said as he turned to look at Iroh.
I followed his eyes and saw Iroh had flopped over, letting out a loud snore.
"I kind of wish I could sleep anywhere like Iroh." I sighed.
"Someone has to keep watch, Azula isn't one to give up." Zuko said, turning his gaze back to the fire.
"Did your father really send her after you?" I asked.
"Yeah, probably. Azula does lie, but only when it benefits her, or hurts someone else. If father sent Azula after me, he most likely also instructed her to capture the Avatar as well." Zuko said, his eyes heavy with sorrow.
"Isn't everyone from the Fire Nation after the Avatar?" I asked.
"They are, but father is still leading a war. He can't have his entire army dedicated to it. Did you see Azula's ship? I didn't recognize it's type. It's clearly a new line, one made after I was banished. If she has access to that many men and all of this new equipment, it can't be just to chase after you, me, and Iroh." Zuko explained.
"That's good isn't it? If she is preoccupied with capturing Aang, then that means she won't be chasing us, right?" I asked, uncurling my arms from my legs.
"How could that be good? If she captures the Avatar before me, I'll never be able to return home!" Zuko hissed.
"How can you return home now? Once you capture the Avatar, what next? How will you get him to your father if you're also an enemy of the Fire Nation?" I asked, placing my hands on my knees as I looked at Zuko.
"None of that matters until I have captured the Avatar." Zuko huffed, giving me a bitter look.
"Will that really be enough to earn your father's 'forgiveness'?" I asked, narrowing my eyes as I looked at Zuko.
"Yes, no...I don't know!" Zuko grunted as he flopped onto his back. "If I don't have this...if I don't try..."
Zuko was struggling to find the words and I felt it like a punch in the gut. I couldn't handle seeing him sad, seeing him hurt. Somewhere along the way, we had grown closer. I cared what Zuko thought, I cared how Zuko felt.
"...what happens once your father has captured the Avatar?" I asked, looking away from Zuko to stare into the fire.
"I...I don't know, I assume he wants the Avatar dead." Zuko answered.
"Wouldn't the Avatar just reincarnate? Why would he do that if it's only a temporary solution?" I asked, confused as to why Zuko felt his father wanted the Avatar dead.
"Because my father is not one to give mercy. The war is almost won, it wouldn't matter when or where the Avatar was reborn, they wouldn't be able to stop my father." Zuko said.
I felt the thought shoot up my spine and sat up a bit straighter. Death huh...his father wasn't one for mercy. Zuko didn't think his father would ever keep the Avatar alive. He knew this and yet he still wanted to capture Aang.
"Are you okay with that? Leading a boy to his death?" I asked before I could stop the words from leaving my mouth.
"I try not to think about it." Zuko said, looking towards the ground with a small frown.
~Break~
It had been a few weeks since we officially became enemies of the Fire Nation; which admittedly felt right for me. We had traded in what worthwhile belongings we had, our old clothes, and what little money remained for clothing that would blend in better. We were dressed in Earth Nation greens and browns. Zuko had chosen a dark green long tunic over top brown pants and long boots. I was wearing a similar outfit, but my tunic was shorter and I had it tucked into my pants. I was now tying my hair into braids to keep it out of the way as we traveled through the brush.
We were stopped for a small break and Zuko was off gathering what he could. I was left with Iroh who was now staring at a flower intently.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Trying to remember what kind of flower this is." Iroh answered.
I was going to say more, but Zuko interrupted me as he fell through the brush.
"Oaf, I didn't find anything to eat. I can't live like this. I wasn't meant to be a fugitive. This is impossible!" He complained.
I laughed as a few leaves fell off Zuko. I couldn't help but appreciate the frustrated, out of his element, Zuko. The added bonus was the hair he had returning. He was starting to look more handsome and less angry as the days went on.
At that moment Zuko let out a small snarl as he shook the remaining leaves off.
Ok, so sue me, he only looked less angry, he was still pretty angry, just for different reasons now.
"Uncle, what are you doing?" He asked, catching sight of Iroh's intense staring at the white flower.
"You're looking at the rare white dragon bush," Iroh explained, "it's leaves make a tea so delicious, it's heartbreaking. That, or it's the white jade bush, which is poisonous."
"We need food, not tea. I'm going fishing." Zuko said as he stomped away.
"Hmm...delectable tea...or deadly poison?" Iroh mused.
"I think I'm going to help Zuko fish. I've at least done that before." I sighed, standing up and following after Zuko.
~Break~
I found Zuko with a stick attempting to spear fish. I let out a sigh and realized we didn't have a rod or a way to make one.
"This would be simpler with a fishing rod." I whined as I sat on the riverbank watching him.
"And if we had one I would use it," Zuko spat back, "now hush, you're scaring the fish away."
I sighed but let him continue anyways. Thinking back on it I realized without a trap, fishing rod, or net, I wasn't too helpful with this endeavour either. After about fifteen minutes of watching his failure, I decided I would try as well. Taking a smaller stick than his, I whittled it down and joined him.
I didn't fare any better, but at least I felt like I was helping.
~Break~
About an hour into our attempts at fishing, Zuko had only managed to spear a tiny guppie. I on the other hand hadn't caught a single thing. With slight irritation I found a small trout and took another shot, missing entirely.
"This is...harder than I thought it would be." I sighed as Zuko shot me a smirk.
"Come on, let's head back to my Uncle." He spoke, walking out of the river.
I followed him and found Iroh still sitting before the maybe poisonous flower.
"Zuko, Mira, remember that plant I thought might be tea?" He asked.
"You didn't." Zuko and I said at the same time.
"I did..." Iroh answered as he turned around. "And it wasn't."
Iroh was now itching at red blotches on his swollen face.
"Oh Iroh..." I sighed as I went over to inspect him.
"When the rash spreads to my throat, I will stop breathing." Iroh spoke, scratching at his back with a stick.
"Stop that, you'll scar." I chastised, taking the stick away from him.
"But look what I found, Mira! Those are Bacui berries, known to cure the poison of the white jade plant. That, or maka'ole berries that cause blindness."
"We're not taking chances with plants!" Zuko shouted.
"I agree, no berries for you." I sighed, throwing the offending branch as far away as possible.
"We need to get help." Zuko said.
"But where are we going to go?" Iroh asked, "We're enemies of the Earth Kingdom and fugitives from the Fire Nation."
Iroh began to itch himself again so I swatted his hand away.
"If the Earth Kingdom discovers us, they'll have us killed." Zuko said deep in thought.
"But if the Fire Nation discovers us, we'll be turned over to Azula." Iroh added.
They looked at one another as if having a secret conversation before nodding.
"Earth Kingdom it is." Zuko stated, beginning to walk.
"Did I just miss something?" I asked as Iroh as I followed after him.
~Break~
It wasn't long till we found a small town. We were quickly ushered in by one of the villagers who had offered to take us to the healers. We were now sitting inside on a wooden bench as a healer, a young woman wearing a green and beige hanbok, tended to Iroh's rash.
Zuko had his arms crossed and his head bowed. Completely closed off from everyone and everything around us. Even as a fugitive on the run, he carried an air of royalty around himself. Even facing the floor he managed to command the room in a way.
"You two must not be from around here. We know better than to touch white jade, much less make it into tea and drink it." She laughed, swatting one of Iroh's hands away.
"Oops?" Iroh said with a chuckle.
Zuko continued staring at his feet, pulling his straw hat down to obscure his face. I sighed and gave the woman a kind smile. He was so different from Iroh. Iroh seemed to fit in seamlessly wherever he was.
"Thank you so much, I'm not sure what we would have done otherwise." I smiled.
"It's no problem," She said as she wrung out her cloth. "So where are you traveling from?"
"Yes, we're travelers." Zuko answered while jumping to his feet, just registering the first question.
"Uhh, what he means is we travel a lot so home depends on where we are." I laughed nervously, trying to cover up Zuko's strange behaviour.
My fingers began twisting the leg of my pants. I was beginning to feel nervous now that we were here.
"Do you have names?" She asked, continuing to tend to Iroh.
"Names?" Zuko asked as he walked forward, "of course we have names."
The sound of me smacking my head was masked by the healer smacking Iroh's itching hand again.
"I'm...Lee, and this is my Uncle...uh...Mushi." Zuko answered.
Iroh gave him a dirty look, peering around the healer as she worked. I snorted into my hand, masking it with a cough.
"Yes, my nephew was named after his father, so we just call him Junior." Iroh agreed with a smile.
Zuko responded with a cut-it-out motion.
"Mushi and Junior huh? What about you?" She asked, turning to me.
"Oh, well, my name is...Jade." I answered, unable to come up with much.
I only then realized why the name sprang to mind and had to stop myself from responding to Zuko's withering glare. White Jade was what had poisoned Iroh.
"Jade huh? Well, my name is Song," She smiled, not catching my slip up. "you three could use a good meal. Why don't you stay for dinner?" She asked as she smacked Iroh's hand once more.
"Sorry, we need to be moving on." Zuko responded before any of us could.
"That's too bad. My mom always makes too much roast duck." She shrugged.
"Where do you live exactly?" Iroh asked, sliding in close.
~Break~
"My daughter tells me you're refugees. We were once refugees ourselves." Song's mother said as she brought the roast duck to the table.
Song's home wasn't very big, but it was warm and well loved. Filled with decorations and keepsakes, it felt like a real home. It had been the first one I had been in since I had entered this time. It didn't seem all that different from the homes in my time, minus electronics.
"When I was a little girl, the Fire Nation raided our farming village. All the men were taken away. That was the last time I saw my father." Song spoke forlornly.
"I haven't seen my father in many years." Zuko answered her sorrow.
"Oh...is he fighting in the war?" She asked, spearing some roast duck with her fork.
Iroh let out a loud slurp watching the two intently. I, meanwhile, was playing with my food. How long had it been since I last saw my parents? Almost a year now? It couldn't have been that long...could it?
"Yeah..." Zuko answered once more, placing his bowl on the table.
"What about you?" Song asked, turning to me.
"Me? Oh, well, my father isn't in the war or anything like that." I shrugged, attempting to take the attention off myself.
"Do you still see or write to him?" She asked, pressing further.
"Uh, no, my parents aren't around any longer, and before you ask, no, not because of the war." I cut off before she could ask.
She seemed like she wanted to continue prying, but her mother gave her a look which silenced the rest of dinner.
~Break~
I was offered the chance to bathe before I left, which I took instantly. Song's mother insisted it was because no young lady should have to subject themselves to such a condition just because she was traveling with two men. I had a feeling that it had more to do with her daughter's prying.
I let the water soothe my aching muscles as Song's mother filled the wooden tub with alternating hot and cold water. She would give me a small smile whenever she entered, pointing out the bar of soap and a small jar of what seemed like homemade shampoo. I took no time in scooping a little out and lathering my hair up.
Shampoo certainly beat using a bar of soap on my hair. It was beginning to feel like straw. I took extra time scrubbing my body down until the bath was slightly brown. I stepped out of the tub, grabbing a light green towel, and dried myself off.
"I'm sorry if my prying hurt you." Song said as she knocked on the bathroom.
"No, it's not that. Sorry if I was short with you." I sighed, pulling up my pants and tying them.
"It's alright. I should have given you your privacy." She said.
I could hear her smile through the door and wanted to bang my head. Why did I have to be such a bitch? It's not like my parents are actually dead, it's just...complicated. I didn't have time to deal with my issues, mental illness, or my anxieties. Those would have to wait for another day. A day when things had settled and I could tell them the truth, all of it. Who I was, how I got here, and just how utterly messed up I was.
She left as the tears began to slip down my cheeks. Did I even have a future here if that's where everyone I knew and loved was?
~Break~
"Thank you for the duck. It was excellent." Iroh thanked for us as Zuko and I brooded.
"Yes, thank you so much for the bath as well." I agreed with a large smile.
"You're welcome. It brings me joy to see someone eat my cooking with such...gusto." Song's mother responded as she handed Iroh some leftovers.
"Much practice." He smiled as he patted his belly.
We gave a small bow as Zuko turned to leave.
"Junior, where are your manners?" Iroh asked, halting Zuko's retreat. "You need to thank these nice people."
"Thank you." Zuko said as he turned and bowed.
"I know you don't think there's any hope left in the world, but there is hope. That Avatar has returned." Song said, staring at Zuko's retreating back.
"I know." Zuko said plainly, continuing to leave.
Iroh and I started to follow, leaving through the gate as Zuko stopped and stared at two bird mounts I had seen earthbenders use. He went over and unhooked them from their post and brought them over.
"What are you doing? These people just showed you great kindness." Iroh chastised.
"They're about to show us a little more." Zuko answered, reaching a hand down at me.
I bit my lip and threw Iroh an apologetic look as I took Zuko's hand and mounted behind him.
"Well?" Zuko asked, handing the other set of reins to Iroh.
Iroh relented in the end, hanging his head in shame as we stole out of desperation. In some ways I wish I was as ashamed as Iroh was, but instead I felt like it was a necessary evil.
Just how long had I been telling myself that?
~Chapter 1 End~