Moments after Zhao was taken
'H-he didn't take my hand why? And why wasn't I taken with him' Zuko sat there frozen with more questions than answers as to why La spared him or if he was saved due to the avatar's subconscious sparing him.
Remembering his Uncle was back where this all started he jumped to his feet fighting up pain and fatigue to see if he was alright not knowing if he was still where he left him or if he was searching for him Zuko made his way back into the direction he came fast but stealthy turning down a narrow pathway continuing until he heard his uncle voice peering around the corner he spots him facing an older man from Water Tribe just as he was about to jump into action he noticed Uncle stance relaxed and he looked happy to see this man only being further confused when he opened his arms wide
"Pakku my friend it's good to see you," Iroh said picking up Pakku in a Bear Hug
"Would you put me down I wish it was under better circumstances but I suppose it's good to see you too Iroh" Further confusing Zuko with the familiarity between the two.
"I apologize I couldn't prevent the Sacrifice of Princess Yue" Iroh bowed his head in respect of the late Princess of the North
"You tried your best the Intel and attack strategy you leaked to me helped us prepare better but not even you could have predicted Zhao's knowledge of this place" Pakku placing his arm on Iroh's shoulder
Zuko can't believe what he just heard 'All those Fire Nation lives lost could have been prevented if Uncle hadn't leaked the strategy but they wouldn't have been out here if not for Zhao if not for Father' realizing his father approved Zhao's plan of attack before he could overthink the situation he decided to listen back into the conversation
"Yes it would seem this war cannot be won with sacrifices that is something I seem to have forgotten in my years at sea" grabbing his chin while thinking " I'm not sure if my Nephew's crew survived this and they were just beginning to warm up to him" Iroh finished with a sigh
Hearing the casual way he was talking about the crew who spent 3 years at sea with their potential deaths Zuko's heart dropped 'he sounded like he didn't even care about the crew if they died or not' he cringed when he remembered how he treated them over the years looking down he caught sight of himself reflecting off a puddle seeing his scarred eye and the damage to his face from the ship explosion along with feeling the injuries on his body Zuko couldn't help but feel like he was starring at a stranger In his reflection caught up in his thoughts he almost missed what was being said
"Speaking of your nephew have you managed to convert him to the ways of the white lotus yet we can't afford for him to continue to hinder the Avatar's progress any longer, especially considering he's the nephew of Grandmaster of the white lotus"
"My nephew is stubborn you must guide him to think it is his decision not force him to that conclusion"
Hearing that Iroh is the Grandmaster of this secret organization and that he's been tryna manipulate him into the group or their way of life he couldn't handle it anymore remembering his mother's words to stay true to himself he took off in a sprint back in the direction he came maybe if he walked along the shoreline he could find a way to escape from there and think about his situation going forward alone away from the influence of The Fire Lord or Iroh
Continuing back down the path he came he noticed a bag that he happened to run past in his frantic state before stopping to investigate it knowing he needed supplies he grabbed it checking its contents before smiling realizing someone must have dropped a bag of salted meat during the invasion his smile faltered realizing salty meat without fresh water at sea isn't exactly ideal but as long he can find some two containers of sorts he could boil and use his shirt under his jacket to filter somewhat drinkable water with that in mind he set off in a run to the shoreline he came from
Making it back to where Zhao was taken he ignored the shiver he felt and the memories and continued down the shoreline until he encountered a boat with a sail 'I know the concept of sailing but I never really had to put that knowledge to use' seeing the boat is a different design than the one the water tribe uses Zuko got on the ship catching sight of a compass with a fire nation insignia he realized this is what Zhao was trying to reach the boat he used to sneak undetected while the siege takes place knowing the longer he stays here the higher chance he's found and that this boat has an emergency kit he should be able to make it to the northern region of The Earth Kingdom
'Is it right to leave Iroh behind?' thought Zuko before remembering that Iroh has connections here to get him out just fine and his helping protect Tui should be a major help to him in gaining the Avatar's trust and protection with all that in mind and a quick prayer to Tui and La asking for forgiveness and safe travels Zuko cast off alone hoping that the time alone at Sea would help him discover who he really was and what he truly wants in life
"Why should I spare the boy it's due to his hunting of the World Spirit that Tui was harmed"
"She's been restored anew and the boy has a bright future if you don't snuff out his spark now before it can turn into an inferno"
"Fine I won't interfere the boys journey to the earth kingdom if he succeeds it'll be his own doing but if he fails it'll be because of his own incompetence"