A/n: This would be set like, a few months into Zuko's search for the Avatar, pre-series ig.
Today's prompts: NOWHERE ELSE TO GO | ruined map | shipwrecked | "we had a good run"
Zuko's frustrated shout echoed against the cliffs and Iroh sighed sadly.
"I don't get it Uncle! What- why- how- argh!"
"Calm yourself Zuko, anger is not good for the mind."
"How can I be calm, Uncle? We're stuck on this island because of a stupid wave crashing our canoe, and I can't even figure out what island this is because our map is ruined!"
"Look on the bright side, nephew."
"What 'bright side'?!"
"We can spend some quality time together. Most importantly, my tea set is unharmed," Iroh smiled, pulling out his basket, but Zuko only clenched his jaw. The young firebender let out a torrent of fire that harmlessly blew against the rock cliffs.
Iroh frowned.
There was so much anger in his nephew, some of it rightful but most of it hurting Zuko further. What his brother had done to his nephew had been cruel, but it had also presented the young firebender with a great opportunity if only he could learn to see it as one.
Zuko, spent from his frustration, sat down on the grassy sand. Iroh set up his tea in the kettle before going to join the boy.
"We've already searched everywhere, Uncle," Zuko whispered, eyes glued to the sand beneath his hands. "There's nowhere else to go."
"Zuko, perhaps you need to stop searching outside and begin searching within," Iroh said, placing a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "Is finding the Avatar truly what you want?"
Zuko turned to his uncle, pushing away Iroh's hand. "Is it what I truly want? Uncle, I don't have a choice, of course it's what I want. I can go back to the Fire Nation when I find him, so yes, Uncle, finding the Avatar is what I truly want!"
"But is it what you truly need?"
His nephew stayed silent, likely out of anger, but Iroh could see his words slowly digested by the boy. He saw the moment Zuko realised the truth, yet exuded more anger than ever because of it.
His poor, lost nephew.
"We had a good run, nephew. We saw the world. Now perhaps, instead of chasing after a ghost, it would be better to settle somewhere and live. I do not have many years left, but you do. It would be such a waste for you to spend them in search of something you may never find, when what you need is right here," Iroh said softly, pointing to Zuko's chest. "Ba Sing Se was lovely. What say you and I open a lovely little tea shop there?" Iroh suggested, smiling, but that seemed to be the last straw for his nephew.
Poor Zuko, who had no other way to show his emotions but through anger. Who had been manipulated into denying his own wants and needs to comply with his Father's. Seeking acceptance elsewhere instead of within himself.
Zuko was such an intelligent, and lovely boy, if only he let go of his anger. Iroh would stay with him until he learned to, no matter how long it would take. The world was unfair, and unfortunately, his nephew had already learnt that. He would make sure to teach his nephew that unfair wasn't the only thing the world could be; that there was beauty in the world to, and happiness yet to be found.
The kettle whistled, but Zuko had already gone, stalking off to create a fire to signal their ship, leaving Iroh to do nothing but watch sadly as his nephew turned his back and walked away.
A/n: Just a short one. I've already wasted my whole day writing fics so uh, can't really afford to push away my actual responsibilites for much longer.
Anyway, stay safe, take care of yourselves and see ya soon.
- CrowofArcadiaOaks