Avatar: the Fifth Element - Water

by Grymt2012

Finding Ahtohallan, Elsa dived too far to find the truth. She found herself into a whole new world where abilities both similar and yet different from her exist and plagued by an unending war. To find a way back home, the young queen of Arendelle and newfound Fifth Element had to accompany the Avatar, the only being that can bring an end to the war and save the world...

32. Princely opportunity

XXXII/ Princely opportunity

As he stood in the bustling marketplace, Prince Zuko's frustration simmered just beneath the surface. His golden eyes scanned the crowd, not really seeing the colourful stalls or the milling shoppers. The bustling sounds of the marketplace grated on his nerves. Merchants shouted, trying to hawk their wares, while children laughed and played. Zuko's eyes scanned the crowd, his body tense with frustration and impatience.

"We're wasting time," he muttered under his breath, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. The memory of his near-capture of the Avatar at Roku's temple burned in his mind, a constant reminder of how close he had come to regain his honour. And now, they were, searching for a pai sho tile his uncle lot instead of pursuing their true goal.

The banished prince's gaze fell on Iroh, who eagerly examined a collection of carved figurines at a nearby stall. Iroh seemed completely engrossed, turning a small jade statue over in his hands, his face alight with curiosity and delight. The older man's upbeat demeanour only served to fuel Zuko's frustration.

"Why is Uncle so obsessed with that stupid game?" he thought angrily, his brow furrowing. "We should be on the sea trying to find where the Avatar is going, but no! He just needed to lose that stupid tile!"

The prince observed his uncle cheerfully examining the wares of yet another merchant stall. Iroh's easygoing demeanour only served to heighten Zuko's irritation. How could he be so calm when their target was slipping further away with each passing moment?

As if sensing his nephew's growing agitation, Iroh turned to look at him, a bright smile on his face. "Prince Zuko, I've checked all the shops on this pier," he announced cheerfully. "Not a lotus tile in the entire marketplace."

Zuko couldn't contain his exasperation any longer. "It's good to know this trip was a complete waste of time for everyone!" he snapped, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he was throwing his hands up in exasperation.

Iroh, seemingly oblivious to his nephew's mood, simply smiled. "Quite the contrary. I always say, the only thing better than finding something you are looking for is finding something you weren't looking for at a great bargain!"

As if on cue, several crew members walked past, their arms laden with his purchases, one of them strolling behind and bearing a tsungi horn. Zuko's eyebrow raised in disbelief. "You bought a tsungi horn?"

Iroh's eyes lit up. "For music night on the ship," he explained enthusiastically. "Now, if we only had some woodwinds." His gaze drifted to a nearby ship where a shop was standing, and he pointed excitedly. "Oh, this place looks promising!"

As Iroh moved towards the ship, Zuko hesitated and groaned inwardly, smoke appearing from his nostrils and ears. His uncle's carefree attitude grated on his nerves, but a small part of him envied that ability to find joy in such trivial matters. With a resigned sigh, he followed, his steps heavy and his mood darker than ever.

As they walked, Zuko's thoughts drifted back to Elsa. The memory of her ice magic sent a chill down his spine, a stark contrast to the warm Fire Nation air around him. More than ever, her power was truly unlike anything he had ever encountered.

"She's a formidable opponent," he thought, grudgingly admitting her skill. "But she's also naive. Talking about honour and understanding... what does she know about my struggles?"

Yet, even as he tried to dismiss her words, they echoed in his mind. "Honour isn't something you can regain by bringing pain to others." The gentleness in her voice, the compassion in her eyes – it stirred something within him, a memory of his mother that he quickly tried to suppress.

"No," he told himself firmly. "I can't let her words distract me. Capturing the Avatar is the only way to restore my honour and return home."

But even as he repeated this mantra to himself, doubt gnawed at the edges of his resolve. The conflicting voices of Elsa and his father warred in his mind, leaving him feeling more lost and confused than ever.

"Honour isn't something you can regain by bringing pain to others."

"Compassion is for the weak, Zuko. Do not let it cloud your judgment."

Zuko didn't know how to consider Elsa. She was an enemy of the Fire Nation and an obstacle to his mission. Yet, when she was holding him to her mercy, she didn't torture, destroy or cripple him when it was obvious she could. All she did was try to understand him. He scoffed at the thought. He didn't need pity and her mercy was a weakness. Or was it? The memory of the frozen state of the Mo Ce Sea prison was a grim reminder of what Elsa was capable of. Someone like his father or his sister would have torched their enemies if they were gifted with such sheer power. But she didn't, showing restraint when she wanted. And such thought was far more disturbing than he could admit.

"You seem troubled, Prince Zuko. Care to share what's on your mind?"

Zuko looked at Iroh, seeing the genuine concern in his eyes. For a moment, he considered opening up about Elsa, about the doubt gnawing at him. But then he remembered his father's expectations, the weight of his banishment. "I'm fine, Uncle. Just thinking about our next move."

Iroh nodded, though his eyes remained shrewd. "Very well. But remember, sometimes the answers we seek are not found in anger, but in reflection."

The banished prince sighed, his uncle's wisdom both a comfort and frustration. "I'll keep that in mind."

As they approached the gangplank of the ship, Zuko pondered on why he hadn't mentioned to his uncle the words Elsa told him during their confrontation on Crescent Island. Part of him wanted to seek Iroh's advice, to unburden himself of the turmoil in his heart. But pride and fear held him back. Knowing his uncle, he might agree with that ice wielder, which would be treacherous. He couldn't afford to admit that an enemy of the Fire Nation, to his father the Firelord, would be right and that there was some truth to her words.

"Next time I face her, I need to be faster, smarter," he muttered under his breath, determined to prove himself and trying to chase away the conflicting thoughts.

Iroh paused at the base of the gangplank, turning to face his nephew. "Coming, Prince Zuko?" he asked, his eyebrow raised in curiosity.

The prince hesitated, his hand resting on the railing. For a moment, he considered refusing, retreating to the familiarity of their own ship. But the prospect of being left alone with his tumultuous thoughts was even less appealing than following his uncle into another fruitless search.

"Fine," he grumbled, following Iroh up the gangplank.

With a heavy sigh, the exiled prince followed his uncle onto the ship, his mind still a battlefield of conflicting thoughts and emotions. As he stepped into the dimly lit interior of the pirate ship, the young prince's eyes quickly adjusted to the gloom. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices and musty scrolls. Shelves lined the walls, crammed with an eclectic array of artifacts and curios from all corners of the world.

Iroh's eyes lit up with childlike wonder as he moved from shelf to shelf, examining the various trinkets and oddities. "Oh, look at this, Prince Zuko!" he exclaimed, holding up a small jade figurine. "Isn't it exquisite?"

Zuko, however, angrily huffed at his uncle, not caring to look at the artifact he was holding. The banished prince trailed behind, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, a scowl etched on his face and his eyes barely registering the colorful array of curiosities.

Undeterred by his nephew's lack of interest, Iroh put down the jade figure and kept moving, examining the various artifacts with keen attention, his eyes sparkling as he inspected each item.

The old general stopped by an ornate monkey statue on one of the shelves. "Oh, that is handsome! Wouldn't it look magnificent in the galley?" he remarked, turning the statue over in his hands with a delighted grin.

Zuko barely suppressed a groan, his patience wearing thin. He was about to snap at his uncle when something caught his eye. There, on the counter, stood a statue that seemed to glow with an otherworldly light. It was an ice sculpture of the Unagi, the great sea serpent of Kyoshi Island, frozen in mid-strike. The sculpture was two feet tall, capturing the Unagi's long, sinuous body with stunning precision—each scale, sharp tooth, and the fin-like spines along its back rendered in breathtaking detail. Its shimmering blue glow gave the illusion that the beast's eyes were alive, and the sheer presence of the sculpture seemed to embody the power and majesty of the creature itself.

Zuko's heart began to race. Could it be? Had Elsa created this? If so, it meant the Avatar had been here. He approached the counter, his eyes never leaving the sculpture.

The man behind the counter, Oh, noticed Zuko's interest. "Ah, I see you've spotted our newest acquisition," he said with a sly grin. "Quite the piece, isn't it?"

Zuko's head snapped up, his golden eyes narrowing. "Where did you get this?" he demanded, his voice low and intense.

Before Oh could answer, Iroh turned at the sound of his nephew's voice, his eyebrows rising as he saw the icy sculpture. He moved closer, his expression curious.

"Oh my, what a marvel! It looks almost... alive," he exclaimed with fascination.

Oh smiled with satisfaction. "It does indeed. A pure marvel."

Zuko ignored his uncle, pressing Oh further. "This statue," he said, leaning in close. "It doesn't melt?"

Oh shook his head. "Not a drop, young man. Been sitting here for hours, as cool as the moment we got it."

Zuko's heart raced. Could it be? He took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady. "Did it come from a white-haired woman?"

At this, Iroh's eyebrows shot up, his expression comically mirroring that of the ornate monkey statue he had been admiring moments before.

Oh's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of suspicion creeping into his voice. "Now that's an oddly specific question. What makes you think that?"

Before Zuko could respond, a new voice cut through the air. "Indeed, what makes you think that, young man?"

Zuko and Iroh turned to see a weathered man with a reptilian bird perched on his shoulder. The captain's eyes were sharp, evaluating the young prince with keen interest.

Zuko opened his mouth to speak, but Iroh quickly interjected. "Ah, you must forgive my nephew," he said with a genial smile. "He was a close friend of this woman. They lost contact and he desperately wanted to reconnect with her."

Zuko shot his uncle a stunned and angry glare, his thoughts racing. What was the old man playing at? Depicting him as a desperate fool that wanted to reconnect with that woman? Prespoterous! And yet, a small part of the exiled prince couldn't help but feel that way.

The captain's gaze shifted between the two Fire Nation people, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Is that so?" he asked, his tone making it clear he didn't quite believe the story before a smirk appeared on his face. "That's touching. Who would I be to refuse to someone to see an old friend, then?" he said as if he was sounding sympathetic.

Zuko's heart pounded. This was an unexpected chance to have a lead on the Avatar's new ally and therefore on the Avatar himself. But he had to be careful. "And where could I find her?" he asked, trying to keep his voice neutral.

The captain laughed, a harsh, barking sound. "Now that would be telling, wouldn't it? Information like that doesn't come cheap, my young friend."

Zuko glared at the captain, feeling the man was mocking and fooling him. Steam started to leave his nose and ears and he was about to lash out before Iroh put a hand on his shoulder. "Calm down, dear nephew. I'm sure we can find some arrangement."

Zuko glared at his uncle, incredulous of his words. But before he could react, the captain's eyes gleamed with interest as he looked Iroh up and down. "Well now, that's an interesting proposition. What kind of arrangement are we talking about, old man?"

Zuko's patience was wearing thin. "We don't have time for this," he spat out, frustration evident in his tone.

Iroh kept his calming hand on Zuko's shoulder, a gentle reminder to maintain control. "We can make it worth your while," he said to the captain, ignoring Zuko's impatience. "What do you want for the information?"

The captain pondered, stroking his chin thoughtfully. The iguana parrot on his shoulder squawked as if contributing to the decision. "Well, considering the nature of the information... I'd say a fifty gold pieces."

Zuko's eyes widened in shock and he clenched his hands clenched into fists.

"Uncle, that's-" he began, his voice rising, but Iroh silenced him with a gentle touch on his arm.

"A good price for rare knowledge," Iroh said with a smile. "But for an information as mundane as finding an old friend, I think it would be fairer if it is twenty-five gold pieces."

The captain's eyes narrowed, but he seemed intrigued by the negotiation. "forty," he countered.

"Thirty," Iroh calmly retorted with a casual yet firm tone.

"Thirty-five gold pieces and I wouldn't go below," the captain replied.

Iroh nodded, releasing Zuko. "Thirty-five it is," he agreed, reaching into his robe and pulling out a pouch of gold. He counted the coins and handed them to the captain.

Zuko was both incredulous and furious by what he was witnessing. They were waiting gold for information for a simple information! But a part of him felt eager and impatient as he couldn't wait to know where the Avatar was, even if a small part of him also thought of Elsa.

The captain inspected the gold before pocketing it with a satisfied grin. "Pleasure doing business with you."

Looking at the two firebenders, he then said, "The woman you're looking for was here not long ago. Bought a waterbending scroll from us. Paid with that ice statue that hasn't melted one bit. Quite the sight, really."

Zuko's mind raced. Elsa had been here, and recently. He could feel the urgency of his quest intensifying. "Did she have a boy with a blue arrow on his head with her?" he asked, his voice tight with anticipation.

The captain's brow furrowed in thought. "Ah, now that's an interesting detail to ask about. As a matter of fact, she was. Along with two other children, an old man and a winged lemur. Quite the motley crew, if you ask me."

Zuko's fists clenched at his sides, his body trembling with a mix of excitement and frustration. They had been here, so close! "Where did they go?" he demanded, his voice rising. "Which direction did they head?"

Iroh placed a calming hand on Zuko's shoulder, but the young prince shrugged it off, his eyes blazing as he stared down the pirate captain.

The man merely chuckled, seemingly amused by Zuko's intensity. "Easy there, boy. I don't know where they go."

One of the pirates then intervened, "If I may, Captain, some people out there saw them leaving the port back to the mainland."

The captain looked at his man and acquiesced before glancing back at the two firebenders, "Well perhaps they went inside the lands."

Zuko's eyes widened, a mix of excitement and frustration flashing across his face. Iroh watched his nephew carefully, noting the tension in his shoulders.

"Inside the lands," he repeated, his mind racing. Suddenly, his head snapped up, a realization dawning. "Is there a river or a large body of water nearby?" he asked the captain sharply.

The pirate captain raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Zuko's line of questioning. "Now why would you be asking about that, boy?"

The banished prince's fists clenched at his sides, but he forced himself to remain calm. "They bought a waterbending scroll," he explained, his voice tight with barely contained impatience. "They'll need a place to practice."

The captain's eyes lit up with understanding, and a slow, sly grin spread across his face. "Ah, clever lad. As it happens, there's a hidden lagoon not far from here. Lovely little spot, with a waterfall and everything."

Zuko's heart raced. This was it – a solid lead. "How far?" he demanded.

The captain chuckled. " A few hours' travel from here by foot, or quicker if you can secure a ride or sail with a boat, if you have any at disposal, of course. Follow the river upstream, and you'll find it."

Zuko nodded curtly, already turning to leave as his thoughts were swirling. He could almost see the Avatar and his companions, training by the water. He had to reach them before they moved again. He considered asking the pirates for help but dismissed the thought. Their loyalty was dubious at best and he couldn't rely on a dishonourable scum like them. He could promise them to pay for the capture of the Avatar, but there was still Elsa to deal with. The only way to do so would be to kill her, but for some reason, the exiled prince didn't like the idea or the perspective of having pirates to deal with her. And knowing how strong she was, who knew what she could achieve. And with Zhao being aware of her existence, he didn't want the commander to be able to track them down.

"May I ask how much for the ice statue?" His uncle suddenly asked with an interested and jovial tone.

Zuko's jaw dropped, turning back to stare at his uncle in disbelief. "Uncle! We don't have time for-"

Iroh ignored his nephew's outburst, his gaze fixed on the captain. "How much?"

The captain's grin widened and his eyes sparkled with greed. "Three hundred gold pieces. It's a rare piece, after all."

Zuko's frustration boiled over, but Iroh held up a hand to calm him. "One hundred and fifty," Iroh countered smoothly.

The captain stroked his chin, considering. "Two hundred, and not a coin less."

Iroh nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Two hundred it is." He handed over the gold without hesitation, his movements deliberate and calm.

Zuko watched in silence, his mind a tempest of thoughts and emotions. His uncle's calm demeanor in the face of such urgency was both infuriating and grounding. As the transaction concluded, Zuko took a deep breath, pushing his anger aside.

"Thank you for your time," Iroh said with a courteous nod, his eyes twinkling with hidden wisdom.

The captain's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he carefully handed the ice sculpture to Iroh, his iguana parrot squawking as it shifted on his shoulder. "A pleasure doing business with you, old man," he said, his voice tinged with amusement.

Zuko's face contorted with frustration, his scar twisting as he scowled. "Uncle, we're wasting time! We need to leave now!"

Iroh cradled the sculpture gently, admiring its intricate details. "Patience, Prince Zuko. A moment to appreciate beauty is never wasted." He turned to the captain, bowing slightly. "Thank you for your hospitality and information."

The captain acquiesced with a headshake. Iroh turned around and left the ship boutique, followed by his nephew who was more than eager to leave as he knew where to look and determined not to waste more time when the Avatar was so close.

As they descended the gangplank, Zuko's irritation bubbled over. "I can't believe you spent our money on that... that thing!" he hissed, gesturing at the ice sculpture. "You've already paid for the information!"

Iroh's eyes twinkled as they walked along the dock, still admiring the statue. "Ah, but nephew, this 'thing' is more than just a beautiful ornament. It tells us much about our mysterious opponent."

Zuko's scowl deepened. "I know what kind of person she is, Uncle. She's dangerous, powerful, and stands in the way of my honour!"

Iroh held the sculpture up, letting the sunlight dance across its surface. " Indeed, she is. But look closer, Prince Zuko. See the precision, the control, the details? This is not just raw power, but skill and artistry. Our opponent is not just strong, but disciplined and creative."

Zuko's pace slowed as he reluctantly studied the sculpture. His eyes widened slightly as he took in the intricate details, remembering the fierce yet graceful way Elsa had fought on Kyoshi Island and Crescent Island. A part of him thought again of how she interacted with him in the temple, composed and trying to understand him. He tried to chased away that thought as it reminded him of his mother. The woman accompanying the avatar was an obstacle. He couldn't allow himself to compare her to his mother. But the feeling still lingered in his mind.

As they were moving through the port, Zuko's mind raced with plans and strategies to capture the Avatar without falling prey to Elsa's powers. A part of him wished he could have made a deal with the pirates, but another was glad. As much as he could trust their greed, he was for some reasons wary to allow them to capture Elsa, something he couldn't pinpoint or understand why. A small voice whispered it was because she reminded him of how his mother was or how Azula could have been if she was nicer and an older sister, but he tried to hush that whisper and to focus on his mission. He couldn't afford to be distracted by whispers, not for someone who was a threat to the Fire Nation and an obstacle to his path.

He knew he had another opportunity to capture the Avatar and to restore his honour so close after what happened on Crescent Island, but he needed to think as would his uncle if he wanted to achieve that mission without failing miserably because of that woman.

Iroh watched his nephew carefully, noting the determined set of his jaw. "You seem to have an idea in mind, Prince Zuko."

Zuko nodded sharply. "We know where they're going. We need to follow the river upstream to the hidden lagoon. If we leave now, we can intercept them."

Iroh stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The chances of finding them might be slim, Prince Zuko. Don't forget they have a flying bison."

"We have to try!" Zuko insisted, his voice rising. "This is the closest we've been. I won't let this chance slip away. Not again."

Iroh sighed, his expression concerned. "Even if we do find them, how do you intend to capture the Avatar without confronting the ice wielder? It's obvious her powers are formidable."

Zuko's jaw set in determination. "I'll find a way to deal with her. I have to."

Iroh placed a comforting hand on his nephew's shoulder. "Very well, nephew. We'll try it your way. But promise me you'll be careful. Some victories come at too high a price."

Zuko nodded, his expression softening slightly at his uncle's concern. "I promise, Uncle."

As they were approaching their ship. Zuko's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and plans. The urgency of the situation pressed upon him, but his resolve remained firm. The Avatar and his companions would not elude him again. Not this time. The hunt was on, and Zuko was ready.