Storm

Introduction

Book 1 Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4 Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Book 2

Side stories

The village we entered was largely vacant, and clearly a poor place. It wasn't surprising, since we were in the desert. There was only one merchant to supply goods. I let out a stare as we passed by old men playing a game, they stared at us walking by. I kept my sights straight, avoiding the malicious glares from the men.

I guess not too many new people come and go from here. Newcomers make for easy targets, hopefully, we'll just stop and go.

I cleared my throat, forcefully choking down sand and dirt. Wiping the sweat off my forehead from the excruciating heat.

Zuko and I got off the ostrich-horse as we stopped in front of the merchants stand. The shade giving us both the much needed break. Looking to see Zuko, I noticed his light skin got a slight tan from all the sunlight.

"Could I get some water, a bag of feed, and something hot to eat?" Zuko said, holding out the two coins.

"Not enough here for a hot meal," The merchant said, "I can get you two bags of feed," He tried compensating the little money we had.

We both nodded as Zuko handed over my waterskin to be filled with water. From behind, I could feel the men stares on us while we stood with our backs to them. Two boys began to giggle. To my right, they threw eggs at the men. I watched warily as the boys quickly ran off. Zuko had also watched the whole thing occur.

"Hey!" A man yelled as I heard footsteps walk towards us. Zuko and I didn't turn around,"You throwing eggs at us, stranger?"

"No," Zuko replied, still keeping his back turned.

"You see who did throw it?" The man continued.

Zuko turned around, placing his hand on the grip of his dual swords.

"No,"

"That your favorite word? No?" Another soldier asked.

"Egg had to come from somewhere," 

"Maybe a chicken flew over," Zuko dryly joked turning to me. I snickered to myself, keeping a cold gaze.

"Anything you got to say little lady," The man said to me as we locked eyes.

"Do people have to speak when the possum mice squeak?" I said with slight unintentional provocation.

"That mouth of your sure has some sass," The man replied with annoyance.

Anger boiled in my stomach as the frustration from the heat was starting to get to my head. Another word and I might've struck him, but Zuko turned me back so we could retrieve our feed. He had a small smirk on his face from my remark, making me realize in that moment that what I said was actually a rhyme.

The merchant brought the feed, and placed it on the counter, but the man came over to grab it himself.

"Thanks for your contribution. The army appreciates your support," The man tossed one of his man the bags.

I scoffed to myself, these men are soldiers? They walked away, their heads looked back glaringly, "You better leave town, penalty for staying is a lot steeper than you can afford. Strangers, trust me," He threatened tapping his metal hammer.

So much for law and order.

"Those soldiers are supposed to protect us from the Fire Nation but they're just a bunch of thugs," The merchant said, handing me back my waterskin.

Zuko silently walked to the ostrich-horse and I followed.

"Thanks for not ratting me out," The boy who threw the eggs said from the other side of the bird. I looked him while an unamused Zuko helped me up onto the ostrich-horse.

"I'll take you to my house and feed your ostrich-horse for you," The boy offered, holding the rein in his hand. He didn't wait for us to respond as he pulled us off, "Come on, I owe you,"

I watched as Zuko held his stomach, a loud growl emitted from it. No point in turning back now, maybe we'll be able to have some food while we were here. We were led to farm the boys family owned, and the pigs announced our arrival as we walked past.

"No one can ever sneak up on us," The boy said, looking up to Zuko.

Zuko clicked his teeth,"No kidding."

The little boy led the ostrich-horse to the barn, leaving us in front of his house. Zuko averted his attention to the pig-rooster that crowed at us.

"Hello to you too," I said, looking at the pig rooster as he crowed one more time in response. It was my first time seeing one in person.

I then looked curiously at Zuko, trying to read this thoughts. Finding it hard believe he actually let some random kid take us to his home.

"You both friends of Lee's?" A man who I could only assume was Lee's father asked.

I could see Zuko slightly tense at the idea of trying to make another name up for himself, not realizing it's okay to share the same name. Even if it was your fake one.

Lee ran out the barn and to his father, "These two just stood up to the soldiers. By the end, they practically had them running away,"

"Do these two have names?" A lady asked approaching the us.

Zuko looked down trying to think, "I'm uh,"

"They don't have to say who they are if they don't want to, Sela. Anyone who can hold their own to those bully soldiers is welcomed here. Those men should be ashamed to wear Earth Kingdom uniforms,"

I gave a small nod in agreement. It's disgraceful to the good name the Earth Kingdom has for itself.

"The real soldiers are off fighting the war. Like Lee's big brother, Sen su," Sela said as Lee smiled at the mention of his brother, "Suppers going to be ready soon, would you both like to stay?"

"We can't. We should be moving on," Zuko responded.

As much as I wanted the meal, he had a point. Especially with those 'soldiers', we shouldn't stay too long. The couple glanced at each other for a brief moment.

"Gansu, could use some help on the barn. Why don't you two work for a while?" Sela suggested," Your girlfriend can help finish dinner and then we'll eat,"

Truly a temping offer, I looked to Zuko and internally begging him to say yes so that we could eat. He nodded. I slightly curled my lips before heading off with Sela inside, working for a meal was a good exchange if you asked me. Zuko continued to watch me as I went inside before following Gansu.

"Shui," I said as Sela looked at me a little confused, "My name is Shui,"

She smiled in acknowledgment and continued our silence. Sela only spoke to me when she needed something else to be done, and I followed diligently as we made paomo. A mutton broth with soaked flat bread pieces. She eventually broke the silence as she stirred the soup.

"You two been traveling for long?" She asked.

I nodded serving the bowls of rice and a plate of pickled vegetables.

"We're refugees. We've had to leave a lot behind," I said, it was the truth but a vague truth.

Sela took that as a sign she shouldn't pry too much. I gave her a sorry look, but revealing too much was a risk and I also didn't want to lie to her at the moment. I was just too tired, and wanted the day to be over after all the traveling.

Time flew by quickly, and the sun was starting to set. When the others came in to have dinner, I saw Zuko's thumb was really red, as if it had been smashed. He didn't say anything so I didn't ask him in thay moment.  Most of the time, we were just giving short answers to random questions we were asked as Lee went on tangents in the conversation. It was good that he was so talkative, but not when he asked a questions that were a bit too personal. Luckily, his father scolded him for it. Once we finished, we thanked the family for the food.

Zuko and I then headed to the barn.

"Your thumb is awfully swollen," I said as I brushed out my hair with my fingers.

Zuko cleared his throat, "I hit it with the hammer,"

I snickered, knowing it was likely because Zuko had never done manual labor like that in his life before today, "What an idiot," I muttered.

"Apparently, your idiot," Zuko smirked as I went to heal his thumb.

"Want me to leave this as is?" I said with a smile, he looked at his thumb as my finger jokingly debated on pressing down on the swollen finger or not.

He snapped his hand out of mine, but then put his hand back for me to heal. So I did, and the barn filled with silence as he looked at me. When I finished, I looked at him with a small pondering expression, wondering what he was going to say next.

"We should sleep," He said, laying down on the pile of hay.

I laid down on the hay, giving a stretch before trying to relax.

I couldn't sleep, nothing new.

After a while, Lee sneaked into the barn, trying to take Zuko's dual sword. His eyes met mine as I nodded and shooed with my hand giving him the ok. The boy quickly grabbed the blade and ran out. A little later, I felt Zuko get up - to my surprise he was also awake and I followed him just in case he'd blow up at the poor kid.

Lee fell to the ground in the distance as Zuko just stood there. Lee looked down, but I saw Zuko take the dual swords and show him how to use them. My eyes softened as he demonstrated a move by slicing at the sunflowers. Lee tried thereafter. I squinted trying to still see from where I stood.

Did Zuko just smile?!

Deep down, it reminded me of Rui and I. I sat down with a smile until they said goodnight to each other. When Zuko returned, he froze when he saw me - not expecting I'd also be awake.

"I think he likes you," I teased, but Zuko didn't respond as he walked into the barn.

I smiled on my way back inside and laid down.

"Sleep," He said.

"Are you talking to me or yourself?" I asked, making him let out a small groan.

I hummed back in response.

Slowly waking up, I noticed I was facing Zuko. My eyes widened, examining his features for a minute or two before quietly sitting upright. He was still asleep, allowing me to let out a breath of relief. Having been taken aback from seeing his face so closely the second I opened my eyes. I began running my fingers through my hair to remove the strands of hay that might have gotten caught in it, heart racing when I felt another hand touch it.

"There," He said, picking out the last stand of hay from my head, "Lets go,"

I nodded with a smile, still shaken up a bit. Zuko looked away, and went to get the ostrich horse.

Lee's family waited outside to bid us farewell. Zuko and I got on the ostrich-horse, and looked to Lee and his parents.

"Here, this ought to get you two through a few meals," Sela said, handing me a small box.

"Thank you," I said, "I appreciate it"

We heard stomping coming our way. I turned to see the same soldiers who took our feed approaching us.

"What do you think they want?" Gansu asked.

"Trouble," Zuko responded.

Distressed oinking and squealing came from the pig-cows and pig-sheep as they arrived to where we stood.

"What do you want, Gow?" Gansu asked the soldier.

"Just thought someone ought to tell you, your son's battalion got captured," Gow stated sadistically. I saw as Gansu's jaw dropped in horror, "You boys heard what the Fire Nation did with their last group of Earth Kingdom prisoners?"

"Dressed them up in Fire Nation uniforms and put them in first line unarmed. Way I heard it," A man responded spitting to the ground," Then they just watched,"

"You watch your mouth!" Gansu said, pointing at the soldier.

Gow tried to approach Gansu but Zuko blocked his path with our ostrich-horse. Gow studied the two of us as Zuko and I sent a glare to the men.

"Why bother rolling in the mud with these pigs?" Then they all left.

"What's going to happen to my brother?" A worried Lee asked.

Zuko looked down, and I wondered what was going through his mind. Ever since we left Iroh, Zuko seemed to get lost in his thoughts more often. Maybe, he had actually taken what I said to heart.

"I'm going to the front. I'm going to find Sen Su and bring him back," Gansu said to his wife, walking away. My heart hurt when I heard Sela cry.

"When my dad goes will you two stay?" Lee asked hopefully wishing for a good response.

"No," Zuko said, he sounded a bit sad,"We need to move on," Reaching into his bag, giving Lee his dagger.

"Here, I want you to have this. Read the inscription," Zuko said.

"Made in Earth Kingdom?" Lee read.

"The other one," Zuko corrected.

"Never give up without a fight,"

With that Zuko took off. I held onto him as we traveled under the hot sun.

"I guess you liked the kid too," I said, but Zuko remained quiet again.

And here I thought I was bad. Who knew I'd find myself trying to fill silence?

Zuko stopped to rest on a grassy field not to far from the village. He laid down, basking in the hot sun while I was practicing a bit in the river. The refreshing water waking me up from the dry heat.

I looked behind me as I heard Zuko repeat, "Azula always lies," I stared at him for a moment.

Now I really wonder what's going through your head.

I began to hear an ostrich-horse whining along with the sound of a cart. It was Sela and she carried a worried look on her face.

"You have to help. It's Lee," She begged.

"The thugs from town came back as soon as Gansu left! When they ordered us to give them food, Lee pulled a knife on them!" My mouth opened in shock as Zuko slightly looked away in guilt,"I don't even know where he got a knife! Then they took him away, they told me if he's old enough to fight, he's old enough to join the army!" She cried into her hands,"I know we barely know you, but-"

She choked on her tears.

"Don't worry," I looked over to Zuko, he didn't have to say anything. I could tell he agreed with me.

"We'll get your son back," Zuko said before I had the chance to.

"Thank you," She choked again.

"It's the least we can do,"

Sela nodded and ran to her cart while Zuko and I got back onto the ostrich-horse.

"I'll handle this," Zuko said, "Stay out of it,"

Having known what self blame looked like, I saw that Zuko was already blaming himself for what happened the kid. And wanting to assume responsibility for it.

It had been quite some time since Kya herself last stepped foot onto Republic City. Responsibilities called her everywhere but here it seemed, well, all for the better. Since Avatar Aang resided on Air Temple Island and kept the peace of the United Republic of Nations, if she needed to be here, it spelled a trouble beyond compare.

Spare crime syndicates and political spats, the world was relatively at peace. That fact extended to the Maiden of the Sea, for the most part at least. Having become rather secluded in public affairs ever since her second child, Izumi. The Order of the White Lotus on her end was a self functioning machine, as long as it was active, it had yet to falter.

But world peace did not mean individual, and Siku had been away from home for a year now. When speaking to Katara and Aang, they knew little of their nephews whereabouts, and their children kept quiet on the matter. What is a mother to do but begin to search? If anyone was to find a missing person, all you needed was a Shirshu and a handful of yuan, and the lead to Siku's location led her to the slums of Dragon Flats borough.

—

Looking up to the apartment building through her veil, Kya knew that whatever was going on, it wasn't good. She had known that her son had inherited a much more adventurous and free spirited personality than both her and Zuko combined, but truly had never expected that would lead to this.

Thoroughly disguised, no one noticed her status, it was better this way since she preferred no one would notice her. That, and she knew some misfortunate idiot would try to mug her, so to spare them the embarrassment a disguise was necessary.

She quietly began walking up the stairs that led to the second floor door, trying to make sure that  Siku would not find the chance to run away on her way up.

"They're meeting here in two days" Siku said, pointing at the map of the city that he kept pinned to his wall.

Before the other boy could even reply, a hand went over his mouth, muffling him in confusion. Siku had shushed him, placing the map in his hands and shoved him into the closet. Thus, he quickly went to the door and placed his ear against it, listening to who was there.

All he sensed was a presence at the door, waiting for a few seconds, he then heard two simple knocks. Having thought it was his cousin, who routinely managed to find him somehow, he opened the door.

"Bumi, I already told you I'm not going to-" Siku paused in shock, "Mom?"

Asking, while lifting the veil from her face with his two hands to confirm her identity.  For a boy who hasn't replied to a single letter from his mother in months, he clearly forgot that there'd come the moment in time where Kya would look for him.

"Oh, so Bumi knew about this?" Kya asked, walking past him to see his room.

"Mom, wait," Siku said, scrambling to try and find a way to stop her, "I can explain everything,"

"Seems like the allowance we've been giving you isn't enough, given that you're living here," She continued, steamrolling Siku's protests flat," Oh and I know you have a friend in the closet. You're free to come out now,"

A small awkward laugh came out of the boys mouth as he emerged from behind the closet door, slowly walking out with an innocent smile. There was something familiar from his face, but Kya couldn't quite put her finger on it. The boy, on the other hand, was so frightened that he thought he'd pee himself right then and there. Believing that he had now made himself an enemy of the Fire Nation Royal Family.

Kya however, fixed her composure rather quickly. Not wanting to drag a poor soul into familiar affairs, she handed him her money pouch.

"Take this and buy the kids downstairs something nice," She said calmly.

After 25 years as Lady of the Fire Nation, Kya's presence became molded into the fold, and she held a rather regal presence that had the boy in awe. Nothing like her son that was for sure, in actuality the prince resembled more of a monkey marmot, and that was only on his pure stubbornness.

The pouch itself weighed heavily, snapping the boy out of his trance, looking inside to see what it held - dozen or so pieces of gold ban and yuan were secured together with a string.

His eyes lit up, and he rushed out the door without looking back. Who needed to remember Siku's newfound predicament when Kya just offered to give the kids downstairs more money than they've seen all year?

Walking over to sit at on the mat Siku used for a bed, she hummed, waiting for an explanation.

Left with no place to turn, he began to explain everything. Not having it in him to lie to his parents, which is why he thought it was best to not reply to their letters.

Despite benders being able to find their way up the socio-economic ladder much more easily compared to non benders, new arrivals were exploited equally. In Republic City, most newly immigrated families found themselves here, in Dragon Flats, and the Terra Triad preyed on those with little to no resources.

Siku began to have the rude awakening of reality settle in that Republic City was, in fact, not the harmonious place his family had been working so hard to achieve. Unable to stand the injustice and almost being targeted himself; he chose to take matters into his own hands. Outside of any legal purview.

His plan you ask? To attempt to mass expose the reality of immigrants by blowing up the factories that the Terra Triad monopolized on. It was a crude and underdeveloped plan that could lead him into a lot of trouble at worst, and at best, it'd call the attention of the council for them to further resolve while leaving the syndicate with a significant financial blow. From what he said, it seemed that his plan had already begun. Yet, it was much too risky for Kya's taste.

Seeing the expression on his mother's face, he could tell she was upset.

"Mom, I know what I'm doing," He said, still shaking from explaining the frustrating situation.

"Do you really? Because it seems to me you're taking an unreasonable risk," She had always been known for teaching the kids when to trust themselves, but this was the first time any of them were actually in harms way, and that scared her.

"Yes! I do, so you can leave now," He said, putting a hand out for his mother to get up and signaling to the door," Take a look around inner city, visit auntie, or hold a surprise lecture at the academy. There's so much you can do now that you're here," He rambled on with suggestions.

"Siku-" Kya said, refusing to leave the mat she sat on.

"I just need some time!" Siku snapped, "I'm so close, and I know I can do this,"

I need to do this, he thought. Trying to prove himself of something, anything for that matter, just to acknowledge he was capable of an impact.

"Why didn't you ask for help?" Kya asked, trying to pick at her son's thoughts.

"Because I don't need to rely on you for the rest of my life. I know I can do this, so I'm seeing it through to the end! You can't stop me,"

A reasonable response, Kya understood that. Long ago, she would have protested something similar if she were in his shoes.

"What if you get hurt?" Kya replied. She wanted to support him, but in the chance it all failed - If something unspeakable happened to her son for poking a colossal platypus-bear? Kya would be beside herself on what to do, not to mention how Zuko would react. That lead her to remind him of where he stood, even if it pulled some strings of guilt in Siku's heart.

Standing up, imposing an air of authority, Kya slammed her hand on the table, "You are the Fire Lords son,"

"Did I ever ask to be the Fire Lords son?!" Siku yelled back, the flames from his fireplace burned wildly with the rising of his voice, "There's so much more I can do for people outside those palace walls," His voice shook towards the end of his sentence.

Having been the first born, Siku would be carried on Kya's back with a onbuhimo or with an amauti depending on where she went. Only being in her late twenties when he was born, Kya found the need to bring him with her on her travels and diplomacy visits. First borns meant first attachments, and Kya could not separate herself from her son until she was forced to - which was after boring three more children. Perhaps those travels were where he learned that he wanted more from life, that the palace walls were confining, and too suffocating for him to stand in. Where you sat on a throne for the rest of your life to dictate everything from behind the scenes, it was the farthest thing he wanted. He wanted to see the world, and help it with his own blood and sweat.

Just like his parents, uncles, aunt, and all the people who raised him; who managed to change the world at his age. That was the legacy he wanted to continue. No one would stop him, not even when his mother so fervently discouraged him for the first time in his life.

It was his hill to die on.

"Fine, stay here playing hero," Kya said, hurting from his comment. Deep down, she knew that he meant the position itself, and not the father who also loved him so deeply. However, she was only human, so a pained retort was all she could muster at the moment,"Then I'll go, just know your father is worried sick,"

"I know," Siku said, holding back tears that threatened to pour from his eyes. It was an impasse he didn't mean to create. Clenching his fists he continued honestly, "I'm sorry,"

He missed his family, truly. The thought of having them all worry about him did make him feel remorseful. Siku then reached out to pull on Kya's robe as she turned away.

"I missed you, mom," He said quietly. It was the truth, but he had tasted freedom, and he wasn't about to let it go simply because she had said a few mildly unpleasant words. He was never going to allow himself to be placed back into the position of crowned prince, and she accepted that.

"Just make it back for Izumi's birthday this year," Kya said with a smile, placing her both hands on his shoulders before hugging him.

"I'll be in the city for a week," She continued, leaving a wooden wolf carved whistle on the table before she left, "You say you don't need any help but, the offer always stands,"

Name: Akira

Nationality: Earth Kingdom

Born: 85 AG

MBTI: ENFP

Occupation: Seamstress

We sat in the scorching sun after a long ride. Traveling for most of the night, we decided to let the ostrich horse rest, while Iroh began asking for money. I constantly stifled a yawn, still tired since the sunlight burning my skin kept me awake. I leaned against the ostrich horse with my hand over my eyes. Zuko, who sat beside me, had his arms crossed angrily, looking down as Iroh continued to beg for spare coins to whoever passed by.

"This is humiliating. We're royalty, these people should be giving us whatever we want," Zuko said with annoyance.

Ex royalty. I corrected in my mind.

"They will, if you ask nicely," Iroh replied.

I sighed, lowering my hand from my face and sitting up. It was impossible to find a way to be comfortable at this moment.

"Spare change for a hungry old man?" Iroh asked a lady passing by.

"Aw, here you go," She said, dropping a couple coins into his straw hat.

"The coin is appreciated but not as much as your smile," Iroh complimented, earning a giggle from the lady as she walked away. Zuko facepalmed himself, growing more frustrated by the second.

"Stop complaining. If I need to remind you, we're broke," I said.

Zuko was about to shoot back an angry remark as a man came over.

"How about some entertainment in exchange for a gold piece?" The man said, holding out a gold coin.

"We're not performers," Zuko said, containing his annoyance.

"Not professionals, anyway," Iroh said, standing up.

"It's a long long way to Ba Sing Se," Iroh began to sing, "But the girls in the city they look so pretty,"

"Come on, we're talking a gold piece!" The man said, pulling a pair of dual blades.

Seeing the glint of the blades, I tried to get up from where I sat, yet Zuko grabbed my arm. Pulling me closer to him, and holding me by the shoulders.

"Dance," The man demanded, slashing at Iroh's feet.

Iroh nodded to me, easing a bit of my concern. Telling me to sing along with him, so I did.

"They kiss so sweet, that you really got to meet the girls from Ba Sing Se," We continued in unison.

Zuko dug his nails into my shoulders. I winced a bit, shrugging his hands off then placing a hand on one of my shoulders.

"Sorry," He said in a slightly annoyed but apologetic tone, putting his hands to his knees and clutching them even harder then my shoulders.

I understood his annoyance, and I wasn't even related to Iroh. Knowing Zuko, he must be fuming from having his uncle be publicly degraded in front of us.

"Nothing like a fat man dancing for his dinner. Here you go!" The man laughed, tossing the coin onto the floor and walking away.

"Such a kind man," Iroh said, sitting back down with a smile.

"He was wonderful," I added, taking some water and freezing the front of his foot down, causing the man to fall face first to the ground. The man was confused, and quickly got back up before running away.

Zuko kept his gaze at the man, so I moved myself forward to block his view and move on. It was over, so there was no point in trying to keep dwelling on it. He looked down, still clutching his fists.

I know. I'm upset it too.

We had set up camp after eating the cheapest plate at a local restaurant, splitting the noodle soup between the three of us. Delicious, but definitely not sufficient. With no room to complain, we all ate equal portions so if I was still hungry, it was likely they were too. Iroh was fast asleep after saying goodnight. I laid on the ground, watching the the moon light shined down from above me. I smiled while touching my necklace.

"You seem more upbeat today," Zuko asked.

"Oh really?" I responded still looking at the sky. 

"Nothing ever seems to really bother you, ever,"

"It's called self control. I get angry too, you know," I putting my hands towards the sky, there was light scratch was on the back of my hands from not being able to sleep well for the past couple nights, "I just choose not to show it,"

I could hear Zuko shuffling behind me as he threw a cloth onto me, covering my face. I took it off to see that it was a cloak, along with long black mask to cover my face.

"Then show it just once, tonight," He said, running out with the Blue Spirit mask on. Not even giving me a chance to reply. Seems like he holds a grudge, well, it's not like I didn't either. Just trying to ignore the memory before I let the idea of killing the man become a good idea. Still, I ran after him, running from roof to roof.

"Who's there?!" The man asked, looking around drawing his dual swords.

Zuko and I nodded at each other as we jumped down. I kicked the man back from behind as Zuko took the dual swords and ran back up to the roof. I followed after pocketing the man's money pouch before he had a chance to see me. Once we were back to the little cave we called our temporary home, we didn't uttering a single word to the other. Zuko just laid down and went to sleep.

I sighed into my corner. There was no lingering guilt for stealing from the man, but it wasn't a great feeling either. I decided that maybe it was best to not retaliate against petty nuisances like that man again, making it the first and last time I helped Zuko steal anything.

I woke up the next morning with a blanket on me. Iroh was still fast asleep, but Zuko was gone, and as the days went on - Zuko constantly left without telling either of us. Not that I expected him to be informing me of anything to begin with. Instead, I kept practicing my bending with the limited water I had. 

One day, Zuko came back with a basket of pastries. Ones that I had eyed the last time we were in the village. He placed them right in front of me, and I couldn't help but peer into the basket. I was of course grateful, but also confused as I watched him walk away. 

"Where did you get these?" Iroh questioned with a judging look.

"What does it matter where they came from?" Zuko said.

"Eat," Zuko said, looking at me.

Iroh hummed raising a brow.

I shook my head in a sigh and looked at Iroh for approval to eat the stolen goods. He nodded reluctantly, it was already stolen, what more could we do? I threw him one after tasting it, they were quite good.

"Your nephew is acting weirder then normal," I said.

"He believes he's helping us," Iroh said.

"At least he has the good intention part," I sat there, trying to think of what I could to to help him, but at the moment my mind was drawing blanks. I shoved another pastry into my mouth causing Iroh to chuckle. I should try confronting him before things get out of hand.

"He will learn from his mistakes. That's how everyone learns," Iroh said.

I finished my pastries joyfully, and went back to exercising after Iroh stepped out.

Zuko had finally made an appearance after being gone for half the day.

"Welcome back," I said, sitting up.

He didn't say anything to me as he hulled in a bunch of bags that were stuffed to the brim.

"You're not serious, are you?" I said, crossing my arms.

"What about it?" He said defensively.

"I appreciate the efforts, but there are people worked to have the things that you just stole," I said passive aggressively. 

"You complain about being broke, and now you want me to do nothing about!" Zuko argued.

"Sure, we're broke," I said dusting off my pants, "But that doesn't give any of us the right to steal from innocent people. You didn't bring food this time, your brought valuables, what are we even supposed to do with these? We're living in a cave, it's not like we can keep any of this,"

"You think you're so smart," Zuko spat, "You should be more grateful. I even got you those pastries!"

"I said I appreciate your efforts," I snapped back, throwing him the sack where the pasties were. I had left a few for when Zuko came back, not expecting him to lug in a small apartments worth of trinkets and goods.

Zuko kept quiet as I went back to working out. Ignoring him the rest of the time. 

"Looks like you did some serious shopping," Iroh said walking back in, "But where did you get the money?"

"Do you like your new tea pot?" Zuko asked.

"To be honest with you the best tea taste delicious whether it comes in a porcelain pot or a tin cup," Iroh replied.

I fell from my handstand at the sudden feeling of confrontation between the two.

Zuko looked at me as I slowly sat myself back up rolling my shoulders. I waved my hand at him to stop staring as Iroh walked over to him.

"I know we've had some difficult times lately, we've had to struggle just to get by, but it's nothing to be ashamed of. There is a simple honor in poverty," Iroh said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"There's no honor for me without the Avatar,"

"Zuko," Iroh sighed as I inched closer to the two, "Even if you did capture the Avatar, I'm not sure it will solve our problems, not now,"

"Then there is no hope at all," Zuko said as he was about to stand up.

"No, Zuko," Iroh pulled Zuko back, "You must never give into despair, allow yourself to slip down that road and you surrender to your lowest instincts. In the darkest times, hope is something you give to yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength,"

Zuko stood up, looking back at me, and turned to leave. Iroh motioned for me not to follow him, but I went anyways. I grabbed his wrist as he snapped it out of my hands and glared at me. In a moment, he looked down, not wanting to look me in the eyes.

"I think you need to stop focusing on what others want you to think, and think for yourself,"

He turned to walk away again.

I watched him go into the distance, slumping my shoulders in a sigh. 

>>>

"You came back," I said seeing Zuko approach the cave. It had been a few hours since he left, and part of me wondered if he had actually left us here to travel on his own.

He nodded at the then looking to Iroh, "Uncle I've thought a lot about what you said,"

"You did?" Iroh replied looking back to him, "Good, good,"

"It's helped me realize something. We no longer have anything to gain by traveling together. I need to find my own way,"

That wasn't what I meant when I said 'think for yourself,' you idiot.

Zuko turned around, and began walking away. Scrambling to gather my things, I went of to follow him. He gazed at me, a little confused as to why I was running after him.

"I know you're upset at us but -" I said, "Finding your own way sounds a little lonely, doesn't it?" 

"I-" Zuko tried to reply but was interrupted. 

"Wait!" Iroh called, bringing the ostrich-horse, "Take care of each other,"  

Zuko immediately got on the animal, and slowly reached out to help me up. Perhaps he was still debating if having me join was a good idea. But, he had already let me get on the ostrich-horse, so the only way to get me to leave was to kick me off. After all, I had to make sure that wherever we went, I was there to stop him if Aang or my family were present. I looked back to see a saddened Iroh, who mustered a smile when seeing me. Glad that somehow, his nephew managed to still have someone by his side. 

But was he on mine? That was yet to be determined.

>>>

The following few days were pure suffering, and I regretted following Zuko as we traveled aimlessly inland of the Earth Kingdom. Slowly we started running out of water, and had no food. The poor ostrich-horse was tired, but so were the two of us. I placed my forehead against Zuko's back, trying to make my face avoid the horrible desert sun.

Coming across a bridge, Zuko continued normally and was going to cross. I immediately jumped off the ostrich horse, stumbling a bit.

"Are you crazy?!" He hissed at me. It hasn't been the first time he's asked me that, so maybe I was.

"Let's cross separately. I don't think it'll handle the weight of the three of us at once," I said pointing at the bridge. It looked like it would fall apart any minute.

"That's- ugh fine," Zuko said, "I'll go first,"

Zuko began to cross on the ostrich-horse, and I saw a piece of the wood fall. The bird got caught in the hole of the wooden tile.

"Zuko!" I called out, but he got through and finished crossing the bridge. Motioning to me to cross afterwards.

I began to cross the bridge. It would swing and shake slightly, but I walked it fairly quickly just wanted to get it over with quickly. Just as I was making it to the end, I felt a crack in the board.

"Ah," I breathed out as my leg fell through the bridge. Then the rest of the panel broke off, and I almost fell through.

I gripped the tile of wood in front of me, and Zuko grab my arm to yank me up with all his strength - slamming into his chest. I looked down to see my leg scraped, however, I was relieved I didn't free fall to my death.

"Are you okay?" He asked, looking down at me.

I could feel a bit of blood trickle down my leg, but I stayed silent, just nodding while I processed what had happened. My long garments covered the area where I had scratched myself, so it was hard to tell if anything had happened.

"Then let go," He said, helping me back onto the ostrich-horse and we continued our journey.

Silently, we continued our journey and we both paused at the smell of meat as we looked over at a couple. Zuko reached for his swords as I placed my hand on his shoulder pointing to the couple. The lady was pregnant. We both gave a long sigh, continuing forward with our journey. It felt like it was only getting hotter and hotter. The fact that we both hadn't washed in days also made everything much worse. I desperately wished for sleep, preferably on something soft.

"Water," Zuko rasped out. I handed him my waterskin, and he gulped half of the little water that was left, passing it back to me.

"Thanks," I said.

"Heal yourself," He said.

"How did you know?" I asked, but I looked down to see the small patch of blood that stained on my pants, along with the rip it had from when Zuko pulled me back up. 

"You need to stop acting like your fine," Zuko said in a slightly scolding tone.

I used the water to heal myself, then looked back at Zuko. Did he only ask for water to make sure I had enough to heal myself? He was much more perceptive than I had originally thought. 

I shook the idea out of my head as Zuko started nodding his head, falling asleep from the exhaustion.

"We should switch," I said, stopping him before he passed out from the heat.

"I'm fine," He insisted.

"Don't just act like you're fine," I said in a bit of a mocking tone, but he didn't reply.

"Move or I'll move you," I said coldly. Handing him the actual last drop of water I had.

He reluctantly switched with me. After a few minutes, his forehead met my shoulder, and he fell asleep. I continued to hum. My mind went blank, I couldn't focus on anything even if I tried. I was too hot, tired, hungry, and thirsty but I managed to push through. Without knowing how much time had passed, I saw a village ahead.

Zuko and I did our best to carry Iroh to a nearby Earth Kingdom village. Thankfully, it was rather close. After asking around, and having a clearly rash riddled older man - we found an apothecary.

"You three must not be from around here, we know better than to touch the White Jade," The nice girl who was attending to Iroh, smacking away his hand before he began scratching again. "Much less to turn it into tea and drink it,"

"Oops," Iroh said laughing, his swelling was a lot better from when we first saw him.

"So where are you traveling from?" The girl asked.

"Yes, we're travelers!" Zuko weirdly shot up. I tried my best to conceal my expression.

Wow, you are horrible at lying.

"Do you have names?" She continued to ask.

"Names?" Zuko said, trying to think of something, "Of course we have names. I'm — Lee and this is my uncle, uh Mushi," He said with an awkward smile. Spirits save us, and let this girl believe this nonsense.

Iroh glared at Zuko for the very stupid name.

"Yes my nephew was named after his father so we just call him Junior," He smiled over at Zuko who motioned a 'you're dead' to his uncle. "And this is my nephew's lovely girlfriend,"

Girlfriend?!

"I'm Shui," I introduced before Zuko went on to say another idiotic thing.

"Yes! Shui!" Zuko said, a bit too loudly. I groaned at their horrible acting. If it wasn't for this girls kindness, she would have noticed something suspicious already.

"Mushi, Junior, and Shui. Huh?" She sweetly smiled at us.

I faked a giggle, grabbing Zuko's hand and digging my nails into his skin. He kept his anger in as the girl turned back to Iroh. Zuko snapped his hand away from mine, rubbing where nail marks are now present on his hand. I smiled brightly putting my hands behind my back innocently. At least I managed to sell the last bit of falsehood to the girl.

"You're crazy," He whispered to me.

"Right back at you," I whispered back.

"My name is Song. You three look like you could use a good meal, why don't you stay for dinner?" She asked us kindly while swatting Iroh's hand away before he scratched himself.

"Sorry but we need to be moving on," Zuko declined. Iroh and I sighed, still hungry.

"That's too bad, my mom always makes too much roast duck," Song said.

"Roast duck?" I asked softly, looking at her with wishful eyes. A proper meal, and it wasn't fish. How could we pass the offer up so easily?

"Where do you live exactly?" Iroh asked quickly leaning over to her.

Song took us to her house after treating Iroh. We sat down around the table, I sat between Zuko and Iroh as we patiently waited for the food. I hummed silently feeling excited to eat.

"Well, aren't you two sight for sore eyes," Song's mother said to Zuko and I. I looked down briefly "Quite the good looking couple!"

"Thank you for your hospitality," I said politely.

"Ironically, hard times brings people closer together so I'm sure you both love each other very much," She added. I looked over at Zuko who was blushing ever since she called us a 'good looking couple'. I nervously laughed.

"Mom," Song whined as the room became awkward.

"My daughter tells me you are refugees," The lady said switching the topic, setting the roasted duck down, "We were once refugees ourselves,"

"When I was a little girl, the Fire Nation raided our farming village," Song said with a saddened tone,"All the men were taken away. That was the last time I saw my father,"

I saw Zuko's eyes widen at that, maybe this was the first time he'd heard such a thing. It's not like it was unheard of, was he just ignorant? Or did he really not know? I wondered what was going through his head, since he was weirdly calmer than he usually is.

"I haven't seen my father in many years," Zuko replied looking away from Song. It's not the same Zuko, definitely not the same.

"Oh is he fighting in the war?" Song asked.

"Yes," I said, not like it wasn't true. Even if it was on the oppressors side, "My father and the men of my village are also currently fighting in the war," I continued, hoping Zuko would just keep quiet. I picked up a bite of the duck, "Unfortunately, my mother died when I was little in a raid on my village though,"

Maybe it was a ploy to tug at Zuko's conscious, he set his bowl down and everyone fell silent. But, I really didn't say it too seriously. Just a passing comment on the topic of war but when I looked up, everyone's eyes were on me. Ah, I ruined the mood. I placed my chopsticks down, no longer feeling hungry.

I looked to Song and her mother, pity was written all over their faces. Something I grew to disdain.

"Oh," Song said sympathetically,"I-"

No one knew what to say, and now I hated myself for bringing it up. Disturbing the small peace I wanted to feel having a real meal. I looked at her with a soft smile, putting on an act.

I slowly stood up bowing, "Thank you for the meal,"

I stood outside on the patio. Feeling sad again. Lightly scratching my neck. I wanted to cry but there seemed to be no tears to come out. Everyone's gaze affected me more than I wished it did, and I disliked when people look at me like that when I talked about mom. This was the very reason why I never talked about her to anyone. How could I deal with the grief if I couldn't just think back on her neutrally at the very least, without everyone looking at me with that expression every time I brought her up. I sighed, looking into the sky.

"I should've just kept quiet," I said to myself. Maybe I was just horrible as breaking the ice with people I have yet to know well.

"Shui," Being startled, it was Song, who sat down behind me, "Can I join you?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin the mood," I apologized.

"It's ok. I know what you've been through, we've all been through it. The Fire Nation hurt me too," She showed me a large burn on her leg. Another innocent person hurt by this war - It made me want to strangle every Fire Nation soldier for even thinking of hurting people who've done nothing wrong. We were all just trying to live, why was that too much to ask for?

I looked past her, it was Zuko who watched from a distance. His expression softened seeing Song and I. He looked at her leg, then to me.

"The Fire Nation had hurt Lee too," I looked away from Zuko's soften eyes and nodded.

He was thirteen when it happened. The Fire Lord, his own father, burned his son without a single drop of guilt. Banished him so he could never see him again. Sentenced to find the Avatar, a person everyone thought was gone for the last hundred years? The Fire Lord had essentially told him to never come back. I guess it was true that no one escaped the pain that this war brought.

I entered again to finish my dinner some time later. It was roasted duck after all, and it tasted delicious. I helped pick up the dishes after that in appreciation. Walking back out to see the sky, a fresh breeze passed by.

"I didn't know," Zuko said following me.

"Of course you didn't," I laughed bitterly," You didn't bother to care why people hate the Fire Nation, so why should this matter? It's nothing personal to you. All the Fire Nation brings people is pain, plain and simple" I looked him in the eyes, counting off with my fingers, "The Fire Nation took my mother, and a close friend, and my father is out there fighting this stupid war," I leaned on the wall looking at the forest," What did I do so wrong to deserve any of that?"

Yes, harsher than I wanted it to come off but they were words I wanted to get off my chest before they accumulated more.

Zuko stayed silent, "My mother was taken from me too," I looked back at him, he tried not to look me in the eyes," She was just gone one day. I don't know where she is or how she's doing,"

"If you know how I feel — then why do you take the side of the same man who banished you? Who burned you?" I asked him. Genuinely wishing for a straight response while practically staring into his soul. All I could see was pain.

He remained quiet. Of course you don't have an answer. We didn't talk for the rest of the time we were there.

"Thank you for the duck. It was excellent," Iroh said gratefully.

"You're welcome. It brings me such joy when someone eats my food with such, gusto," Songs mother replied with a smile.

"Much practice," Iroh said patting his stomach.

"Thank you again," I bowed, Song smiled at me. I smiled back.

"Junior, where are your manners?" Iroh said as I turned around, "You need to thank these nice people,"

"Thank you," Zuko replied, bowing, then turning his back again to leave.

"I know you don't think there's any hope left in the world but there is hope," Song quickly said,"The Avatar has returned,"

"I know," Zuko responded.

Iroh and I went to catch up to Zuko. He turned to look at an ostrich horse and walked towards it.

"What are you doing?" Iroh whisper yelled,"These people just showed you great kindness,"

I looked at him as he held his hand out for me to climb on.

"They're about to show us a little more kindness," Zuko said, "Well?"

I sighed climbing on the ostrich horse. It's true that it'll make things more comfortable for us, but it didn't make me feel any better about it. These people offered us food, and warmth for free, and this is how we repay them.

I'm sorry. I said to Song mentally.

The next morning, I went out to practice my water bending. Swirling the water around as the faint smell of the ocean tingled my nose. I wanted to stay back if Zuko truly decided to leave, but I wanted to take the risk to follow if he did. Maybe, in some idealistic way, when he takes over the throne he could fix things. It felt like the ramblings of a madwoman, trying to rationalize everything with false positivity. Sighing loudly, I touched my necklace.

"I thought you had already went your own way," Iroh chuckled.

I shook my head, but Iroh was a perceptive man and he noticed my worries.

"Destiny has a funny way of unraveling itself, but when you reach the end - It's not as crazy as you once thought," Iroh said, placing his hand on my back.

He was right. Even if stupid, or slightly irrational - I had made it this far. Let me be killed for at least trying my best. I laughed internally, mocking myself.

Iroh called out to Zuko, "Wait! Don't leave without us,"

"Uncle, you've changed your mind!" Zuko looked at us with a smile.

"Family sticks together right?" Iroh said, placing a hand on his nephews shoulder.

"We're finally going home," Zuko said, and they both looked down at the ship, "You're coming too?" He said acknowledging my presence. He actually seemed to encourage the fact I was here, perhaps the idea of going home was so great he lost all notion of sense.

"Of course - going to the Fire Nation seems," I pursed a smile, trying to make something up,"Like an experience I won't forget,"

As Zuko walked away while Iroh observed the ship with suspicious eyes. I had now realized why he decided to come along. He didn't trust anything Azula said, that made me trust her even less. As we walked down to the dock, soldiers lined the rim of the boardwalk all the way to where Azula waited at the entrance to the deck. An intriguing glare was sent my way by her. I was wearing the colony's clothes, but it was clear I was from the Water Tribe. My blue eyes were a stark give away. I wondered why she would look at me so curiously, rather than a death filled glare as most soldiers would.

"Brother, Uncle, and the new friend, welcome!," Azula called from the top, "I'm so glad you decided to come,"

Soldiers backed in two single filed lines behind us, a sense of hostility loomed the air.

"Are you ready to depart your highness?" The captain asked Azula.

"Set our course for home, Captain," She replied.

"Home," Zuko said, relaxing his expression. We started walking up to the deck.

"You heard the princess, raise the anchors, we're taking the prisoners home," The captain announced. Azula's gaze immediately flipped once the captain slipped his tongue. He stuttered, not knowing how to act, Zuko looked shocked and Iroh quickly attacked the soldiers.

I should have expected it to come down to this. As if they'd allow any one of us to go to the Fire Nation of all places.

"You lied to me!" Zuko yelled at Azula.

"Like I've never done that before," She smiled, waving him off.

I shot the guards off the boat in a big wave, and sent a shard of ice flying to the soldier behind me. I blocked incoming attacks as Iroh pushed the guard off the deck. I continued sending ice whips to those surrounding me. Then, created rings of water shooting ice spears at anyone who tried approaching me too closely.

"Zuko, let's go!" Iroh called.

But he didn't come. I frustratingly ran after him. Zuko was ready to fight his sister on the deck. He angrily attacked Azula as she gracefully dodged his advances. Azula then taunted Zuko, calling him a failure. It fueled his anger as I fought off more soldiers that were trying to attack me. I threw the soldier off the boat, looking to Azula, who began to gather lightning and shoot it at Zuko. I had never seen anyone bend lightning in my life, and it shocked me as Iroh zoomed past me - grabbing her hand and making the lightning hit the mountains side. Then, Iroh kicked Azula off the deck. Zuko and I looked at each other reaching out to drag the other away. We ended up grabbing each other's wrists. It was uncomfortable, but we started running like that. In my shock, I was also amazed. Azula could bend lightning. What a terrifying power.

We continued running for miles.

"I think we're safe here," Iroh said, as the both of them fell to their knees.

I slumped down to catch my breath. Hating the idea that I was actually becoming used to all this running. Dipping my hands in the water, rinsing my arms to cool down, then wiping down my face. I took a sigh of relief as Zuko pulled out a knife and cut off his ponytail. Leaving only a patch left on the center of his head. Iroh then proceeded to cut off his top knot. The knife finally was passed to me, and I looked at it in confusion. They didn't expect me to cut my hair too, did they? Was this a cultural thing?

"Eh?"

They nodded.

I looked down at my reflection in the water. They said hair holds memories, at least that's what my mother used to tell me. That's why I had always tried to keep it in its best condition, clean, well kept and free of knots. I gripped the knife in my hand. If I cut it, it would be a fresh start. But, I didn't know if I was ready to let go and part of me didn't want to.

"Just do it," Zuko said.

"Fine" I muttered. Maybe it was for the best.

I undid the lace holding half of my hair up letting it fall. My hair was long, having never cut it my whole life. I took a deep breath as I sliced the knife through my hair. I looked back down, seeing it now reach a little above my shoulders. I gasped softly to myself, as I saw my hair go down the river. What a melancholic feeling it was to let it go in this manner. And what an odd reflection I saw, staring at myself through the reflection of the water.

"Hair will always grow back just as pret-," Zuko said, under his breath.

Before he could finish I swung Zuko's knife back, he stepped back thinking I was about to stab him. But it was so he could grab the knife by the handle, which was the proper way to pass along sharp objects. I felt a small blush come across my face as I looked back down at my reflection, brushing my hair with my fingers. I sighed, turning back to Zuko who quickly looked away.

"Let's go," Zuko said as he got up.

I huffed out a breath of air.

>>>

Spending the next couple of days in the woods, trying to avoid both Fire Nation, and Earth Kingdom soldiers. Zuko and Iroh were wanted criminals in both, as expected. I sat down, leaning against a rock as I watched Zuko look for food. I hummed my tune as my stomach growled. I was starving, we all were. The sun shone brightly upon us which made me sink deeper into the rock. Zuko's hair had grown out much quicker than mine did, while I got used to my shorter hair. Things weren't so bad in hindsight. I continued to watch Zuko get more, and more frustrated. It's true, there was no clean water, dirt everywhere, and all we ever ate was bland fish. If there was one complaint, it was that I would kill for a slab of meat and some rice. Or Aunt Asuna's seal jerky.

"Let's go find uncle," Zuko said, still annoyed.

"How about we go fish then?" I sighed at the suggestion, "Theres nothing else to eat anyways,"

"Then we should find a lake," He responded.

"It's been a while since we've eaten anything other than that, though" I whined to myself but Zuko heard.

"You shouldn't be the one complaining!" He snapped as he turned, and suddenly was out of my sights. I slowly looked past the bush to see Zuko fell down into a pit. He coughed a few times from the dirt, and angrily looked up at me - who was completely unscathed. I snickered lightly, covering my mouth with my hand.

"See what happens when you yell at me?" I mocked.

"Help. Me. Out." He gritted, trying to climb the pit but slipped back down.

"Why?" I asked crossing my arms playfully, "It seems comfortable for you down there,"

He glared at me. Alright, enough of that. I got the satisfaction I wanted from the situation anyways.

"Okay okay," I said, wrapping my arm around the tree as I tried to reach down to grab his hand. We eventually, after while of trying to reach each other, grabbed the other's hand. I had pulled Zuko back up in a yank, and his foot hit the heel of mine causing me to lose balance. I fell back, pulling Zuko along with me. I grunted from the impact as Zuko stayed shocked, staring at my face.

"Like what you see," I said sarcastically.

"What?!" Zuko yelled making me wince for my poor ears.

"Then stop staring, and get off me," I said, swiftly pushing Zuko off. He still sat there stunned at what happened, and forgetting all our plans to fish apparently as he got up, heading back to Iroh.

Weren't we going to fish?

"We couldn't find anything to eat again," I explained.

Zuko stumbled after tripping with a bush somehow, and slowly hit the ground. I looked at him from where I stood trying to hold back another laugh.

"I can't live like this! I wasn't meant to be a fugitive. This is impossible!" Zuko complained, kicking at the dirt.

"Uncle, what are you doing?"

"You are looking at the rare White Dragon bush. Its leaves make a tea so delicious heart breaking," Iroh said as we looked over at the flower,"That or it's the White Jade bush which is poisonous." He added.

"We need food not tea," He motioned to me to follow him, "Kya and I are going to fish,"

"Unfortunately," I sighed. Walking passed Iroh to glare at him, "Please don't consume the plants while we're gone,"

We found a shallow river. I watched Zuko, who very evidently proved once again he was royalty as pathetically tried to catch fish. I stood to the side, trying to see if any fish actually appeared for me to water bend out of the river. Can he really be so bad at this? It seemed his impatience spread to the art of fishing as well. He's worse than Sokka. I shook my head. No, no, Sokka was a decent fisher.

"Don't just stand there! Help me!" He ordered.

"Sure," I said, pushing Zuko to the side. He stumbled a little back and fell on his butt. His stick was still in his hand, but was also in the water.

I never knew someone could be so clumsy on their feet.

"Sorry," I stifled a laugh.

"You did that on purpose!" He yelled, possibly scaring away the fish that were no where to be seen in the water.

"No I didn't," I said amused, "Oh look,"

Like a small rewards, on the stick was a tiny fish.

"I guess we just have to make do," I said plainly before heading back.

"Hey!" Zuko grabbed my wrist and turned me around.

"What?" I said coldly, tilting my head slightly. We were close, uncomfortably close. Zuko clicked his teeth, letting my hand go. I exhaled deeply, swinging back around to see Iroh.

I approached Iroh who had his back to us. Looking in the direction of where the flower once was.

"Kya, Zuko, remember that plant that I thought might be tea?" Iroh asked.

"You didn't!" Zuko said and I gasped.

"I did," Iroh looked at us. Zuko jumped back as a chill went down my spine,"And it wasn't," He said, roughly scratching his rashes.

"Iroh," I sighed in a whine. I didn't carry any water on me at all, and the river we were at was a couple li away. Meaning by the time we get there, Iroh's airways would already be swollen shut.

"When the rash spreads to my throat I will stop breathing. But look what I found, these 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 any more chances with these plants!" Zuko yelled, ripping the branch of berries from Iroh and threw it away.

"He needs help now," I said, "There's a couple villages nearby isn't there?"

"But where are we going to go?! We're enemies of the Earth Kingdoms and fugitives from the Fire Nation." Iroh asked, still scratching himself.

"If the Earth Kingdom discovers us, they'll have us killed," Zuko said.

"But if the Fire Nation discovers us, we'll be turned over to Azula," Iroh added.

"Earth Kingdom it is," We all said in unison. None of us wanted to deal with Azula at the moment.

Stormy Nights on Ember Island pt 1 (18+)

Stormy Nights in Ember Island pt 2

Stormy Nights in Ember Island pt 3

Northern Cavern pt 1

As we drifted, I bended us towards the southeast direction. Mostly to keep my mind off things. It was calming, and after being adrift for what seemed like an eternity, we made it to a Fire Nation small colony that was right on the beach where we stopped. Once we docked, the weight of my actions started to dawn on me. I didn't entirely regret it, but I did feel sorry. I stayed up most nights again, not being able to sleep. Waking up in the middle of the night to train, and calm myself. Distracting myself from the worry, and how I left without a proper goodbye.

I laid on the porch, looking up to the sky and staring at the sun for a few seconds. Humming a tune. Then, I raised a hand over my face, while the other tapped the ground along with the melody. When I heard Iroh's voice, I stopped and peeked my head inside the building where he was getting a massage.

"This is what I've been missing," Iroh breathed, "Who knew floating on a piece of driftwood, for three weeks with no food, or water, and sea vultures waiting to pluck out your liver, could make one so tense," He paused realizing I was paying attention to him, "Kya, would you like to get a massage?"

This was the third time he had offered me today.

"I'm fine," I replied softly, and sat up.

Iroh walked over to Zuko, who sat against the wall looking down, "I see. It's the anniversary, isn't it?"

I looked over curiously. Anniversary of what exactly?

"Three years ago today, I was banished, I lost it all, I want it back. I want the Avatar, I want my honor, my throne. I want my father not to think I'm worthless," Zuko replied a bit pained.

"I'm sure he doesn't," Iroh responded, "Why else would he banish you if he didn't care?"

I bit my lip, looking away with wide eyes. That last line made no sense, Iroh. Zuko got up and walked away.

"Uh, that came out wrong, didn't it?" Iroh asked me. I nodded in silence, watching Zuko walk away.

I stood up with a sigh to follow Zuko, trailing quietly behind him until he stopped. He turned slightly to be able to see me, "Leave," he said calmly.

"You shouldn't think about things too bitterly. It's not right to dampen the scenery," I gestured at the beautiful beach we were on, pink flowered trees covered the sun from hitting the sand, and the breeze was blissful. Under the circumstances of course, it probably didn't seem like all that much, but it was a gorgeous beach to call our docking point. Zuko stayed silent.

"You may not be home, but there are so many other things you could appreciate right now. They may not seem like a lot by themselves, but they can add up. Don't you think?" I looked back, not even knowing why I said those words. And, didn't really know those words were for, him, or me.

He looked at the view once more, than at me, and kept walking. I sighed, maybe it was just to make me feel better. To convince myself I hadn't made a stupid choice. I shook my head and continued to follow him. We didn't talk, not that I wanted to, just kept him company in a blissfully dreaded silence.

When we returned Iroh offered to go to the beach. I agreed, wanting to feel the ocean once more. Not knowing when I'll ever be able to see it again after this. I enjoyed the sea scent as Iroh collected seashells.

We made our way back to the villa we were staying at.

"Look at these magnificent shells. I'll enjoy these keepsakes for years to come," Iroh joyfully said. I smiled in agreement as he showed me the others.

"We don't need any more useless things. You forget, we have to carry everything ourselves now," Zuko scolded.

"They don't weigh much," I said standing between the two, "Here this is for you," It was a beach rose I saw growing along the beach. I carried two in hand.

"If you don't want it you can throw it back out," I added while turning my back to them, and placing the flower in my bag between two pieces of paper.

Zuko studied the flower when suddenly a new voice spoke from behind.

"Hello, Brother. Uncle," I looked past the two in front of me to see a girl around Katara's age. Although, she was slightly taller than my sister.

For some odd reason, I didn't feel surprised as one usually would be if someone randomly showed up. Her eyes landed on mine as I blankly looked at her. Zuko stepped in front of me, as if he was trying to shield me. Completely unaware as to why, I moved a bit to the side to see what was going on.

"Oh have you found someone new to join you while you were banished? Who knew you'd be into the foreigner types," She said, keeping her eyes on me.

"What are you doing here?" Zuko asked, diverting her attention.

"In my country, we exchange a pleasant hello before asking questions," The girl said, walking towards us.

Zuko pushed me farther back. Confusing me further. Am I supposed to be afraid right now?

"Have you become uncivilized so soon, Zuzu," I deeply breathed out, trying not to snicker at the nickname.

"Don't call me that!" He yelled at her.

"To what do we owe this honor?" Iroh asked with a hostile tone.

"Hmm must be a family trait, both of you so quick to get to the point," She said breaking one of Iroh's shells using her sharp nails.

I watched Iroh's face contort in annoyance at his niece. Now I definitely understood, there was animosity between them, and it likely had a lot to do with her personality.

"I've come with a message from home. Father's changed his mind. Family is suddenly very important to him, he's heard rumors of plans to overthrow him,"

It was unconvincing. I had quickly considered the idea of possibly fixing things from the inside out if Zuko went back to the Fire Nation, or that my plan was completely ruined by her presence and that I'd get imprisoned once more. Something just felt off about how she spoke.

"Treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust. Father regrets your banishment, he wants you home," Zuko stayed silent, lost in thought,"Did you hear me? You should be happy, excited, grateful! I just gave you great news,"

"I'm sure your brother simply needs a moment," Iroh said nicely.

"Don't interrupt uncle!" She shouted.

I blinked as I saw the sibling resemblance in that outburst.

"I still haven't heard my thank you, I'm not a messenger I didn't have to come all this way," The girl spoke to Zuko.

"Father regrets?" Zuko asked,"He,, wants me back?"

"I can see you need time to take this in," The girl told him,"I'll come to call on you tomorrow. Good evening."

Before leaving she gave me a large grin. Alright, I will admit that was kind of creepy. I looked at Zuko who was still lost in everything his sister said. I sighed, stepping onto the porch. If he did leave, I should just turn back to look for my family, right? But for some reason, I wasn't able to make a sound decision on what to do. I was called back inside for dinner, and gladly ate everything - leaving a satisfied look on my face as I stared at my empty bowl. It's been a long while since we've eaten anything decently.

"We're going home. After three long years," Zuko happily said,"It's unbelievable,"

"It is unbelievable," Iroh replied rubbing his chin,"I have never known my brother to regret anything," I believed that statement too. Why would the Fire Lord suddenly want Zuko back after so long? Isn't he a fugitive for not following Zhao's orders?

"Didn't you listen to Azula? Father realized how important family is to him. He cares about me," Zuko defended.

He was in denial in a way.

"I care about you!" Iroh said, stepping closer to him,"I mean, 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 about me. You don't know anything!" Zuko protested turning his back.

"Zuko, I only meant that in our family, things are not always what they seem," Iroh said. looked at the two, realizing just how much of a mess their family was.

Zuko turned around facing Iroh again,"I think you're exactly what you seem, a lazy, mistrustful, shallow old man who's always been jealous of his brother,"

I slammed my bowl back onto the floor as I glared at Zuko. How could he say something like that to a person like Iroh? Maybe I was wrong, and was blindsided. Iroh was the only person who seemed to be looking out for Zuko's well being.

"It's fine Kya," Iroh said.