Growing Pains (Zuko/OC)

Chapter 10: Promises

Zuko grew frustrated by the constant near misses with the Avatar, and it severely affected the crew. After Lieutenant Jee had divulged the past of Prince Zuko, there was a newfound sense of sympathy and comradery toward the young prince. What used to be a begrudging acceptance of orders had shifted to a staggering loyalty to the teen who lost everything to protect men like them.

The men wanted to see the Avatar captured and the prince returned to the throne as much as Zuko did. For all his faults, they knew he had empathy for people of lower status and bore the mark that proved it. This was further motivated by the fact that the men simply missed their families after years on the sea. Each near miss of the Avatar filled them with hope then tore it away just as quickly. It wasn't sustainable for anyone.

Zuko and Iroh did their best to combat this. Zuko still allowed his men shore leave during stops, and he was getting better at controlling his temper around his men. Iroh helped in his own way by reinstating music night on the ship.

It couldn't return the crew to their families, but it did offer some time to reflect and fall into music. By the warlike image of the nation, most would assume that the Fire Nation scoffed at the arts, but the truth was that most high class citizens trained in some form. The discipline it took to learn an instrument or hone a craft was highly regarded within the nation. Down time on ships across the armada included the practice of music, as music provided a stable income and a peaceful life for soldiers after retirement.

The crew adored music nights, and that included Kona. She knew a few instruments, but tended to stick to the pan flute on music nights to allow others to showcase their artistic talents. Jee was amazing on the lute, and when he played, his hard exterior fell away. Master Iroh often sang in a gentle, off-key voice that filled Kona with warmth.

Tonight's song was a very familiar tune. Lu Ten and her would perform duets for Iroh with this melody. It was always her "final test" when learning a new instrument. As she fell into the song, she allowed herself to drift back to her happiest memories with Iroh and Lu Ten.

Music nights. Family meals. Training. Tickle Fights.

Lu Ten.

Her hero.

"You're the best sister I could ask for."

"When did you grow so big and strong? You'll be tougher than me someday."

"I'll bring you home a souvenir if you stop crying and give me a hug goodbye."

"I love you, Nana."

"Watch over dad. He needs you now more than ever."

The music around Kona stopped and pulled her from her memories abruptly. When she opened her eyes, she was shocked to see Commander Zhao boarding the ship with a small group of his men.

Iroh rose from his seat and approached the man as Kona and the crew eyed each other nervously. Things never seemed to go well when the prince and Commander Zhao interacted. Kona stared at the man, trying to pick up any clues from a distance, but all she could gather from his body language was that he seemed to be completely at ease here on the ship.

"The prince needs to know about this immediately."

Kona stood. She crept away as slow as possible, and with the crew helping to obscure her from the commander's sight, she slipped off the deck and ran to the prince's quarters.

She knocked but entered without waiting. He would forgive her this one time.

"For the last time, I'm not playing the tsungi horn," Prince Zuko said without turning. His uncle had been pestering him all day to join music night, but he didn't see the value. His time was better spent charting their next voyage.