When Zuko is banished from the Fire Nation and given the impossible task of capturing the Avatar, his betrothed demands to come with him. Though arranged to be wed since childhood, Zuko considered Muri to be his only real friend so reluctantly let h...
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It had been 3 long years at sea now. 3 years of being on this wild goose chase for the Avatar. But I didn't mind, if it was for Zuko, I'd do anything. I had since grown familiar with the ship crew and had developed a good relationship with Iroh. He was a kind soul that did not deserve his loss. Nalo was almost fully grown size now but still preferred my hair or the nape of my neck as a sleeping place. My relationship with Zuko changed drastically, though. The sweet, affectionate boy I used to know seemed to be buried as far beneath the surface that Zuko could force it. No matter how much I attempted to comfort him and shower him with my love he rejected it, even though I could see in his eyes he didn't want too. But he had his moments that made me feel like a blushing 12 year old girl, playing in the palace gardens again.
It was just another day on the boring and freaking cold waters of the south pole. I awoke in my chambers, dressed and prepared myself for the day before heading out to the deck. I had taken to sitting down with Iroh and quietly sipping tea while Zuko just stared gloomily out at the horizon. We were exchanging polite conversation and playing cards when a bright beam of light appeared, reaching up to the sky from somewhere not too far ahead on course.
"Finally." I heard Zuko say gravely, turning to face us, "Uncle, do you realise what this means?"
"We won't get to finish our game." Iroh said glumly, making me smile at his unbothered attitude towards the great hope for our world and the reason we'd been on this boat for 3 years.
"It means my search, it's about to come to an end." He said confidently.
Iroh sighed.
"That light came from an incredibly powerful source! It has to be him!"
"Oh it's just the celestial lights! We've been down this road before, Prince Zuko." Iroh placed a card down, "I don't want you to get too excited over nothing. Please sit, why don't you enjoy a cup of calming Jasmine tea and a nice conversation with a charming young lady."
I smiled, laughing softly at his flattery but flinched at Zuko's yelling, "I DON'T NEED ANY CALMING TEA OR TALKING! I NEED TO CAPTURE THE AVATAR!"
Getting to my feet, I walked over and placed a gentle hand on his arm, "We just don't want you getting your hopes up in case it is something else, my Prince."
He shook my hand off, pointing at the steerage tower, "Helmsman! Set a course for the light."
I sighed sadly, returning to Iroh at our little table and making my next move. Iroh stared sadly at his nephew for a moment before placing down a tile.
Here we go again.
*****
It had gotten dark and we were yet to find the Avatar and his big beam of light. Iroh and I approached Zuko, standing at the top of the tower and once again looking ominously into the middle distance.
