A Match of Ice and Fire

Chapter 8: Zuko

"She despises me!"

I push pass the tribe's elders muttering chaotic apologies  as i make for the ship.

"'Despises seems like a harsh turn of phrase..."

"Well; get off me you murdering fire nation filth, doesn't seem like particularly gentle phrasing, uncle!"

Iroh chases after me, "She's in shock..."

"She's crazy!" I hurl a fire ball into the open ocean, well aware I'm making a scene in front of all Northern Watertribe warriors. I don't care. Chieft Arnook lied to me. He omitted the crucial fact that his niece, Kaya Arnook of the Northern Watertribe, was completely deranged. And, further to the point, has no intention of ever marrying me!  Meaning this entire venture has been a waste of time. I feel like such an idiot.
'Your entire existence offends me.'
I tried to help her and she screamed in my face. She humilated me. "How dare she talk to me in that way!"
And the way she stared at my face. She didn't even try to hide her disgust. "You didn't see the way she looked at me, uncle, at my scar-" my voice breaks. I turn away,  covering the mark which has marred my face since i was thirteen. She hates it even more than I do.

"Zuko... " I feel iroh's hand settle on my shoulder, but I reject the insinuation that I am some child to be calmed. It's patronising. He's patronising me.

I yank way,  slashing flames through the ice. "I AM THE FIRELORD!" I roar at no one in particular, "She had no right to disrespect me! I am...I'm..." I trail off, looking down through the gap in the ice at my own reflection. I almost fall backwards. In my ceremonial robes and crown, I am almost the splitting image of Ozai, my father. If it wasn't for my scar, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. As a chilling numbness creeps over me, I can feel the colour blanch from my face. The world tilts on its axes, making me unsteady.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of, Firelord Zuko." This time, when my uncle speaks, he doesn't try to reach for me. "You never have."

"I know." His words are all I need to regain my balance. I look agian at the chilling reflection. Is that what Kaya Arnooks see's? Another tyrant?

"Giving someone a second chance is a wonderful thing, newphew..." My uncle begins imparting his wisdom in vain.

"I don't think I'm the one who needs to be giving the secound chances, " I interrupt grimly. After all, I'm not going to make any progress with my fiancé if she has determined I'm an irredeemable monster.

I continue my journey back to the boat. I'm wasting time.I'm not going to marry an unwilling bride. This entire trip is  pointless. There is no point staying for the welcome party. This alliance will never work out.

"You should stay," Iroh remains where he stands, "we've come all this away, and as your royal councillor, I strongly advise you to use the opportunity to strengthen your bonds with the watertribes After all, we still need to finalise the new trade deals. At least stay for tonight's celebration. It will be seen as a slight if you do not. You need support of your rule from across the four nations, in order to secure your reign. As the north's biggest power, they could be our greatest ally. I beg, do not let passions over run you Zuko! It would be madness to squander such an extraordinary political relationship for the sake of wounded pride!" Reluctantly, I know Iroh makes good points. I slow on my route, turning to listen. "Who knows," iroh adds coyly, " You've won poeple over before..."

"Aang was different," I snap, annoyed that he still thinks I have a chance with this princess. "He's the Avatar.  It's in his nature to forgive. And," I add, frustrated i even have to explain this to him, "I tried to capture Aang and hold him hostage on multiple occasions,  I just saved Princess Kaya from freezing and nearly drowning to death, and she still hates me!"

My uncle chuckles.

"I don't see what's funny!"

He gives me a knowing look.

"What?"

What can he see that I can't?

"Nothing..." Iroh says, smuggly keeping whatever secret revelation he's having to himself.

I shake my head. "Fine." Sighing, "I'll stay for TONIGHT." And with that one concession, I turn and storm up the ramp.

"Where are you going?"

"To get ready." I call hurriedly over my shoulder. "If your right, maybe I still have time to find a new bride!" Any willing watertribe girl from a noble family will do. Anyone but her. I break into a run heading for my quaters.

When I next look over my shoulder. My uncle is still standing out on the ice, his arms folded, the same infuriating expression his face. What has he realised?

"I thought you wanted to marry Kaya Arnook of the Northern Watertribe..." he echos my words teasingly.

I snap, giving up on my uncles cyrptic expressions, "That was before I met her!"