𝔸𝕖𝕪𝕖𝕟𝕟𝕒 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝔸𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟: ℤ𝕦𝕜𝕠 𝕩 𝕆𝕔

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟙𝟟- 𝔸𝕫𝕦𝕝𝕒

"Who's he?" Aeyenna curiously asked, glancing at Iroh, as a young gentleman, approximately her age, joined the soldiers in Zuko's quest for the Avatar.

Iroh nonchalantly slid a tile on his lotus board. "His name is Hiroshi. He's an excellent fighter and firebender, or so I've heard."

Aeyenna cautiously watched the boy but looked away swiftly when their eyes met.

Blushing, she whispered to herself, "I hope he didn't catch me staring at him."

"Oh, he did. He's headed this way," Iroh chuckled.

As Hiroshi approached, his tall figure was complemented by the beautiful texture of his dark brown hair, and his warm eyes added a pleasant touch to his overall appearance.

He flashed a friendly smile. "Hey, you must be Aeyenna, right?"

She nodded, feeling a mixture of surprise and flattery, "And you must be Hiroshi, I presume."

With a confident grin, Hiroshi nodded. "Pleasure to meet you. Looks like we're all in for quite an adventure with Prince Zuko."

"Searching for an Avatar who's been missing for over 100 years will be fun," Aeyenna said with sarcasm.

"At least it'll be fun with you around," Hiroshi replied, his eyes sparkling with a playful charm.

After weeks of searching for land and weeks of enduring Aeyenna's tears, the trio finally discovered a welcoming village.

In a peaceful resort, Iroh and Aeyenna treated themselves to a relaxing massage at a beautiful spa, surrounded by blossom trees that created a serene atmosphere.

Iroh groaned, "Ahh! This is what I've been missing. 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?"

Meanwhile, skilled hands worked on Aeyenna's back. Despite the soothing massage, she maintained a stoic demeanor, seemingly unaffected by the sensations around her.

"What's happening with her?" Asked one of the massage therapists.

"It's a rather a sensitive matter," Iroh replied in a hushed tone. "Aeyenna is currently dealing with the recent loss of her boyfriend. It's only been a few weeks, and it's significantly affecting her mental health."

"Uncle!" Zuko hissed, his eyes narrowing at Iroh's bluntness.

Aeyenna gazed into the distance. "Have you ever experienced the pain of losing someone you love?" she hypothetically, said, her voice dry and monotone.

The massage therapists exchanged glances with Iroh, who had also looked distressed.

Iroh keenly observed Zuko, who wore an expression of unhappiness. He walked over, settling down on the ground beside him. "I see. It's the anniversary, isn't it?"

In a somber tone, Zuko pondered, "Three years ago today, I was banished. I lost everything." Lifting his gaze, he declared, "I want it back. I want the Avatar, I want my honor, my throne. I want my father not to think I'm worthless." Regret and yearning filled his eyes as he contemplated redemption.

"I'm sure he doesn't. Why would he banish you if he didn't care?" Iroh remarked. Zuko stood up and walked away, grimacing shortly afterward. Iroh glanced at the masseurs and Aeyenna. "Uh, that didn't come out right, did it?" They exchanged confused looks, uncertain of the awkward moment that had just transpired.