Change to Avatar: The Last Airbender

Chapter 4

After the encounter with Zhao, Zuko was more determined than ever to capture the avatar. they were always right on his tail, sometimes with in inches of catching him, before he would slip away again. As the weeks went by, Zuko started spending more time with Miko, wanting her companionship more than ever.

There were even times she forgot she was his servant. He treated he like his friend, his closest friend. He opened up with her, letting her see sides of him no one even knew existed. yet there were times he was so dark it scared her.

He gave her more privileges, letting her go ashore with them when they re-supplied, buying little trinkets here and there, surprising her every now an again.

He had her help him train, using his pair of broad swords. They'd be laughing for hours, sparing on the deck, sometimes he'd let her win, only to stomp her the next time.

Iroh watched over them both silently, happy to see his nephew smiling, actually enjoying himself.

*****

During one of the training sessions, on the fore-deck, the ship took a very sharp turn, drastically changing their course, almost knocking both Zuko and Miko overboard. Zuko stormed up to the wheel room and barged in utterly furious, followed by Miko.

"What's the meaning of this mutiny? No one told you to change course!"

"Actually someone did. I assure you it is a matter of utmost importance, Prince Zuko." said Iroh.

"Is it something to do with the avatar?"

"Even more urgent. It seems I've lost my lotus tile."

"Lotus tile?"

"For my pai sho game. most people think the lotus tile insignificant, but it is essential for the unusual strategy I employ."

"You've changed our course for a stupid tile?"

"See you, like most people. underestimate its value. just give me ten minutes to check the merchants at this port of call. hopefully they'll have the lotus tile in stock and I can get on with my life!" Zuko started spitting fire, literally. "I'm lucky to have such an understanding nephew."

*********

"I'm going ashore with uncle, so we can find this stupid tile. you're welcome to come along Miko." Zuko said as he dressed.

"That 'stupid tile' is important to your uncle. he's given up a lot to help you Zuko, a small pit stop isn't much to ask for. And I think I'll stick around here today."

"Yeah, you're right." at that he turned and left. Miko, though, had no intention of staying on the ship. she had a chance at freedom and she was gonna take it. leaving Zuko was hard, she really had feelings for him, but she had to take her chance. if he really cared about he like she felt he did, then he would understand.

She grabbed her knapsack and headed off the ship, telling Shin, the soldier guarding the gangplank that she was going to catch up with Zuko and uncle after all.

After she was out of eyesight, she followed the river, and headed south, into the forest. she walked for a couple hours, not seeing anyone for miles, when she came apon the girl from the South Pole. she was trying to water bend and she looked very concentrated.

"Hello!" she called out. the girl turned to her, as the young air bender and another boy joined her.

"Who are you, and what do you want?" the man asked harshly.

"I.....i was just walking, you're the first people I've seen in hours. I was just trying to be friendly."

"You're fire nation, I doubt you know the meaning of friendly."