The Sea of Ice (Sun and Moon Book 2)

Chapter 4 - Sheer Dumb Luck (the real one)

Toph and Aang watched in surprise and embarrassment as Iroh careened into the backyard, franticly waving a piece of paper. Zuko stepped through the doors behind the old man, shaking his head. For the first time since the Fire Lord arrived in Ba Sing Se over a week ago, his long hair was up in a Fire Nation topknot, held together with his fire emblem crown.

Aang frowned and moved forward.

"What's going on?"

"There's a message from the South Pole. They need you to come right away, Aang. I figured we could take my balloon, since you don't have Appa."

Aang looked at Zuko, slightly confused, as he took the paper from Iroh. "I thought you were heading home today?"

"I was, but we got the message just as I was getting ready to go, and my balloon is the fastet way you have of getting there. I already sent a message to Jeong Jeong, so it's fine."

Aang nodded absently and pulled open the letter. He read it aloud for Toph's benefit.

"Avatar Aang- we need you. Come as fast as you can. It's signed Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe."

"Why so formal?" Aang nodded thoughtfully at Toph's question.

"It must be a political problem or something." He cut his eyes to Zuko. "If it's internal Water Tribe business, they're not going to be happy when you show up with me." Zuko nodded.

"But I'm the only way you'll get there in any decent amount of time."

"So that's it then." Toph stepped back. "You guys go, Uncle and I'll stay and watch everything here." Aang looked at the young, pretty earthbender, frowning.

"You're not coming?"

"I hate the Poles. I can't see in all that snow and ice."

Aang nodded. "Okay." But we he was glad she couldn't see the disappointment in his eyes. Things were awkward enough. He turned to Zuko.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah."

"I'll be out in a few minutes then." Zuko nodded and headed back through the house. Iroh followed him.

"Be careful, Nephew. The Water Tribes are friendly, but we do not need an international incident."

"I know, Uncle. I'll be careful." Zuko gave his Uncle a hug, holding him tightly for a moment before letting go and stepping back. He picked up his pack from where he'd left it by the door, and with a last wave, he headed outside. It took him mere seconds to climb to the roof of the tea shop, where he'd left his war balloon.

Though he preferred to think of it as just a balloon.

Aang joined him a few minutes later, and in no time at all, they were in the air, headed for the Southern Water Tribe.

Zuko leaned back against the furnace and reached up, sliding his crown from his topknot and loosening his hair, letting the long strands fall about his face. He'd put it up again later.

As he looked out over the snatches of the Earth Kingdom he could see through the clouds, it occurred to him what he had just agreed to do.

To go to the South Pole... where Katara was. Zuko's expression didn't change, but inside he cringed. It had been a long time since he'd seen her, and he hoped that her anger had faded.

But he knew her, and he doubted that very much.

But maybe he could win her over, make her remember what it was like when they were together. What he really wanted to do was grab her by the shoulders and shake her until she figured out that he wasn't evil.

But he doubted that would work, so he'd hold back.

It wasn't like he didn't get it- she thought he'd lied. And he had. But that didn't mean he didn't love her. Of course, if there was one thing he remembered about the old Katara, it was that she was incredibly stubborn.

Infuriatingly so.

And though Zuko prayed and hoped and planned, in his heart he knew that the only way she would ever forgive him would be through sheer dumb luck on his part.

He sighed and moved to add more heat to the furnace.

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Enjoy.

-Eon