Avatar Zuko

Chapter 6

Iroh hadn't seen his nephew in over a day; it was currently the morning of Thursday and he'd seen Zuko on Tuesday evening, before the young firebender claimed he needed an early night and went swiftly to bed. Of course, Iroh had been worried on Wednesday morning too, but he had noticed his nephew getting progressively tireder and grumpier over the past couple of weeks and figured that perhaps he just needed a day or two of solitude and rest. But by now the crew were getting cranky, they'd been docked a few miles from the Southern Water Tribe for too long without any orders from Zuko and the cold was probably getting to them, as was the shorter days and less firepower because of that. In short, Iroh had no choice but to intrude on his nephew, though to be truthful he did that very often.

The retired General knocked on Zuko’s door and, after a few moments of silence, attempted to open it. It was, unsurprisingly, locked but Iroh had a key- just in case. After a little fiddling with the old, rusty key the metal door swung open, revealing an empty room. More than just being empty it was also neat, or as neat as his nephew was capable of. His closet was closed and all of his clothes were hung up in it, though their seemed to be less garments than before. The small side table with his few belongings had been emptied, even the paicho cards Iroh had given the young man for his 14th birthday and the boy had disliked so much. Zuko’s Fire Nation flag still hung on the wall, but it looked like it had been torn down and then put back up. His nephew's dual swords, that were usually displayed proudly on one of his room’s steel walls, had also vanished. Even the Prince’s bed, that was usually little more than a pile of screwed up sheets until the janitor came in, had been messily made to the best of Zuko’s ability and a rolled up scroll had been placed upon the pillow. Iroh was afraid of its contents, yet he unrolled it anyway and read:

To Uncle,

I have found a new means by which I can find the avatar, but it requires me to go alone and change my identity for a time. Yet, however this turns out, by the end I am certain I'll know the identity of the true avatar. I promise that you, and the crew, are safer without me. Please tell them I've left you in charge and feel free to take the ship anywhere, but DO NOT reveal my disappearance to anyone from the Fire Nation, it will only end badly, I am sure.

Don't come looking for me.

Prince Zuko.

As he read Iroh steadied his breath, unsure of what to think. He was worried, of course, but about more than just Zuko. If his nephew came across the White Lotus, or basically anyone who wasn't Fire Nation, he'd be at their mercy, and whilst Iroh trusted Zuko could take care of himself against most threats, benders like Boomie and Jeong Jeong were far out of the young man's current league. Without Iroh their to dissuade his fellow masters they'd happily capture or, much worse, kill (hopefully not, as it was not the White Lotus way) anyone who was trying to hurt the avatar. Yet, Iroh also feared for the avatar, if Zuko was as successful as he seemed confident then his nephew might ruin the world’s last chance at peace.

Deciding nothing could happen until Zuko was found, Iroh wrote a series of letters to the White Lotus members, they went like this:

Dear fellow master,

I am Iroh of the Fire Nation, a Grand Lotus, and my nephew is looking to capture the avatar. Enclosed is a sketch of young Prince Zuko, if you come across him keep an eye on him or, if the situation is dire, take him into custody with as little violence as possible. He's simply lost and needs guidance, so do not hurt him and immediately send me a message if you find him.

Yours faithfully,

General (Prince) Iroh.

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“Okay, we're approaching an Earth Kingdom market. I don't see any Fire Nation ships in the docks but we still have to be vigilant. Also, Lee and Aang, you two need a change of clothes.” Katara turned to the confused benders and brandished two Earth Kingdom outfits, one for each of them.