Book 1: Clouded Waters

This is Why You Should Listen

     Hikari was glaring at the prince, "You, my dear prince, are going overkill."

      "Are you going out there, rising your life, to fight the Avatar," Zuko demanded in turn.

      "No."

      "Then shut up."

      "Well if he's supposedly so old, then-"

      "I didn't ask for your opinion, Hikari."

      Said girl deadpanned, "I don't know why I bother."

      She walked away and started mocking him under her breath. If she had seen the Avatar correctly, which she was sure she did, she was positive, the "high and mighty old man" that was that pain in the butt's drive, was really a kid. While she had not caught the best glimpse, there was something screaming at her, telling her that she had seen a kid, a child.

      Since the spotting, his royal butt was getting decked out in some good ol' fancy armor. To be perfectly honest, it was a big overkill and not entirely smart. He was giving up extra layers to keep warn for the sake of defense. His bulky armor was also a chain on mobility. Would she voice all of this?

     Heck no.

      He never listened. He always knew better. He was rude, interrupting, and refused to let her speak the majority of the time. Last night was just a rare moment of humanity. Today, he was being an absolute stick in the mud. For all she cared, he could drown that way too.

      By the time he had his finishing touches, she followed him down the corridor, finishing with putting on her cloak as they walked.

      "Woman, why are you still here," Zuko demanded.

      She huffed, "Making sure you don't so anything stupid."

      "I don't need a babysitter."

      "Someone's gotta do it while Iroh's napping."

      He turned sharply. All she received was silence and a glare. She returned it with her own. The ship was beginning to slow. After being at sea for so long, it was easy to tell that they were plowing through something or other. By the time the ship stopped, the prince turned on his heel once more. Hikari opted to stay behind the two firebenders that were following.

      The four of them made the grand entrance. There were some pelts made into tents for housing. No real buildings were in sight. Only women and children made up the crowd and very few at that. Most of the women were gaining grey hairs. The children hid behind their mothers. It made the girl wonder if the Fire Nation was responsible. Then again, knowing the prince, most likely.

      Within seconds, a young boy with war paint was charging up the ramp with a club. Without flinching, the prince merely kicked the club to his left and, without even resting his leg on the ground, sent the young warrior over to his right, sending the boy into the snow where his head become trapped. The four just made their way down the ramp and in front of the crowd.

      "Did you have to be so harsh," Hikari demanded in a loud whisper.

      Zuko decided to ignore, "Where are you hiding him?"

      The crowd of women and children fell silent. The temperamental boy of the firenation, without warning, he grabbed an old woman and held her by the hood of her parka.