Book 1: Clouded Waters

Bad Stories, Spars and Kindness

     Since the run in with Zhao, Hikari had been training harder, wanting to advance her skill, maybe even gain a weapon. She felt safe with Zuko. She could not remain by his side forever, though. What better way to improve and gain more independence than working harder? Of course, she had also been warned by Iroh to not overdo it.

     It was late at night. The entire crew was attempting to figure out where the Avatar went... All except for the only female. She was bored. She could not sleep either. She was exhausted, but she decided maybe trying to read one of the scrolls Iroh got for her would help. Clearly, it was not.

     "Wait! Wait a minute! No! No! Why...? Absolutely not!" The brunette threw the scroll to the side, "I feel cheated! That was a lie!"

     Iroh gave her a confused look, "Is something wrong, Hikari?"

     "Everything is wrong! This book is genocide! The world is burning around them and all they can think about is how romantic they are to each other! How can the girl be oblivious to her best friend trying to help her? How can this guy ignore his comrade's cry for help! It's all wrong! Wrong I tell you!"

     "I thought you would enjoy a thrilling tale of love."

     "It's not love! This isn't love! It's obsession to the extreme of ignorance, Iroh! How can you just mention to death of your best friend and be focused on how amazing your lover looks covered in ashes, bloodied and beaten?"

      The old man blinked, "You, my dear, have made a valid point. That sounds nothing like your story."

     "Can we not talk about that here?" She picked up the item she had thrown, "Anyway, how are the reports looking?"

     "Not good." One man she was friendly with showed her the map, "There have been plenty of sightings, but he's disappeared from our sources."

     "What is he even after?! He's just a kid! Is he chasing a butterfly?"

     "Who's know? Whatever it is, it's not good for us. Zuko has been more than agitated these past few days."

     Iroh took the map, "I will explain the situation to our prince."

     "Iroh... Zuko said not to bother him unless we had news," Hikari warned him.

     "We have new...just not good news."

     "Fair enough."

     She watched Iroh leave the room. She took a few moments to debate following him. In the end, she ran to catch up. They met at the end of the hall. They had to travel down a flight of stairs and halfway down the nest hall before arriving at the prince's room. The uncle sighed and opened the door. His female companion waited outside, not entirely sure what her friend's mood would be like.

     The prince was dressed in a dark red robe. He had been meditating for hours in front of a row of candles laid out on the table. She had seen his bending in action, even with his breathing exercises. It was honestly really cool.

     "The only reason you should be interrupting me, is if you have news about the Avatar," Zuko stated calmly.

     His uncle fully stepped into the room, "Well, there is news, Prince Zuko, but you might not like it. Don't get too upset."

     "Uncle, you taught me that keeping a level head is a sign of a great leader. Now, whatever you have to say, I'm sure I can take it."

     "Okay then." Iroh hesitated, "We have no idea where he is."