ATLA: Book One: Water |Makki|

Chapter Five

Chapter Five: Into the Fire Nation

Makki |~|

"Where are we going? The ship's back that way," I said while Prince Zuko controlled the rhino that he, Iroh, and I were all riding.

"I saw the Avatar's bison traveling this way. There must be a village nearby," Prince Zuko explained.

"What? I thought we were heading back to the ship!"

I went to grab the rhino's reins as I did earlier, but Prince Zuko caught my wrist and flung my arm to the side, seemingly with ease.

"Sometimes I think you forget that you're a prisoner. Now, try that again and I'm stranding you here," Prince Zuko threatened before continuing down the path.

I felt Iroh place a hand on my shoulder to reassure me. I almost shrugged him off in anger, but I quickly calmed down once realizing that Iroh only ever does anything to be nice and that I shouldn't ignore his kindness; like Prince Zuko. Once at the village, a man tired walked out of a building but Prince Zuko was there to greet him.

"Having trouble sleeping?" Prince Zuko asked as he shoved the man back into the building. "Seen the Avatar lately?"

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Back onto Prince Zuko's ship, he harshly yelled out orders to his crew to get going. His crew moved like ants as they ran to get the ship ready. It was only sunrise and yet the crew acted like it was midday; awake and on alert. Except for Iroh who was changing into some actual clothes.

"The Avatar is heading towards the Fire Nation, so that's exactly where we're going," Prince Zuko explained.

"Wait, into the Fire Nation?" I question. "Why would Aang go there? Why would you go there? Aren't you... ya know, banished?"

Prince Zuko gave me a very hard side glare. I slightly shrunk down in fear.

"Prince Zuko," Iroh addressed as he walked onto the deck. "Why are we taking this course? Travel too far and--"

"I'll be in Fire Nation waters. I know," said Prince Zuko. "That's why we need to shoot the Avatar down before then."

Iroh shook his head in disapproval as Prince Zuko stepped up to his telescope to scope out Appa in the sky.

"Sailing into Fire Nation waters," said Iroh. "Of all the foolish things you've done in your sixteen years, Prince Zuko, this is the most foolish..!"

"I agree. This is a really bad idea," I folded my arms.

"I have no choice, Uncle," Prince Zuko responded calmly.

"Have you completely forgotten that the Fire Lord banished you?" Iroh asked.

"Yeah, I mentioned that," I sighed. "He doesn't care."

"What if you're caught?"

"I'm chasing the Avatar," Prince Zuko turned away from his telescope. "My father will understand why I'm returning home."

"You give him too much credit," said Iroh. "My brother is not the understanding type."

Prince Zuko said nothing as he turned back to his telescope to look for Appa again.

I sighed, "Prince Zuko, think about this. If you did capture Aang, they could still punish you for trespassing on land that you are banished from. So what do you think would happen if you didn't capture Aang? You're playing a game you won't win."

"You're just saying this to protect the Avatar," Prince Zuko growled.

"Well, that's part of it," I muttered. "But I really mean it when I say--"