Searching (Zuko x OC)

Chapter 24

Zuko's POV:

"Uncle, we're not stopping so that you can go to a stupid festival!" I shouted.

"I think the Fire Days festival will be a great idea. Our crew misses home. Going to the festival will make them less homesick. It will only be one day," Uncle argued, taking a sip of his tea.

"I said no! We're not stopping. We need to make it to the North Pole. End of story," I gritted, feeling steam begin to pour out of my nose.

"Prince Zuko, please reconsider. You can use our time to question people about any sighting of the Avatar," Uncle begged me.

I sighed and realized he was right. We still had yet to see him flying by and none of our sources had alerted us of any sighting. This town was on the way to the Northern Water Tribe so it was possible that they have walked through the town. Although it was unlikely since it was a Fire Nation village, I quickly realized they were not ones to shy away from danger.

"Fine. We can stay for one day but if I don't get any information about the Avatar we aren't stopping again until we arrive at the Northern Water Tribe," I huffed, turning and leaving the room.

I walked out onto the balcony and sighed. I saw the town off in the distance and I pinched the bridge of my nose in annoyance. I didn't like walking into Fire Nation towns. Most of them didn't know who I was since they were highly uneducated but they always stared at my scar. I hated the attention. It only reminded me of my failures.

I made my way to my room and decided to get ready to head into town. I threw on some casual clothes that I hadn't worn in forever before leaving and walking up to the deck. I saw Uncle talking with Sora and some other members of the crew. Everybody was socializing happily on the deck, clearly excited to be going to a festival.

"Alright, let's get this over with," I muttered as I stood next to Uncle.

"You're coming with?" Sora asked, clearly surprised.

"I'm going to ask around about the Avatar," I explained.

"Don't you think you'll be recognized?" she asked.

"Sorry I can't get rid of a scar," I huffed angrily.

She sighed and crossed her arms.

"That's not what I meant," she scolded before turning to Uncle, "I'll be right back. Wait for me."

She walked off and I scowled. Like I needed any reminder of the ginormous scar marking my dishonor. I had to look at it every day. I hated it.

"Are you still not speaking?" Uncle asked curiously.

"What do you think," I said through gritted teeth.

"Maybe this could be a chance for you to apologize. If you just explained-" he started but I cut him off.

"I'm not telling her that! Do you think that's going to make her feel any better?!" I snapped.

"No, but she has a right to know. It might even bring you closer," he argued, clearly just trying to help.

"This conversation is over," I said, crossing my arms in annoyance.

I could see him wanting to argue but he decided against it. We stood silently for a while longer before Sora came back up to the deck with something in her hands. She made her was up to me and shoved it out for me to take.