Too Far Away

忠诚

Prologue: Loyalty

Leaving the moderately comforting warmth of the ship's cabin always caused Zuko to take a step back as a blast of icy wind hit him in the face. No matter how many times he led his crew through the South Pole, he would never get used to it. He learned it again, registered it once again in his memory, and decided again that it didn't matter. It wasn't like he cared.

For once, though, his Uncle had convinced him to stop at a Fire Nation naval base for the night, so that the crew could relax and so that the ship could be looked over. The last thing they wanted was to get stranded in the desolation of the ice and tundra. The base was on the last island to the south that was technically a part of the Earth Kingdom, but wasn't utilized as such because it was really too cold for farming or hunting or living. Too cold, and yet the Fire Nation found a way to use it. Zuko wasn't sure why he was surprised.

According to Iroh, the naval base was one of the only places Zuko would be welcomed. Iroh had a friend posted there in some position of authority, and since the naval base wasn't technically a legal portion of the Fire Nation, Zuko's exile didn't apply. Plus, it was painfully obvious that Iroh wanted a change of scenery before they ventured into the South Pole again. Zuko didn't want to stop, but he was weary. A single night, he reasoned to himself, wouldn't hurt. It was also obvious that the crew was beyond excited for the change in pace as well.

The ship docked with no problems. Zuko left the cabin, and that too-familiar icy slap in the face simply deepened his scowl. For a moment, he almost insisted that they continue on into the South Pole, but two crew mates were already lowering the wooden ramp.

"Prince Zuko," called a man standing on the dock as soon as the ramp touched the ice-slick wood. He had long black-and-gray hair that waved around his face like a tempest, and he was standing next to a slim boy that stood slightly taller than him. Zuko noticed that he had a giant smile on his face, which caught him off-guard. "General Iroh! It is an honor that you have stopped at this base."

Iroh descended the ramp first, moving carefully so that it didn't slide around too much. Zuko followed him, careful about where he placed his steps as his Uncle called back. "Vice Admiral Hegu! It is very nice to see you again." At the bottom of the ramp, the two men bowed to each other. "The stories I have heard of your adventures have brought me much entertainment."

The man—Vice Admiral Hegu—laughed. He was wearing the traditional set of Fire Navy uniform, but it looked very different than from what Zuko was used to seeing. Weather-proofed, he imagined. If the Vice Admiral spent most of his time at the base, then mere firebending probably wouldn't be enough to keep him warm all of the time. His skin was several shades darker than Zuko or Iroh's, which also caught him off-guard. "Those are old stories, my friend. Not so suited to the life I lead now. I would, however, love to discuss your own adventures if you have a moment.

Iroh laughed as well, and Zuko wondered for a moment where the two had met. "Perhaps over a game of Pai Sho," said Iroh. "Who is this lovely lady?"

Zuko glanced at the tall boy, confused, and was astounded to all at once realize that he was actually a girl, if he actually looked at the slim cut of her jaw and the feminine but oddly-shaped cut of her dress. Her skin was much darker than even Hegu's. "Ah," said the Vice Admiral. "This is my daughter, Song Lee. She is staying with me at the base right now. She's roughly the young Prince Zuko's age."

She didn't look at any of them. She was staring at their ship. Her eyes, which were the kind of gray Zuko had only seen in storm clouds, were strangely devoid of emotion. "Where did you come from last?" she asked. Her voice was weird; smooth as glass, halting and yet without any trace of inflection or emphasis.