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Chapter Text

A change in the rocking of the boat jerked Zuko awake. The boat that the Northern Water Tribe had given Zuko was a small fishing vessel. Not designed for ocean crossing voyages, but able to be crewed by one person if needed. As he was alone, the boat was good for Zuko's purpose. With a single main sail, Zuko spent most of his time manning the tiller at the stern of the boat. Currently the tiller was held in position by a rope Zuko had tied to maintain course while he slept. 

Getting up with a sigh, Zuko rubbed his eyes and looked up at the sky trying to spot something that he could use to determine his position. One of the sailors on his ship had taught him how to navigate by the stars. Back when he was first banished, Zuko had great difficulty sleeping so one night when he was wandering the deck he had seen a sailor examining the stars. Intrigued, Zuko had demanded to know more, and slowly the man had taught Zuko how to navigate by the stars. That memory seemed from a lifetime ago to Zuko now. 

Cloud cover blocked the stars, and scanning the horizon Zuko could only see a dark grey wall approaching him. Just great, a storm, Zuko cursed. Despite the loss of his bending to the Spirit, Zuko could faintly feel Agni's presence indicating that it was early morning. With an exasperated sigh, Zuko walked to the tiller, and released the rope taking the wooden device in his hands. With Agni as his only reference point, Zuko aimed straight south. The sooner he got south, the sooner he would reach the Earth Kingdom, and ultimately Ba Sing Se, and hopefully Uncle. 

As the waves got rougher and the wind picked up Zuko considered taking the sail down to save it from damage. With the right wind, the storm could drive him for miles, but it could just as easily rip the sail or blow it away. With a deep sigh of defeat, Zuko set the tiller using the rope and began taking in the sail. Given the high risk of damage, Zuko decided to ride out the storm and start again after the ocean's wrath had been spent. 

Checking his things and supplies were securely stored, Zuko returned to the tiller and faced the storm. This was going to be a long day. 

---- 

At long last, the storm was dissipating. Zuko was tired, but afloat. It had not been a massive storm, and the waves had not been taller than the boat was long, but it had lasted all day. Zuko was now able to see some stars peeking through the thin clouds. Setting the tiller with the rope, Zuko grabbed his waterskin and drank deeply. Luckily he had two full casks of drinking water. If he still had his bending, he could have filled the waterskin with sea water and then boiled it pure with heat from his hands. However, Zuko did not have that option. 

Thirst dealt with, Zuko grabbed some salted meat and started chewing. The meat was bland, the only flavour really being salt, but it was filling. With a small scowl, Zuko stared at the meat and mentally compared it to the prison food that he had consumed for all that time. He would take this preserved meat over the tasteless brown ooze any day. 

Even though he was tired from combating the storm all day, Zuko went back to the tiller and started navigating now that he could see more of the stars. He was further south than the last night, somehow he was able to maintain a bit of his course through the storm. Zuko was briefly heartened by this fact, only to remember that he did not know how far south he needed to go. Yes he had been to the Earth Kingdom before, but he had not paid attention to the stars at the time and thus had no idea if he was close or not. Plus given the absolutely massive size of the Earth Kingdom (compared to the islands of the Fire Nation) Zuko was sure that sooner or later he would find some part of the Earth Kingdom. 

He leaned against the tiller slightly turning the boat's direction, while taking another bite of meat. He had been at sea for 10 days now since leaving the Northern Watertribe. They had been both happy to be rid of him, but also angry at him leaving freely. Probably also angry at being forced to provide him with a boat and supplies Zuko thought, but the Spirit had ordered them to do that. The only person who had been not hostile to him, had been Princess Yue. Well, the Avatar too, but the Avatar and the Southern WaterTribe siblings had left the North Pole some days before Zuko had returned from his Spirit World "trip". 

Idly Zuko wondered what an encounter with the three would be like again. The two Watertribe siblings both still hated Zuko, and with plenty of reason Zuko conceeded to himself. The Avatar though, he had acted in defence of Zuko at the Northern Water Tribe. Zuko still did not understand how Aang, the Avatar's name was Aang, could have spoken up in Zuko's defence after Zuko had actually captured him just days before. Maybe Zuko just did not understand the world, just like how Azula had always been better at politics than Zuko had. 

With another deep sigh, Zuko looked back at the night sky and spotted the Moon. It's new phase just a sliver of bright light in the sky. Silently, Zuko prayed his thanks to both Tui and La for his safe passage through the storm. Then setting his sight on the dark horizon, Zuko willed his boat closer to land. 

---- 

The next day dawned clear. This was both good and bad for Zuko. On the one hand, clear skies meant good weather for sailing. On the other hand, the sun was slightly irritating his skin after so long without being exposed to it. Zuko wished he had a simple Earth Kingdom hat for his face atleast. Unable to do anything about it, Zuko sighed, and then checked his position as best he could and continued South. 

He had been sailing for 12 days now. The Northern WaterTribe had told him that with good weather he could make it to the northern coast of the Earth Kingdom in about 18 days. However all of their advice had come with the caution that because so few ships had sailed from the North Pole since the start of the war, all of their advice was just handed down experience and no one could be certain. Therefore they had ensured that Zuko had enough provisions for thirty days at sea, perhaps longer for food if Zuko caught fish. 

Which was what Zuko was attempting to do around midday. As the sun was south of him, Zuko stood in the rear of the boat using the sail as a sunblocker and casting a fishing rod over the side. The sea was calm, close to being almost perfectly flat. Disrupted only by the occasional wave, and Zuko's casting. 

Without the task of sailing, and all of the associated issues, problems and duties that were entailed, Zuko was left to his thoughts. Staring at the bobbing piece of wood tied to his line, Zuko felt very alone. Being alone was not a new sensation for Zuko. Growing up, particualrly after his mother left, even though there were other people around almost constantly, Zuko had been alone. During his banishment, Zuko had been confined to his tiny ship, and there was really no way to avoid the crew, only Uncle had been there for Zuko. And at that time Zuko was still too hurt and angry to let Uncle get close. Then during his imprisonment, Zuko had been constantly surrounded by the 49 other men, but he had mostly kept to himself and once again was alone. 

But this was different. Zuko missed the sounds, noises, actions, distractions of other people. Here he was truly alone, and the feeling was nearly overwhelming. For so long he had been driven by the need to impress his father. The drive to prove himself had controlled everything that he did, whether it was his firebending, training, or academic studies. Now he knew that nothing he ever did would impress his father. The man who had burned and banished him at 13 years old. Why didn't his father love him? Why was Zuko never enough? 

Zuko realized that he was breathing quickly with his anger.  The fishing line was moving as Zuko had been mentally consumed by his anger and did not notice that he was slightly shaking with rage. Because Zuko knew the answer. His father was just cruel. And had been cruel to Zuko his entire life. And it wasn't fucking fair! 

The fishing line jerked and nearly tore out of Zuko's grip. Pushing his anger aside, Zuko began to bring the fish in, just as he had been instructed. The calm patttern of slowly fighting the fish, wearing it out so he could pull it in, helped calm Zuko. It was almost as if he could feel Uncle's calming presence there with him. Thinking about Uncle as he brought the fish over the side of the boat, Zuko felt a small sense of accomplishment for successfully catching a fish. While his father would have belittled his catch for some reason, Uncle would have just been proud that Zuko had set his mind to a task and followed through. That he had been successful would have just been a bonus. 

Reaching for his pack to find the tools to fillet the fish, Zuko resolved to tell Uncle two things when he saw him immediately. One, that he loved Uncle. Second, that he was Zuko's real father. With those two resolutions set in his mind, Zuko's anger faded away and he set to the task of preparing lunch. 

---- 

Sokka walked behind Aang and Katara as they wound their way through Gaoling. He had thought that finding an earthbending teacher for the Avatar would be relatively easy, but nooooooooooooo. Aang had to find one who listened. Thanks for making this more difficult Bumi, Sokka shouted internally. 

Aang and Katara stopped at a message board nearby and Sokka went over to them. Katara was reading a poster, "Hey, here is an advert for an earthbending school!" she exclaimed. Aang and Sokka perked up at that news. "Hey that's great. Where is it?" asked Aang. As Katara and Aang read the location and started to read street signs Sokka looked for a different sign. 

"Hey, while you go do that, I think I will go and see if there is any mail for us." Sokka told Aang and his sister. "Sure thing." Katara responded, "Do you want to meet up with us at the earthbending school then?" Sokka nodded while answering, "Sounds like a plan to me." 

"You're the plan guy. Everything must sound like a plan to you." Aang cut in with a quip. Katara laughed at that and Sokka just grumbled and smacked his hand into his face. 

---- 

Finding a mailing post had been an easy and quick task. As he walked towards the building, Sokka's stomach was doing summersaults as he hoped for a message from Yue. When the Gaang had left Omashu, Sokka had written to Yue giving her an update on their progress so far and informed her that they were heading to Gaoling. Sokka, eer they, had received exactly two messages from Yue since leaving the North Pole. 

The first had been one week after they had left. A short letter informing them that Zuko was still in the Spirit World, and that a group of Northern WaterTribe people had set off to assist the Southern WaterTribe in the war effort. Master Pakku had originally intended to go with the group leaving but had decided to wait some more to see if Zuko came back from the Spirit World first. Which was weird thought Sokka. Why put your own plans on ice, Sokka laughed to himself, waiting on someone who might never come back? 

The second letter Yue had sent them was longer. She had written it on the two week anniversary of Zuko's entry to the Spirit World. The fact that Zuko had still not returned had upset Aang, though he had tried not to show it. Both Katara and Sokka knew that Aang still felt guilty about his role in getting Zuko sent to the Spirit World. Katara had sat next to Aang and consoled him after recieving that letter, and if Sokka did not know Aang as well as he did, he might have suspected Aang playing up his emotions to spend the evening with Katara. Boy thought Sokka, exhaling as he walked, did Aang have an obvious crush on Katara. Well, obvious to everyone but Katara as it seemed. 

Not really wanting to continue thinking about his sister's love life, Sokka started thinking about Yue again. They had shared a connection! Or so Sokka believed. And since Hahn had not returned from his mission, maybe Yue would be able to choose her new . . . Agh, what was he thinking?! The siege of the North was still just a month in the past. Yue would still be greiving for her lost fiance. Even if she did not really love him in the first place, it would not look good for her to just ignore the fact that he was gone. Patience, Sokka told himself, sighing heavily as he walked into the building. 

His mood lifted immensely when the gruff postman handed him two scrolls stamped with a WaterTribe symbol. One was addressed to Aang and the other had his name written on it, IN YUE'S HANDWRITING!!! 

Sokka rushed over to an unoccupied corner of the room stuffing the scroll to Aang in his bag while tearing open the other scroll. Reading quickly he gave his head a quick shake and blinked several times before reading again trying to comprehend the message. 

Yue, wanted to just be friends. It was not him, he was great, upbeat, positive, smart, kind, a great ally, but not the right person for her. Sokka felt as if all the energy had just drained from his body. Of course, how could he have been so blind? She is a Princess! And he was, really, just a guy with a boomerang. How had he deluded himself into thinking that they could have been something? Feeling utterly defeated, Sokka stuck the scroll into his bag and walked out of the building. 

---- 

Katara could tell something was bothering Sokka instantly. Having him as an older brother had taught her that when Sokka is not constantly talking, something was wrong. Sokka was being very quiet, so yeah, something was up. Unfortunately, before she could ask him about it Aang returned from his lesson. Oh just great, Katara thought, this did not work out either. She could tell Aang was unhappy because he was standing awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck not looking her in the face. Katara sighed, one thing at a time, Aang first. 

"Well, how was it?" she asked even though she had a pretty good guess. "I don't think it is the right fit for me," Aang stammered. "Well, the good thing is that you tried it, and we can keep looking." Katara told him with a small smile trying to be helpful. "Yeah." Aang replied and smiled at her as well. He still looked disappointed that this had not worked out, but Katara had something up her sleeve. 

"Well, we tried a bending school, how about an underground earthbending fighting match?" she asked slyly. "Okay!" Aang nearly shouted, grinning widely. "Sure" muttered Sokka, followed by a confused, "Wait! What?" Sokka blinked at her several times then repeated part of her sentence. "Underground. Earthbending fighting?" he said slowly. "Yup." Katara answered, "While you two were off I overheard two people talking about it and they gave me the information." 

"Nuh uh!" Sokka interjected. "You, my tattletale of a sister, who told Dad that it was me who "accidentally" ate the seal jerky he was saving for the hunting expedition. Heard about an underground, therefore likely illegal, fighting match. And somehow got the information that will get us in." He stared at her with narrowed eyes. Aang looked back and forth between the two siblings nervously, wanting to avoid an argument. "Oh you know," Katara told Sokka, "A girl has her ways." 

Sokka still did not look convinced, but Aang jumped in. "Come on Sokka, I didn't even move a rock at that boring lesson. This will be real earthbending! And fighting!" Aang looked at Sokka with pleading eyes. "You sure you want to stand around talking when we could be watching earthbenders battle it out?" That got Sokka's attention. "Hmm. It would be useful to see actual earthbending in person that is NOT being directed at us." he stated. "Yeah, now you get it!" Aang happily exclaimed. "Come on Katara show us the way!" 

Katara grinned, if Aang and Sokka only knew about the two boys she had frozen to the walls of the alleyway to get the information. "Wait a second Aang." Sokka said putting a hand on Aang's shoulder preventing the boy from racing off. Internally, Katara groaned, what now? She had caused Aang to forget the earthbending lesson. Sokka reached into his bag and pulled out a scroll. "There was a letter from Yue." Sokka told them as he handed the scroll to Aang. 

Promptly unrolling the scroll, Aang's face lit up. "Zuko's back from the Spirit World!" he shouted with excitement. His expression fell a bit as he continued reading the letter. "Apparently time works differently in the Spirit World and Zuko was there for a long time. The Spirit returned and apologized to Zuko as well." What in the world did that mean, Katara wondered. Aang looked at them both with worry. "Did," he paused "Did I . . ." Aang trailled off. Katara put a comforting hand on Aang's shoulder. "Aang." She started, "You were worried about Zuko not coming back from the Spirit World." The Avatar nodded and she continued, "He has come back. You have nothing to feel bad about. Whatever happened, was the Spirits, not you." She gave him a small reassuring smile and gently squeezed his shoulder. 

Sokka had taken the scroll from Aang and was reading it. "So Yue says that other than not having his bending, Zuko is fine." Katara was glad about that, she had actually forgotten that Zuko had lost his bending. While losing her own bending would be devastating, she felt that Zuko kind of deserved it because he had chased Aang (and her and Sokka!) across the world. "In fact, the next day the Tribe gave him a boat, as ordered by the Spirit apparently, and Zuko set sail." Katara breathed in sharply at that news. That was not good. Zuko would be hunting them again. 

"Oh, according to Yue, Zuko is no longer hunting Aang." Sokka said still reading the scroll. "Well," huffed Katara, "I'm sure he told them whatever he needed to in order to get away." Katara's hand was still on Aang's shoulder, now Aang placed his hand on top of hers. "I don't know Katara," he said, "The monks used to tell me that journey's in the Spirit World would often have profound impacts on people. I think that this could be the truth." Katara saw that Aang was looking at her earnestly, and she once again, had to remind herself that he was still just a twelve year old boy, trying to find the good in everyone. 

Sokka continued relaying information from the letter, "Yue says that they did not give Zuko any information about us, not even telling him when we left the North Pole." Sokka looked up from the letter at both of them. "So even if he is after you again, he doesn't have his big ship, or crew. And he is way behind us, slower, and has no idea where we are." Sokka explained while counting the positives for them on his fingers. "So we have several advantages, AND . . . if we get you an earthbending teacher, someone else to have on our side if we run into him again." 

Aang suddenly remembered the fighting match and grabbed both Karata and Sokka's hands pulling them gently along. "Come on! Let's go!" he cheerfully shouted pulling them along. Katara shared a quick look with Sokka as they were dragged forward. Zuko being back was a problem. Despite all of the things that Sokka said they had to add Zuko to their list of problems again. 

----- 

By attempting to take another sip of his tea, Iroh realized that he had already finished his current cup of tea. He sighed softly and put the cup down while returning to reading the letter infront of him. It was from a White Lotus member in Ba Sing Se. Preparations were underway to get him a passport under a false name. Then he could legally enter the city he had once besieged for 600 days. Thinking of the failed seige just reminded him of Lu Ten and Iroh sighed deeply. He had failed his son. Then when he had a second chance, he had failed Zuko as well. 

After escaping the North Pole on a raft, he had reconnected with the White Lotus where he had then finally received news about Zuko. He was alive. Iroh had not felt so relieved in quite some time. The fact that Zuko was a prisoner was not great, but it meant he was alive. Discovering that Zuko had been sent to the Spirit World was very concerning to Iroh. 

His own Spirit World journey had been an incredibly profound experience where he had several epiphanies. Iroh worried that Zuko was not prepared for such relevations. He was getting close, Iroh could tell, but Zuko still clung to the lies that he had been taught. Maybe Zuko would learn from this experience. Or Zuko might not. There would be no way of knowing until Zuko returned. 

A knock at the door startled Iroh. "Come in." he called out. The door opened and the young man who managed the Inn at the Oasis entered carrying a tray with food on it. "You requested your meal in the room correct?" he asked. "Yes, please." Iroh answered and waived his hand at the table, quickly rolling up the scroll and moving some papers so there was room on the table to place the tray. 

The innkeeper set the tray down, and then looked at the tea set over in the corner of the room. "Are you sure that you are fine making your own tea?" he asked Iroh. Iroh smiled at the man before responding, "Yes, it is one of my relaxation techniques. Brewing a nice cup of tea." The younger man just nodded back at him and started towards the door. "Oh right." he said before turning around to Iroh. He fumbled in his apron and pulled out a scroll. "This came for you while I was preparing the tray." He handed the scroll to Iroh. Then with a quick bow, he turned and exited the room, shutting the door behind him. 

Iroh picked up a pastry from the tray and took a small bite of it while bringing the scroll closer to him for examination. The seal was a watertribe symbol, but it had been stamped into the wax on top of another seal. A White Lotus seal. The letter must be from Pakku. Iroh set the pastry back down on the tray and quickly unfurled the scroll. 

Zuko had returned from the Spirit World. Thank Agni above! Iroh's eyes started to tear up knowing that Zuko was back. Iroh's spirit only rose as he read further. Zuko had told Princess Yue that he was no longer pursuing the Avatar. That was wonderful news to Iroh. Could it mean that Zuko had potentially seen the truth of the war? His father?? Iroh put the scroll down for a second and brushed the water out of his eyes as the relief washed over him. 

Smiling, Iroh stood and using the spark rocks started heating water to make another pot of tea. With that started, Iroh returned to the letter. The Watertribe had given Zuko a boat and let him sail away. Iroh was even more relieved. Zuko was not a prisoner, nor a political bargaining tool. And Pakku reported that Zuko had told Princess Yue that he was headed to Ba Sing Se to look for him, just as they had planned. 

After reading the letter a second time, Iroh allowed himself a moment to cry. Zuko was okay! He was not a prisoner! And Iroh was going to have the chance to find him in Ba Sing Se. Smiling deeply, Iroh started silently thanking every Spirit he could think of. He had a few things to do, before setting off for Ba Sing Se, but he returned to his tasks with a new enthusiasm.  

---- 

The loud squawk of a bird caused Zuko to look up at the sky. Scanning the scattered clouds he spotted a distant bird flying. Cupping his hands around his eyes in an effort to try and cut some of the light and see more details, Zuko examined the bird. He did not recognize the type of bird, some kind of Earth Kingdom gull he guessed. However he had seen them before. They had sometimes landed on his ship, the Wani, when they were near the Earth Kingdom coast. 

The shock of realization caused Zuko to scramble to the front of the boat. He stood close to the bow and scanned the horizon. There! A splash of green stood out on the horizon. He had done it, 20 days of sailing south and Zuko had made it to the Earth Kingdom. A smile worked its way on his face as Zuko sighed with relief. He was going to make it. FIrst to dry land. Then to Ba Sing Se , and finally Uncle. 

Chapter Text

Zuko had been sailing east for days. Luckily he had caught a favourable wind and as far as he could tell he was making good progress. He had not yet seen a town or settlement but every map that he had seen of the northern Earth Kingdom coast did not have many settlements on the coast. Likely due to the cold winter winds of the Northern Sea thought Zuko. The cold winter air blowing in off the ocean in the winter would probably drive any prospective settlers away to warmer lands. 

He had been lucky and found a stream to camp beside last night. Therefore he was able to refill his three water casks. Combined with some good fishing, Zuko was presently well stocked with food and water. Meaning he could concentrate on sailing. He knew that once he reached Chameleon Bay he would sell the boat and then use the money to get into Ba Sing Se. 

Zuko was slightly conflicted about selling the boat. He knew he would have no further need or use for it, but it had carried him so far and through 34 days at sea by now. Due to the slightly run down state of the boat, he had nicknamed it Better Days. Because it had both seen better days, and was carrying Zuko to better days. He had never used the full name yet, he just referred to it a BD when he spoke to it. 

Not that he talked to the boat. But when the weather turned bad, or waves threatened to capsize him, he would coax BD through the challenge, whispering encouragement to the vessel, or cursing it when appropriate. It was a complicated relationship. 

What was not complicated, was the fact that Zuko had not seen another vessel at all. Being all alone out on the ocean was risky. Pirates, the Fire Nation Navy, and the Earth Kingdom Navy all posed potential problems to Zuko. However the lack of settlements along this part of the Earth Kingdom meant that few people had a reason to pass this way. 

Zuko hoped his luck would last until he got to Chameleon Bay. His plan was to sell BD and use the money to get passage on a river boat going to Half Moon Bay. There he would get into Ba Sing Se disguised as one more refugee. 

Zuko had considered landing on the shore of the Earth Kingdom and then walking to Ba Sing Se, but had ultimately abandoned that idea. First, He would have no idea where he had landed, and therefore no way of knowing which direction to go to find Ba Sing Se. Despite it being the largest city in the world. Secondly, he had no idea if there actually was a way into the city on the north or east side. He did know about Half Moon Bay, so there was a way into the city. Thirdly, by selling BD he would greatly boost his money. By not having to work to support himself for a bit, he would be able to spend his time searching for Uncle. He could worry about a job after finding Uncle. 

Reminding himself of these reasons, Zuko set back to scanning the horizon. The land was on his right hand side and he was constantly watching for any dangers on the water, and then watching the land searching for any landmarks. Then he saw ships on the horizon, and the nearly circular enclosure of cliffs that marked the entrance to Chameleon Bay. 

---- 

Though it had not been a particularly pleasant interaction, it was over. Zuko had sold BD to two Earth Kingdom men. He did miss the boat somewhat, it had been his home for the past while and it kind of felt like his cell. But better, no pain floor, much better food, less company, but infinitely better views. So, slightly cross about the whole ordeal, Zuko made his way to one of the shacks near the river with a sign advertising trips up the river to the East Lake. 

Ferries crossed this lazy river regularly. Most were carrying merchants and their wares to Half Moon Bay. Zuko hoped to book passage on a merchant carrying vessel, that might take him all the way to the entrance to Ba Sing Se. Otherwise, he would have to walk from the river's start in East Lake to Half Moon Bay. The map told him that it was not a long journey, but Zuko was not placing all of his trust in the map. 

After going to three different dilapidated shacks, Zuko found a vessel in the process of being loaded. After paying for his passage, and promising to help load and off load the cargo, Zuko was given a ticket and shown onboard. He was lucky and had a very tiny cabin to himself. He set his things down, locked the door and went to help load the ship. 

The sun was beginning to set when Zuko and all of the other "passenger" loaders were sweating with exertion, before the Captain declared that they were done and that they would sail immediately. Zuko and all the rest were lead down into a dark mess hall near the stern of the ship. A rather small, but surprisingly decent and flavourful meal, was served. Other than shooting a few sharp glares, Zuko did not interact with anyone. The sudden closeness of so many people, making so much noise, after so long at sea alone, put Zuko in a non-talkative mood. He finished his food quickly, deposited the dirty dishes in the tray and went to his room to sleep. 

---- 

The days passed slowly on the river. When the ship was in motion, there was nothing to do but wait for the ship to reach the destination. Zuko alternated his time between hiding away in his cabin, and meditating on deck in the sunlight. The food was tolerable, though Zuko was always left wanting a little bit more to fill his stomach. The week long journey dragged by until finally, the river cruiser arrived in Half Moon Bay. 

As the ship docked, Zuko and the other passengers started following loudly shouted orders to begin offloading the cargo. The port organization was a mess, with no coherent plan or logic that Zuko could understand, but slowly the ship was emptied of cargo. Things were moving along quite well until the captain started screaming with rage. All of the loaders and crew were called to assemble below decks. 

The cause of the disturbance was a crushed box. It must have shifted during the voyage and due to not being secured down, was crushed. The captain was furious about the ruined merchandise and screamed at the assembled mob to clean it up before storming off. 

The box completely disintegrated when several men tried to pick it up together. Now the group stared at the mess until one of the crew ordered everyone to grab something to clean it up. Others rushed forward past Zuko, eager to grab a piece of the mess and then get off the ship. Zuko waited for the rush of bodies to die down and then approached what was left on the ground. There was a broken piece of a board of the box and under some hay, a theater mask. 

Kneeling to collect the piece of wood and the mask, Zuko turned the mask over and could clearly see it now. It was a Blue Spirit mask, his favourite character from his favourite play, Love Amongst the Dragons. He had loved the play ever since his mother had taken him to see a production of it once when he was seven. It had just been the two of them that day and was one of his happiest memories. After watching the play in the afternoon, back at the palace that night his mother had given him a theater scroll of Love Amongst the Dragons for him to read so he could fully understand the play's plot, characters and themes. He read the scroll out loud to her, cuddled together in his bed, for hours into the night. 

Someone else's approaching footsteps focused Zuko's attention back to the present. It was one of the crew, probably coming to see how the clean up was going. "There's a pile of broken wood just past the dock, toss that on the pile as well." Zuko rose, standing looking over the mask in his hand. "There's nothing wrong with it." Zuko told the crewman gesturing to the mask, "It just needs a new string, easy enough to replace." 

The man glanced briefly at the mask, then at Zuko with a bored expression on his face. "Whole crate is considered a loss, everything has to be thrown out." Zuko was confused, the mask was still sellable, infact it was a good quality item, sturdy, yet lightweight, the attention to detail on the painting was superb. The crewman explained,  "If the mask still gets sold on the market, someone might talk, asking why this mask is still good when the rest were thrown out. Makes people think the captain deliberately broke the box to claim a loss, but sold the items anyways. Bad for business, so that has to be tossed out." The man turned and started walking away before calling back over his shoulder, "Just toss it in the pile with the rest." 

Zuko carried both the mask and board back to his tiny cabin. He collected his things, and then left the ship. The board was in his left hand, the mask carefully wrapped and hidden in his bag. Zuko saw the pile of wood and added the broken piece to it.  And then Zuko was faced with the uncertainty of what came next. This was part of the journey to Ba Sing Se, now he had to get INTO the darn city. 

---- 

It had taken Zuko less than one day to figure out the refugee processing system of the Earth Kingdom. Thousands of people applied for access, but only those refugees in dire need, or with passports were granted access to the city. The border officials seemed to have a different definition of dire need than Zuko, because he saw lots of people in need throughout the makeshift camp, but none of them were getting access. 

Which meant that Zuko was going to need a passport. And from what Zuko had overheard from other refugees that day, getting a passport basically seemed to be a legalized extortion scheme designed to bleed refugees dry of their meager funds. The passport application was a lengthy process with multiple steps that all seemed to involve another expensive fee to move the application along.  Zuko did not have a lot of money. But he particularly did not want to just hand it over to the border officials in the hope that they might give him a passport in return. He had seen numerous people in various stages of waiting, hoping desperately, that the officials would call out their name announcing that their passport's were ready. 

Thus, Zuko had gotten a meal from a street vendor and then ducked into a dark alley to eat, and observe the guards patrolling passport office. Eating his dinner as the darkness fell, Zuko realized that there were two sets of guards at the office. First the local border guards, essentially there for crowd control. They were loud, mostly unpleasant, ignorant, unobservant and numerous. The other guards were almost complete opposites. Zuko only ever saw two of them, they moved together, never speaking anything that Zuko heard. They appeared to be very observant of everyone around them and Zuko suspected that they might be earthbenders as well. 

However, they seemed to follow a schedule as well, and as the office closed for the day, the two men in dark green robes, with ominous hats that hid their faces, left the area. It was just the local gaurds now and Zuko had been counting while they did their rounds. He had a three minute window as soon as the current guard turned the corner. Reaching into his bag, Zuko pulled out the Blue Spirit mask and tied it on his face. It fit perfectly, he could see clearly through the eye slits and his face was covered. 

Briefly he chided himself for not having tried the mask on earlier, when he had gotten a new string. His plan would have been ruined if the mask did not fit he knew, so why didn't he think these things through and test his plan?? Pushing that worry aside, Zuko concentrated on the sound of the guard's fading footsteps. A quick glance confirmed that the guard was gone and the street was empty. 

Zuko looked up at the three story building in front of him. The ground level floor window's did not open and the guards had locked and checked all the doors. The windows on the second floor did open, but they were closed at the end of the day by the workers. All except for one, second from the left, which had almost been closed, but was open a small sliver. That was Zuko's target. 

He planned his footsteps, checked the street again for any unwanted eyes, saw none, and then sprinted forward. He ran alongside the building on the ground until he was one window just before his target. He jumped and instantly jumped again off of the small protruding window frame on the first floor. Stretching out with his arms he just barely gripped the windowsill on the second floor. 

Trying not to grunt with exertion, he readjusted his hands to a more comfortable position, and then holding himself up with one hand, he slid the window open with his other. The window was heavy, and did not slide easily. Silently cursing, Zuko pushed harder while trying not to fall. The window finally budged and opened. Frantically Zuko pulled himself into the room. 

Luckily there was nothing in the way and Zuko clambered to his feet taking in the room. It appeared to be a standard clerk's office. A desk faced the open door, away from the view of the window. There were several candles, quills, ink, parchment, and some spark rocks on the desk. The door was open to the hallway, so Zuko crept over and looked out into the hallway. An empty and silent darkness filled the building. Zuko returned to the window and closed it. He also closed the curtains, cutting off the faint moonlight making the room completely dark. 

Zuko quietly walked down the hallway trying to get his bearings in the office. He found a larger open area with many more desks covered with paperwork. Large windows on the wall allowed in enough moonlight that Zuko was able to discern passports in the process of being created. Quickly glancing at table to table, Zuko believed that he had a rudimentary understanding of the process, or so he hoped. 

He got to the final table, there were stacks of passports divided by age ranges. A piece of paper was tacked to the table infront of each stack, dividing ages into groups of five. Intriguied Zuko continued investigating. He grabbed three passports from the age group he would be in, 15 to 20. The passport appeared to be complete, just missing the official Ba Sing Se seal to be stamped on the second page. Then Zuko noticed a small slip of paper tucked in the last page of each of the three passports. It appeared to be a checklist, as tasks were completed they were checked off. The final requirement was unchecked on each of the three passports. It read "Final Application Fee Paid". Zuko was disgusted. This was just extortion. The Earth Kingdom was stealing from its own citizens. People just trying to find some safety and security fleeing the war, and here their own government is stealing from them. 

Angered, Zuko keeps the three passports and returns to the other tables and finds a blank passport. He walked back to the the room he entered from and silently swung the door almost shutting it. He wanted privacy, but also wanted to hear any noises. He took a candle and lit it with spark rocks. With a source of light filling the room Zuko checked that none of the light was visible to anyone else. Then he sat at the table and with the three passports as examples, began to fill out a passport for Lee. 

As he carefully wrote in the passport, filling in details of his fake life, such as having come from Gaoling, he chuckled to himself. If only his tutors could see him now. The hours he had spent at his desk as a child, practicing his caligraphy until the characters were perfect. Now he was using the same precision and skill, drilled into him by numerous tutors, to create a fake life for himself. He picked Gaoling as a hometown because it was a merchant town that was quielty, but rather openly, collaborating with the the Fire Nation. Therefore it should not be remarkable for a mixed nation child, Zuko's new cover as Lee, to come from Gaoling. 

As Zuko completed filling in his passport, he noticed the names in the other passports he had grabbed. They stood out as unusual to him. Zuko had been in the Earth Kingdom plenty, he had read up on the Earth Kingdom a great deal as well. But still, these names caught his attention, because they were very unique. The three passports were addressed to Jet, Smellerbee and Longshot. 

As the three passports had served as excellent examples to copy, Zuko initialed the final entry on the checklist for each one. He then returned to the main room, located a checklist for his passport and then filled that out as well. Extinguishing the candle, he carefully ensured that everything on the desk was exactly the same spot as it was when he started. Slipping his fake passport in with the three legit ones, he found the table with passports for final review. His was filled out exactly the same, and had a completed checklist as well. He placed the four passports into the right age group and then returned to the room. 

Zuko crept up to the window, carefully pulling back the curtain and observing the night outside. The view was empty and quiet. Zuko patiently waited for the sound of the guard making his patrol. As the guard rounded the corner, leaving the street empty once again, Zuko pulled the curtain open, exactly as it was when he entered. He glanced around the room one last time, everything was as it should be. 

Zuko opened the window and climbed out, gripping the windowsill holding himself steady while he closed the window. With that task completed, he dropped silently to the ground. Checking every direction as he swiftly ran away, Zuko felt a rush of adrenaline as he successfully got away. Adding to his sense of satisfaction was his belief in approving the other three passports. By slipping his application with theirs, Zuko believed that he was being clever. Officials would notice unusual names, a very common name like Lee, would be looked over in comparison. Or Zuko hoped. 

Stopping in an alleyway, once he was sure that he was alone, Zuko removed his mask and went to store it in his bag. However he paused, holding it in both hands looking back at the face of the Blue Spirit. Huh, he remarked internally, the mask was to be thrown out because it was worthless, despite nothing wrong with it. Zuko suddenly drew a comparison between himself and the mask. His father had thrown him aside, considered him worthless, despite Zuko having done nothing wrong. Fighting back tears as his eyes watered, Zuko tried to let the anger go. His father was a monster, Zuko knew this. The Agni Kai was cruel and wrong, Zuko knew this. So why did he still get angry/frustrated/upset when he thought of his father? Why did his father still affect him, years later? 

Struggling with his emotions, Zuko reached out and steadied himself on the wall. The coarse surface irritated his hand and he focused on the sensation. After a few deep breaths, Zuko stood up fully breathing in, and then deeply exhaled. Focus he told himself. He was in Half Moon Bay, working on getting into Ba Sing Se. He had just infiltrated the passport office as the Blue Spirit. He needed to get back to his meagre lodging for the night. Zuko sighed in confirmation of this next task. He carefully placed the mask into his bag, hoisted the bag onto his shoulders, and checked for people before exiting the alleyway as a simple refugee again. 

---- 

The next day Zuko anxiously waited with the many other refugees milling about the main square by the docks to Ba Sing Se. The passport office was located in the center of the town, but the Customs Office was located by the docks. People who were approved for passports, found out at the Customs Office, not the passport office in what Zuko guessed was a part of the extortion scheme. 

The tension of waiting increased at the start of every hour. That was when two overworked officials went to the center of the square, one armed with a list of names, the other carrying a bag with passports. The one with the list called names, and people went up as they were called and after some discussion with the second official, recieved their passports. It was now almost one in the afternoon. Zuko realized with a shock that it could still potentially be a long time before he received his passport. 

So Zuko was not expecting much when the two tired looking officials entered the square. The eager refugees formed a group around the two men, anxiously waiting to hear the names. The man started calling out names off the list and excited people scrambled to respond. Zuko was following along, when he heard something familair, "Jet, Smellerbee, Longshot!?!?" the man called out saying the last name like a question. Three teenagers rushed forward from the other side of the square and approached the men. After a moment, they had gotten their passports and Zuko straightened with anticipation. 

"Lee!" called out the list holder, he paused and then shared an exhausted look with his companion. A number of men stepped forward. Suddenly Zuko cursed at himself for picking such a common name, how was he going to ensure that he got this passport?? Scowling he pressed forward until he was near the front of the assembled people. The man with the passports was holding one out of the bag and flipped through it. He seemed to find the page that he was looking for and suddenly he was scanning the crowd. Zuko realized why the moment the man's eyes locked onto his face. In the physical description part, Zuko had written about his scar as well as describing his appearance. Everyone saw it, he couldn't do anything about it. And if the passport people had noted Smellerbee's facial tattoos and included it in her description, it would have been suspicious if Zuko had not mentioned the scar. 

"You!" the man holding the passport ordered, "Come forward." Zuko slipped through the few people until he was in front of the man. Nothing else was said, both men's eyes were fixed on Zuko's face, specifically his scar. Zuko coughed quietly to break the silence. Eyes narrowing as he read something in the passport, the man asked a question, "Your name Lee?" Zuko confirmed his fake name.  "Age, and where are you from?" Zuko quietly but confidentially responded, "16, Gaoling sir." The man with the passport accepted Zuko's answer and simply flipped the small book around in his hand so that it was now closed and presented to Zuko. 
Zuko accepted the small green passport and the man with the list called out the next name. Zuko now followed the line of people who had just recieved passports to stand in a line at the Customs building. He ended up standing behind the three other teenagers, Jet, Smellerbee and Longshot. Trying his best to ignore the conversations around him, Zuko prayed to any spirit that would listen for time to speed up so he could get out of this line. 

Since none answered, Zuko had time to face his uncomfortableness from the men staring at his scar. To say he didn't like it would be a vast understatement. But there was nothing he could do about that could he? And it was probably just going to get worse when he got into the city, which was far enough from the war that burn scars would likely stand out more due to being more uncommon. Zuko's growing frustration escaped with a soft groan as he desperately willed the line to move faster. 

Chapter Text

Someone, or something, shifted making obnoxious and ongoing sounds that grated on Zuko's tired mind. As the disrupting sound showed no signs of stopping, Zuko sighed and opened his eyes. It was dark still, sunrise was probably an hour away still. Zuko had been trying to sleep on the deck of the ship. While it was much colder out in the elements, it was far faaaaar less crowded than below decks where all of the people in close proximity made Zuko anxious. Zuko would take the cold over the crowd any day. 

Swift motion caught his attention drawing his gaze off the the right. Someone else had found the cause of the offending noise, something metal rolling around on the deck with the gentle rocking of the deck, and instantly flung it out over the side into the water thereby silencing the noise. While Zuko was grateful for the silence, he was awake now and knew he would not be falling back asleep. Grumbling quietly to himself he got up and pulled his backpack to himself.  

After quickly checking to ensure that everything was still there, Zuko slipped it on his back. He carefully glacned over to where Jet, Smellerbee and Longshot were sleeping nearby. Jet had kept trying to engage Zuko in conversation for the past two days. Ever since the four of them had worked together to sneak into the captain's cabin to steal and then distribute a good meal to the passengers, Jet seemed to think they had a connection now. They did not Zuko maintained. He wanted to remain as quiet and unnoticeable as possible.  And while the three of them had been stealthy, quiet, and good team players during their heist, Jet's non-stealthy side was brash, loud and rather attention grabbing in Zuko's opinion. 

If he wanted to remain unnoticed in a city of enemies, Zuko needed to be as unremarkable as possible, which would not happen in Jet's company. Therefore he had dismissed all of Jet's attempts at conversation with one worded answers. Smellerbee and Longshot seemed to understand as they never approached Zuko, always hanging back whenever Jet would try. Zuko sighed, already not wanting to have to deal with whatever Jet wanted. Because like it or not, this morning they would arrive at the entrance to the Lower Ring. And Zuko knew that Jet would try atleast one more time to get Zuko to talk to him. Why couldn't the guy understand that Zuko just wanted to be left alone? Cursing under his breath, Zuko walked over the railing and leaned on it, staring at the slowly brightening horizon, waiting for the day to start. 

---- 

Jet had not approached Zuko on the boat, which surprised Zuko. He had been fully expecting Jet to try proposing whatever idea he had again one last time. However, without any acknowledgement between the four of them, they had separated when exiting the boat. Zuko followed the line of refugees to the train station. Finally, the earthbending trains would take him into the city. And the issue of actually finding Uncle was now becoming Zuko's newest problem. Which was a very big problem, Ba Sing Se was the largest city in the world. How was Zuko going to find Uncle here amongst so many other people? 

Sudden movement to his right caused him to snap his head in that direction. It was Jet. Walking towards Zuko with a grin and a piece of grass hanging out of his mouth. Seriously thought Zuko, has no one told him he looks like yokel with the grass in his mouth? Zuko fixed him with a glare, it usually caused most people to shy away, but Jet was undeterred and continued to approach. Agni help me, Zuko silently prayed as Jet closed the distance between them. 

"Just hear me out," Jet said calmly with his hands raised, palms out towards Zuko, "I just want to make a suggestion. You are free to decide." Zuko said nothing and just glared at Jet. Jet took Zuko's silence as if he had agreed heartily to hear Jet out, because he flashed a self satisfied grin at Zuko before speaking. "You and me. We are pretty similar." Zuko did not react, he just glared back at Jet. "I used to lead a band of freedom fighters against the Fire Nation. Now it's just the three of us trying to make our way in Ba Sing Se." Jet paused again, waiting to see if the words had any effect. 

When there was none Jet opened his mouth again, "All I am saying is that the four of us would probably survive better together, than apart." Jet folded his arms on his chest and cocked his head to the left when he finished speaking. 

"No." came Zuko's quick and cold reply. While it would be nice to have someone watching his back in a new and unfamiliar place, Zuko did not know them, and almost certainly could not trust them. If they somehow found out who he was, they probably wouldn't even turn him in to the authorities, they would just kill him. Freedom fighters against the Fire Nation Jet had said. If they knew he was a firebender, same result Zuko figured. Therefore, his only choice, just for his own safety was to decline. Hopefully Jet would get it this time. 

"Alright." Jet said, his demeanor changing to disappointment for a brief second before the cocky gin was back. He started walking back to Smellerbee and Longshot, but turned back to call out at Zuko. "See you around. Lee." Jet said Zuko's false name with an unsettling undertone that briefly caused Zuko to fear that Jet knew it was a cover. But even if Jet thought that Zuko's name was fake, he had no idea of Zuko's true identity Zuko told himself. Ugh, Zuko groaned internally, he did not want to have to deal with this weird stalker with a friend request while he was trying to find his Uncle. 

Fate seemed to have finally heard his distress because at that moment the train arrived and the very few passengers travelling to the wall began disembarking. Once the train was empty, the waiting refugees rushed forward to board. Zuko slipped in with the crowd and ensured that he boarded a car a few down from the one he saw Jet and his friend's get into. 

Zuko took a seat and leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees. He would get through this. He would find Uncle. He had made it through the Spirit test. He had sailed from the North Pole. He had acquired a passport and was now entering Ba Sing Se. He would find Uncle. 

---- 

The high noon sun filled the square with warmth. Presently it was nice, but soon the heat would return and then the presence of so many people would make the place unbearably suffocating. In both terms of heat, and the oppressive feeling of the crowd Zuko bitterly thought. He knew this, because it had been like this every day so far in Ba Sing Se. Why would his fifth day be any different? 

Grumbling with annoyance, Zuko marched through the square milling with people. Most people were flocking to the restaurants that surrounded the market set up in the square. Scanning the crowd, Zuko failed to spot anyone close to looking like Uncle. Still scanning the square, Zuko noticed a message board. Most markets and square's where people would congregate had one. He had examined a few in the past days, hoping to find any clue of Uncle. This one appeared to be no more helpful he saw as he approached the large message board. Zuko quickly read over the alarmingly large number of missing persons posters, but nothing jumped out at him, other than the fact that there were at least two dozen different posters on this board alone. 

And then in the middle of the missing persons posters, someone had quite thoughtlessly stuck a brightly coloured flyer for a tea shop. What a way to disrespect someone's loss and grief by sticking a gawdy flyer for a tea shop right beside a poster asking for help Zuko thought. Annoyed at the tea shop now, Zuko read the flyer now. Pao's Family Tea Shop, now with a new tea maker and offering Pai Sho games! Zuko snorted. Pai Sho as an attraction to draw people into a tea shop. Uncle had played Pai Sho, he had even tried to teach Zuko how to play way back on the Wani so long ago Zuko recalled somewhat fondly. 

Unfortunately Zuko remembered that Uncle had not played the game according to any logic that Zuko could decipher, instead making moves seemingly at random while speaking in proverbs that Zuko did not understand. And somehow the crafty old fool had beaten him every single time. Once, in a fit of really bad anger, Zuko had overturned the board and stormed away. He had later returned and quietly apologized to his uncle for losing his temper over something as minor as a game. Uncle had said he had forgiven Zuko, but had he meant it? Zuko wondered to himself, had Uncle just said that so that things would go back to normal between them, or did he actually accept Zuko's apology? 

Releasing his frustration at not having an answer with a sigh, Zuko considered the board again. The flyer for Pao's Tea Shop seemed to shout at his eyes as its bright green and gold colouring contrasted sharply with the black and white missing person's posters. Yeah, Pai Sho was not a thing that would cause Zuko to look for the tea shop. Neither was the new tea maker, it meant that either the old good tea maker had left and now things were worse, or there was a very small possibility that the new tea maker was better, but Zuko's lifetime of bad luck had conditioned him not to expect the best outcome. Besides, he didn't even like tea that much! 

Uncle, on the other hand Zuko realized with a start, would exactly be the type of person to go to a tea shop advertising Pai Sho and a new tea maker. Quickly Zuko read the poster again searching for the address of the tea shop. Quickly commiting the address to memory, Zuko then looked at the tattered city map pinned in the top left corner of the message board. He read the street names and then mapped out his route. With a new, and what would probably end up being false, hope Zuko set off. This was probably nothing, but it was still the best lead that Zuko had for Uncle. He even let a small hopeful smile on his face while he walked. 

---- 

The rain had just suddenly started, drenching everyone and everything in mere moments. Zuko had dashed into an open shop when the downpour started trying to keep dry. He was still quite a ways from Pao's Tea Shop, and if he had to wait for the rain to stop, he might not make it there before it closed for the day. Zuko stayed near the open door of the shop and tried to look at the clouds to determine the intensity of the storm. He could see nothing but dark grey clouds and rain. 

"With a decent hat, you will stay mostly dry and warm." a voice from the back of the shop called out to Zuko. Turning, Zuko saw a thin elderly man walking around a counter at the back, now coming towards him, a soft smile on his face. "It will also be useful if anyone throws anything out from an upper level while you are walking by." the elderly man added with a helpful grin. Someone throwing out, what?? Zuko's mind screamed at him. People actually just toss things out down into the street. Zuko shivered at the thought, he had been lucky so far then. 

The shock of the realization must have shown on his face because the shopkeeper just turned while humming and searching the shop for something. "Ah, here." he proclaimed reaching at the back wall and retrieving something that Zuko could not see. The man promptly turned and walked back to Zuko holding out a conical straw hat, similar to the thousands that Zuko had seen people wearing in the city. Now it made sense. He reached into his bag for his coin purse. The man seemed to know that Zuko was going to pay him because he just stated, "One copper piece." Zuko handed over the coin and took the hat in return. He positioned it over his head and then tied it securely in place. With a quick thanks to the shopkeeper, Zuko took a breath and then stepped back out into the rain. 

The streets were almost completely empty of people. Only a few determined, and miserable, souls like himself were still travelling. The hat helped, but the rain was steady and it slowly wormed through the interlaced staw and dripped on him. Also not helping was the fact that rain gutters were apparently unknown here and rain just splashed off of roofs, awnings, and buildings haphazardly and often shocking Zuko with a cold spash from the side. In short, he was cold, tired, now hungry and thirsty as well, it was getting late and he had not yet found the tea shop, nor a place to stay for the night. 

For the past few days, Zuko had stayed at a cheap hostel. He had a small room to himself, but there was a disgusting communal bathroom at the end of the hallway. Zuko was not unhappy at the thought of never going back there again, but he would need to find a new place to stay for the night. Being assaulted and robbed on the streets in the dark, which according to the rumors happened quite a bit in the lower ring, was not something that Zuko wanted to happen. Therefore he would have to give up and look for a place to stay soon. Unfortunately, the constant rain meant that Zuko had no real way of knowing what time it was until it would be getting dark at which point he would be forced to give up and find a place for the night. 

Thus unhappily muttering to himself, Zuko kept his head hunched over and rubbed his hands together to warm them up while walking. He raised his hands to his face and blew his warm breath on them to warm them up as well. He planned on repeating the process to warm his hands up but his breath caught in his throat. There, across the intersection he had arrived at, was Pao's Family Tea Shop. 

----

Work was a welcome distraction for Iroh. Posing as Mushi, working at Pao's, was a very different life than the one he had left behind years ago at the palace. Yet Iroh would have gone with Zuko in a heartbeat if given the chance again. He loved the poor boy dearly, and wanted to just see him grow up as a normal teenager without the influence of Ozai. Worrying about Zuko consumed almost all of his free time, and was seriously tearing him up internally. 

Iroh blamed himself for Zuko's misfortune. First he had failed Zuko at the Agni Kai. He should have stepped in and stopped it, he should have known better than to expect mercy from his brother. Then he had failed Zuko again at the North Pole. When Zhao had injured the Moon Spirit, Iroh had been incandescent with rage. How could anyone be so cruel and careless? Iroh had chased after Zhao determined to make him pay for attacking the Moon Spirit. Finally catching up to Zhao in the city streets, Iroh had fought Zhao long enough that the Avatar in connection with the Ocean Spirit had captured Zhao and dragged him off. Iroh had then faced the terrible situation of fleeing fire nation soldiers doing whatever they needed to do to get away, and the incredible fury of  the WaterTribe warriors attacking with a fresh vengeance to drive the invaders out of their home. 

Sadly, Iroh's only safe option had been to flee to the harbour where he constructed a raft out of debris and then sailed away. He had felt terrible leaving Zuko behind, but there was no way he could envision in which he could help Zuko. Iroh had not actually been certain where Zuko was or what had happened to him. Iroh could just pray that his nephew had been alright. The relief that Iroh had felt when he had heard that Zuko was alive had nearly shattered him. His boy was alive! Now Iroh just had to wait for Zuko to get to Ba Sing Se. 

He had alerted all of the White Lotus to be on the look out for Zuko. But so far nothing had been heard of Zuko. By Iroh's estimation, Zuko could have arrived at the city last week. Given good weather and no issues, but Iroh had no way of knowing what obstacles, if any, Zuko was facing. Therefore all Iroh really could do was pour his attention into his work. 

Making tea was not work, being pleasant with the customers was not work, even being the White Lotus contact in the area was not work to Iroh. These were distractions of his employment. Making tea was one of life's simplest delights to Iroh, thus working in a tea shop was excellent cover for him. As well he quite enjoyed Pai Sho and greatly respected the mission and purpose of the Order of the White Lotus. But Iroh threw his attention into all these tasks fully, if only to distract him from the pit of anxiety and fear in his stomach that grew every time he thought about Zuko. The stress of the unknown was killing him. 

He sighed deeply, and tried to put on a pleasant smile when he heard the jingle of the bells above the door announce the entry of a customer. Checking over the other tables as he walked to the front of the shop, Iroh noted a few needed cleaning and another could be checked to see if they needed their bill. Iroh then turned to address the customer, promptly forgot about everything when the customer uttered a single quiet word, "Uncle?". 

---- 

The soft jingle of bells and warmth were what Zuko experienced walking into the tea shop. Unlike many of the other places that Zuko had stopped at, searched, ate at, or stayed at, this place was warm. The warmth felt welcoming, particularly after being out in the rain for so long. Zuko shivered slightly and countless raindrops dislodged by his sudden movement fell from him. While he had been shivering, a server had come out from the back. Zuko heard his footsteps approaching him. When Zuko lifted his head to look at the server to ask about Uncle, he froze. 

The man before him was Uncle! 

Uncle was quickly glancing at all of the tables in the tea shop and had not looked at Zuko yet. However Uncle walked closer until he was in front of Zuko. Zuko was frozen in place, unable to bring himself to speak or move. That changed when Uncle looked at him and instantly recognized him. The tired but pleasant smile on his faced replaced by a look of complete shock. 

Zuko swallowed nervously and after what felt like minutes but was probably only a few seconds, found his voice, "Uncle?" he asked cautiously. Even though it clearly was Uncle standing before him, Zuko could not help but ask. 

He got his answer instantly as Iroh rushed forward and crushed him in a big hug. "My dear boy." Iroh whispered softly into Zuko's good ear, "I missed you so much nephew." Zuko was crying now. He was almost certain that Uncle was too. Iroh's embrace was so warm and inviting. Zuko finally felt at peace. For once, all the stress, worries and cares of the world were gone. He was safe in his Uncle's arms. Zuko cried harder. 

After some time, Uncle pulled back slightly to look Zuko in the face. Uncle was indeed crying tears of happiness as well. Uncle moved his left hand up and ever so gently caressed Zuko's right cheek. The softness of the touch caused Zuko to nearly burst into a fresh set of sobbing tears. Now is the time, he told himself. "Uncle." he started, but his voice cracked. Uncle just smiled at him back giving him time to compose himself. Zuko started again, "Uncle, I . . . " he trailed off again. Dammit! Why was this so hard. Just say it his brain screamed at him! "Uncle I love you!" he blurted out. Uncle's response was to hug Zuko even more tightly than before.

"I love you too." Uncle whispered gently to him while embracing him. Zuko swallowed nervously, just trying to enjoy the warmth and love of Iroh's hug. Zuko cursed himself for being nervous, he knew why he was nervous! His father had beaten into him that any display of emotion other than anger, was weakness. Zuko knew that was wrong, but he was still uncomfortable with displaying and embracing his emotions. Zuko hated his father for that. 

Which caused Zuko to then blurt out his next confession, "Uncle.' Zuko pulled back slightly so that he could face Iroh directly. Iroh looked at him with a face that held no anger, no disgust, no shame, just love and acceptance. Zuko nervously fidgeted briefly looking away before forcing his eyes to meet Iroh's. "I, uh, no longer think of him as my father." Zuko exclaimed solemnly, "You have been more of a father to me than he ever was." Zuko was suddenly stopped short as much of his breath was squeezed out of him by Iroh's renewed hug. 

Things were quiet between them for several seconds, then Iroh spoke up, "Ever since I lost Lu Ten, I have thought of you as my own." Zuko failed to hold back his tears and began crying again. "I know Uncle," he sniffled, "And I feel the same way about you." Zuko cried freely now. His heart laid bare before Iroh, who just accepted him as he was. If this is what happiness felt like, Zuko enjoyed it very much, even with the undignified crying and public showing of emotions. 

Which only meant that the sudden interruption was a very unwelcome turn of events. A thin man with a closely cropped goatee, dressed in green robes with gold accents that had clearly seen better days, had loudly cleared his throat behind them. "Mushi," he spoke almost disdainfully, "Why are you ignoring your duties to embrace this drowned elephant rat?" 

Uncle stepped back, but did not take his arms off Zuko's shoulders, nor did he break his face away from Zuko's. Iroh responded all while still looking at Zuko with gentle affection, "Ah, Pao, this is my nephew." Zuko looked back at the man who was staring at Zuko with distaste. "Uh, hello, my name is Lee." Zuko stammered out. Zuko knew that he had to get his name out before it became apparent that Uncle did not know his cover name. 

Luckily Zuko knew that Uncle was fast on his feet and then Iroh spoke up, "Yes, isn't it wonderful Pao? My nephew Lee has been found safe and sound!" Uncle leaned in and gave Zuko a quick hug which Zuko reciprocated, before Uncle stepped back and let a distance separate them again. "You must stay with me nephew." Uncle beamed, "I want to hear all about what has happened since we last met." Zuko smiled and nodded, "Sounds good to me Uncle." Uncle began to very reluctantly head towards the back when Zuko called out to him, "Um actually Uncle. I never got to place my order." 

Uncle turned back to face him with a wide grin, and gestured to a nearby booth. "Please sit nephew!" he proclaimed happily, "What would you like? Tea, or perhaps tea and something to eat?" Zuko smiled at Uncle's happiness, it warmed Zuko's heart to see Uncle so happy. "Just tea thank you." he replied as he took a seat, 'And well, you always seem to know the best brew for the occasion Uncle, I will leave it up to you." Zuko turned and smiled back at Uncle. 

For his part, Uncle just stood there smiling while gentle tears ran down his face. He looked like he feared that Zuko might disappear if he moved his gaze. Zuko reached out and gently took Uncle's hand. With a soft, hopefully reassuring squeeze, Zuko spoke to him, "Don't worry Uncle. I will be here when you get back." Uncle gently squeezed his hand back, but did not let go. Zuko just smiled at Iroh before speaking again, "It is okay Uncle. I am not going anywhere." he stated confidently. 

That got a response from Uncle, who just smiled more, and then wiped the tears out of his eyes before nodding at Zuko and then very reluctantly walked away. Leaving Zuko to tear up again as his emotions got the better of him. He had found Uncle. 

Chapter Text

The rest of the evening passed by in a bit of a blur if Zuko was honest. Somehow while drinking a very nice cup of jasmine tea with Uncle, due to the lack of other customers, Zuko had ended up with a job working the same shift as Uncle everyday. He had just happened to mention to Uncle, as a joke by the way, that with Uncle's legendary love of tea Zuko had thought that the place would be much busier. 

Well, apparently Pao was eavesdropping because he then stopped at their table to loudly complain that the weather was the only reason there were not more customers. Pao then, also very loudly in Zuko's opinion, also complained about Iroh being too busy brewing all the tea meaning that Pao then had to cover as a server. Which Zuko easily discerned was not something that Pao liked doing. Uncle had then gently inserted the suggestion that Zuko could be a server on the same shift as Uncle to help with the increased demand. Pao had hummed at the suggestion, but agreed after a moment. 

Now walking back to Uncle's apartment as darkness was starting to fall over the city, finally Uncle and Zuko were completely alone for the first time since reuniting. Zuko knew that Uncle was likely just about to burst with questions, but he was staying silent. as they walked. Zuko didn't mind, he was just quietly appreciating being near Uncle again. 

Without any conversation they arrived at and entered a small apartment. Uncle opened the door and Zuko followed him inside. Zuko's eyes were still adjusting to the darkness of the apartment when Uncle nearly crushed him in a hug. Uncle hugged Zuko tight and Zuko again felt the warmth and reassurance of Uncle, his real father. "Zuko. I missed you so dearly my boy." Uncle softly murmmured into his ear. Lost to the comfort of their embrace, Zuko was not sure how much time had passed until suddenly he was seated across from Uncle at the small table in the apartment, candles had been lit and of course, Uncle had a pot of tea brewing. 

When the tea was ready Uncle sat across from Zuko and gently held Zuko's hand in his own. "Please Zuko," he said his eyes watering again, "I want to know everything, but I am ready to hear whatever you are prepared to tell me about what happened." Zuko smiled back at Uncles' kind face and gently squeezed Uncle's hand. Zuko was prepared to tell Uncle everything. 

Uncle listened patiently as Zuko covered everything that had happened since they had seen each other last on Zhao's ship. From swimming into the North Pole, to fighting the waterbender, capturing the Avatar, being captured himself, the events at the Spirit Oasis, the ice cell, the Council meeting, the Spirit, arriving in the new world, his sentencing and transport, and finally Zuko got to the prison. Uncle winced when Zuko described the pain floor and then rushed to hug him again.

Zuko told Uncle of his experiences with the other prisoners, the work, the food, the constant stress of never knowing if you were about to be fried, his depression (at which point Uncle hugged him again), and then Zuko went on and told Uncle about shift 1000 where he had opened up about his past to the other prisoners. Zuko swore he saw pride in Iroh's eyes when Zuko told him that he had become disillusioned about the war. Knowing that it was getting quite late, Zuko glossed over some parts to get to the doubling of sentences and the subsequent escape. Then very briefly Zuko informed Uncle of his return to the North Pole and meeting the Spirit again before setting off in search of Uncle. 

When Zuko had finished, Uncle did not say anything he just stood and embraced Zuko again. Normally Zuko did not like physical contact from anyone, but Uncle hugging him? Zuko could tolerate this, okay, maybe he secretly enjoyed Uncle's hugs and affection. "Just so you know Zuko." Uncle said. "Uncle," Zuko replied, "You really should call me Lee or nephew. Just because of my cover." he stammered. It was not that Zuko did not want Uncle calling him by his real name, but Zuko did not want to be caught under a false identity. 

Uncle hummed and then replied, still hugging Zuko tightly, "You are correct nephew." Iroh then pulled back from the hug and looked directly in Zuko's eyes. "I am so proud of you, and all that you have done to become the fine young man you are today." Zuko teared up again for another countless time that day. Zuko just nodded in response, he didn't trust himself to be able to speak. He was so exhausted, from the search for Uncle, that now they were reunited, Zuko felt something that the had not felt in a long time. He was happy. 

---- 

Somehow the days had all seemed to blend together into one seamless streak of tiredness and exhaustion once Zuko started working at Pao's. Zuko quickly learned that tea server essentially meant, worker who does whatever the boss does not want to do. He was not only expected to take orders, keep track of table's bills, ring up customers, and continuously be cleaning the tea shop, he was also expected to do all this with a smile.  Zuko had never cared for interacting with people when he had wanted to, so now to be forced to interact with the customers quickly wore out his patience. 

Along with his designated tasks, Zuko was also required to pick up orders for the shop, wash the windows, clean up after sick children who ate too many sweets, do the dishes when things slowed down, water the plants, sweep and mop the floors, and any other task that Pao told him to do. Zuko was even required to write out a set of new menus as the the ones that Pao was using were outdated, tattered and falling apart. Zuko just grit his teeth and did what was ordered of him. He might not like the work, but it sure beat prison life. 

Before long life had settled into a routine again for Zuko. Morning meditation with a candle beside Uncle in the apartment. Even without his bending, Zuko found the morning meditation useful, it was a calming and centering exercise. Followed by a quick breakfast and then off to the shop to open for the day. Zuko would set the chairs and tables, help the bakery delivery unpack and arrange the pastries and baked goods for sale that morning, then he would begin serving the first early rush of customers. 

Life was becoming a simple routine again except for one part. The morning bakery delivery. 

Pao did not do any baking himself. Instead Pao had a regular order of baked goods delivered every morning just as the sun was cresting the outer walls of Ba Sing Se. The bakery was another family owned buisness not far from Pao's. Zuko was not sure if the bakery was owned by the old man who made the deliveries every morning or one of his children. But the elderly delivery man, named Xiao, was incredibly punctual and berated Zuko every time that Zuko was slightly late at opening the back door of Pao's. 

Today was no different even though Zuko had been prepared and the door had been unlocked when Xiao had arrived. Muttering something about how young people have no respect Xiao delivered the daily order of pastries and baked goods. Zuko assisted Xiao in unloading his cart, placing the excess items in the back of the shop. 

Xiao was somewhat slower in his actions today, Zuko noted. So he had only attempted to be helpful and suggested that if required, he could meet Xiao at his bakery and then transport the items to Pao's himself. Zuko had thought that he had been very generous in his offer. Particularly, considering that Zuko was certain Pao would not pay Zuko any extra for the additional work. 

Xiao was shocked by the offer and harshly yelled at Zuko for even suggesting such an idea. Chastised, Zuko returned to the shop and began trying to prepare himself to tell Pao and Uncle that he might have compromised the shop's baked goods. But before Zuko had a chance to collect his thoughts Uncle had interrupted asking about the source of the yelling. 

"Well, uh," Zuko stammered, "I suggested that I could go to the bakery and pick up the order myself instead of him having to deliver in the morning." Uncle looked at him with an admiring smile. Pao on the other hand took one look at Zuko and then looked back down at the newspaper he was reading. "I am sure that he will get over this nephew." Uncle told him reassurringly. Pao scoffed at this, and both Zuko and Uncle turned to face him. 

Pao noticed the gaze of his employees and sighed. "It is not that you offered to help him," Pao explained dryly. "He has a granddaughter your age and he is incredibly protective of her." Zuko's eyes narrowed and he glanced at Uncle, not understanding Pao's meaning. 

Pao apparently caught on to the confusion and continued to explain, "Xiao's son was drafted into the Army a few years ago and since then, Xiao has become overly protective of his granddaughter." Pao did not look up from his newspaper. "You are about her age and he is probably just being over protective of her." Pao stated while not looking up from the newspaper. 

Zuko was shocked at the news. "I've never even met his granddaughter!" he exclaimed loudly to Pao and Uncle. Uncle chuckled quietly at his outburst. Pao however finally put down his newspaper and faced Zuko from where Pao sat. "It's not that," Pao explained dryly, "he is just over protective and probably took your offer of help as a guise to meet his granddaughter." Zuko looked at Uncle for assistance. Uncle of course was no help, he just smiled at Zuko. Zuko however, did not know how to feel, other than embarrassed at being put on the spot. He could feel his face turning red, so he left the backroom and for the first time prayed there were some early morning customers to deal with. 

---- 

The monotony of the days was wearing on Zuko. Every day was so similar it was almost hard to tell them apart. Zuko was craving something. He needed a distraction, or something to look forward too. Because while being a tea server was fine, it was not fulfilling. 

However Zuko dared not say anything to Uncle because it was obvious that Uncle loved his life as a tea brewer and Pai Sho player. Zuko was still terrible at the game, but he indulged Uncle every few days or so and played a game with him. He had yet to even come close to winning. 

But every night when Zuko laid down to sleep, he couldn't. Something was not right. He needed something, but whatever this outlet was, Zuko could not figure out. So most nights he tossed and turned for hours until sleep finally overtook him. The sleeplessness frustrated Zuko to no end. 

Tonight was proving to be the same as all the others. Zuko had laid down in his bed an hour ago and had been alternating between staring at the walls and the ceiling. His frustration growing, Zuko stood up and walked over to the window and looked out over the dark city. 

He leaned against the windowsill and just took in the sight. The city looked completely different in the dark. With a slight smile, Zuko recalled the last time he had been out and about in a dark city, disguised as the Blue Spirit. 

Zuko straightened up as the realization sunk in. That was what he was missing. Excitement, danger, risk, everything associated with his actions that night. Zuko turned towards the old dresser in the bedroom. on the bottom of the bottom drawer, underneath several sets of clothes, hid both the Blue Spirit mask, and his dual dao blades. 

Without even thinking, Zuko walked over and began to change into his all black clothes and then strapped the swords to his back and tied the mask on his face. The room was dark, and only faintly illuminated by the soft moonlight coming in through the window so Zuko was certain that no one could see in. And ultimately, no one could see him change into the Blue Spirit. 

As quietly as possible, Zuko climbed out of the window and onto the roof. He was careful to plan his movements based on trying to make as little noise as possible. Luckily for him, for once Zuko thought, the roof was sturdily constructed and his actions caused no noise. 

Continuing to move stealthily across multiple rooftops, Zuko finally felt content in his heart. Being more than just a tea server, even if he was just sneaking around hiding his identity, connected him with whatever had been missing. His smile hidden by the mask, Zuko kept moving. 

By the time he returned to the apartment an hour later, he had stopped two muggings and broken up a fight. When he got back in his bed after changing again, he fell asleep almost instantly. 

In the morning, Zuko felt more rested than he had since coming to Ba Sing Se. Uncle noticed the change in Zuko's mood and commented on how nice it was to see Zuko smile. Which just caused Zuko to smile more and he had to turn his gaze away from Uncle as they walked to work as a blush started to creep onto his face. 

Chapter Text

The days were the same routine with few changes. After working at the tea shop Zuko and Iroh would have dinner together in their apartment and then Zuko would sneak out the window as the Blue Spirit. 

The excitement and rush of adrenaline Zuko got from his actions as the Blue Spirit, along with the fact that he was helping people, fulfilled what Zuko had been lacking. He was able to sleep soundly most nights. Only occasionally suffering from nightmares. 

Gradually Zuko got more and more used to the routine and suddenly two months had passed since he had found Uncle and started working at Pao's. Therefore Zuko had started to notice changes and other things that interfered with the routine. Like how spring was slowly turning into summer and that meant the sun was rising slightly earlier, and going down later in the evening. 

But then there was a much greater threat to his simple routine. Zuko was always aware of the customers in the shop. He had to be on one hand, as a waiter, always ready to go and take orders, fill orders, ring out tables, and try to resolve any problems that rose up. But on the other hand, he just couldn't not keep a wary eye on all of the customers. Zuko never told Uncle, but he was always slightly on edge that they would be recognized and then have to flee. 

So when Zuko started noticing the girl with olive green eyes watching him, he was on high alert. She had started coming to Pao's for about a month regularly. She had steadily worked her way through most of the menu trying almost everything once. She was polite and respectful, always asking Zuko to pass along her compliments to Uncle. Which he did do, but probably not with the same enthusiasm as she intended. 

However today was different. 

She was glancing at him far more than usual. Zuko feared the worst. That she had alerted the city guards, who would then arrest both Uncle and himself. Fear gnawing at his stomach, Zuko decided to alert Uncle to the problem so they could plan to flee together. 

"Uncle, we have a problem." Zuko hissed under his breath. Uncle came over to the counter where Zuko was loading his tray with more orders and raised an eyebrow at Zuko. "Don't look now," Zuko whispered, "but over in the booth on my right, there is a girl." Iroh tilted his head and immediately looked at the booth in question. "Didn't I just say DON'T LOOK!!" Zuko hissed venomously. 

Uncle averted his gaze, but Zuko felt that the damage was done. Now she would know that they had noticed her watching them. This served to only heighten Zuko's anxiety. 

Taking a deep breath to control the frustration rising in his chest, Zuko glared at Uncle. But his Uncle just had a calm expression on his face. Of course he was facing the rest of the tea shop so other customers could see him, Zuko told himself. After another deep breath Zuko spoke, "Uncle I think she knows that we are Fire Nation." 

He was going to say more but Uncle just as calmly placed his hand on Zuko's shoulder, which caused Zuko to glare harder at his uncle to try and convey the seriousness of the situation. Uncle just continued to smile, until he fixed his gaze with Zuko's. Zuko could see no fear, worry or apprehension in Iroh's eyes. Which made no sense to Zuko. They were in danger! 

"Oh I have noticed her here quite a bit," Uncle stated like this was nothing to worry about. He then smiled mischievously at Zuko, "I think she has quite a little crush on you nephew." Uncle's words made sense to Zuko. But their meaning did not. 

Zuko was stunned. Why would she be interested in him romantically? He was just a refugee, or at least on the surface that was all he was. He had no wealth, power, lands or anything really to his name. Why would someone be interested in him? 

While he was standing facing away from the counter, lost in his own turbulent thoughts, he heard approaching footsteps. Uncle stepped back and returned to brewing tea, leaving Zuko alone with the customer. With a soft sigh, Zuko tried to push his thoughts aside to deal with his job. 

Only to turn around and be face to face with her. 

She stood at the counter, looking at him almost as if expecting him to say something. As Zuko fumbled with his thoughts she spoke up. "Hey, thanks for the tea it was great." Uncle's head poked out from around a corner and he thanked her for the compliment. Oh great Zuko thought, he's going to listen in. Zuko was not sure what was about to happen, but he would have preferred if Uncle stayed out of it. 

"That will be two coppers," Zuko finally managed to get out of his mouth, using the slang that most people used in Ba Sing Se for copper coins. She reached into her bag and pulled out two coins, passing them to Zuko. She shifted on the spot, quickly looking down at her feet before quickly clenching and opening her hands. Here it comes, Zuko told himself, she's going to expose us as Fire Nation. 

"So," she stammered, which confused Zuko. If she was going to out them, why didn't she just do it? Then she looked directly at Zuko, making solid eye contact and Zuko could see apprehension, but no malice or hatred in her eyes. He also really only recognized the colour for the first time. She had olive green eyes. Time seemed to have stopped for Zuko. A voice in the back of his head asked, is everything green in the Earth Kingdom? 

"I was wondering if you wanted to go out sometime?" she quickly asked. For the second time in mere minutes, Zuko was stunned. Internally, his mind had a rapid argument. On the one hand, that was not what he was expecting at all. On the other hand it would probably be rude to outright reject her. She seemed nervous enough and rejecting her would probably crush her spirit. And then a third idea came up. Going on dates is what other teenagers did, right? If Zuko wanted to fit in and hide, he would seem more like a normal teenager if he accepted right? And then the idea of turning her down because he was blindsided by her question came back. Only for his mind to instantly refuse that, telling himself not to cause a scene by being a party pooper. 

With a quick breath, Zuko stamped down his anxiety, and then words came out of his mouth, though he really did not plan on saying them. "Uh, sure." It was as if he was somehow watching himself as an actor in a play, kind of. He was brought back to reality and full control of himself when Uncle popped up from the back and informed her that Zuko's shift ended at eight tonight.  

"Okay! Great!" she exclaimed happily. She smiled and Zuko knew that saying yes, even if it was a terrible date, was the right choice. She was bright and kind of bubbly like Azula's friend Ty Lee, Zuko noted. Her nervousness had evaporated when he had accepted and she then started walking towards the exit. Zuko kept his eyes on her, still not quite fully certain what had happened. 

She turned halfway to the door, and called back to him, "Meet outside at eight then?" Zuko just nodded silently in response. She smiled her bright grin again and then left the shop. 

Zuko buried his face in his hands and suppressed a groan. What did he get himself into? Behind him Uncle was now happily humming as he prepared another pot of tea. 

---- 

The date was going poorly Zuko thought. He had really fumbled the conversation during dinner. Not having really thought through his cover story before Jin had asked him about it had left him attempting to juggle for her and making a mess in the process. Combined with his noncommittal one word answers to her questions, he did feel bad about not carrying on the conversation, but he could not tell her the truth about his past, which left him with really nothing to add to the conversation. 

However she seemed to think that he was not ready to talk about his past as a refugee and was now leading him to her favourite place in the city. Zuko was slightly curious, what it was, and she was really excited to show him. Based off of how she was almost dragging him along. Oddly enough Zuko noticed that he didn't mind holding hands with Jin. 

They rounded a corner and she stopped dead in her tracks. There was a fountain in the center of a small square. It was surrounded by lanterns, but they had not been lit and therefore the square and fountain were dark. 

Her cheerful mood disappeared. "Oh no," she lamented quietly, "they didn't light them." Zuko felt bad for her, and he couldn't place why. Probably because she had really tried to make the night work, and now her big surprise here was ruined he reasoned to himself. Not really sure why, he turned his head looking at what lay around them on the street. 

There! He spotted what he was looking for. He left go of her hand and walked to the pile of debris haphazardly left on the edge of the street. There were some small sticks tossed on top of the debris pile. Zuko collected a few and then looked back at Jin. She was still staring at the fountain, crestfallen. He walked back over to her. 

"Here," he said, handing her two sticks. She took them, only to look back at him puzzled. Zuko pulled out the spare set of spark rocks that he had bought after Uncle had misplaced his again. "We can light the lanterns ourselves," Zuko explained, and then carefully got each of the small sticks to catch fire. Just a small flame, one that he had to protect with his hand from the slight breeze to prevent it from going out. 

Her face light up with excitement and she smiled again. Zuko knew that he had done the right thing again. Even if the date was a disaster, he did what he could to at least make her smile at one point. Uncle would be proud of this action, Zuko told himself. They split up and each started to light the lanterns. 

It did not take long, perhaps two minutes and then they were both standing on the other side of the fountain as the lanterns filled the square with light. Zuko took the stick from her, blew out the flames and tossed the small sticks aside in the gutter. 
Zuko took in the sight of the fountain. With the lanterns lit, it was much more of a sight. The flickering light reflected off of the falling water making it almost look like a fire. What had Jin called it? The Firelight Fountain? It certainly lived up to its name, Zuko thought. And Jin's enthusiasm. 

Zuko turned to look at her to say that she was right, it was a nice spot, but the words stopped in his throat when he saw how she looked in the light. She was pretty, he knew that, and had even admitted that to himself earlier. But here, bathed in the soft light from the lanterns, she looked beautiful. The light danced in her green eyes and she stepped closer to him. 

"Thank you, Lee." she said softly, getting closer to him. Zuko awkwardly scratched the back of his head, while muttering that it was nothing really. "It meant alot to me," she told him, while she stepped right in front of him. Zuko was unable to look away from her eyes. There was something captivating about them. He felt his face get hot as he realized he was blushing. Why was he blushing, he yelled internally. 

She then leaned forward, closing her eyes and she kissed him. 

 Zuko was temporarily stunned for the umpteenth time that day. It was brief kiss. Just really a brush of her lips on his. But the rush of adrenaline or whatever, caused Zuko to feel more alive than he had, perhaps ever in his life. All this happened in an instant, she started leaning back, and Zuko leaned in to her, closing his eyes, and kissed her. 

Again it was a simple chaste kiss. But to Zuko, it felt like his inner chi might actually be reignited. He felt alive. The energetic feeling was electrifying. 

He took several quick breaths as he opened his eyes. She was looking up at him with kindness and happiness. Zuko never wanted to leave this moment. He was content, no, he was actually happy. He immediately wanted to re do their entire date and do it better this time. 

She giggled, which to Zuko sounded like a wind chime, it was heavenly, as she stepped back to allow some distance between them. 

It was at this moment the rest of Zuko's brain started functioning again. His anxiety roared back, and suddenly he was ashamed of himself. What was he doing? He is the banished prince of the Fire Nation. He quickly told himself that it was not that he couldn't be with an Earth Kingdom girl, but she probably didn't want the hassle of being romantically involved with him and his problems. And he couldn't tell her any of this! 

Suddenly very ashamed of having put Jin in this situation, he turned and ran. 

He wasn't thinking anymore. His mind was occupied with the sole thought of getting out of there. He ran. 

He ran out into a intersection and stopped. It was late and the streets in all directions were deserted. Zuko fell to his knees and groaned into his hands covering his face. Why was his life so fucking complicated?! Why couldn't he even just be normal for a day!? 

Lost in his spiraling thoughts, he didn't notice someone approaching from behind. It was only when Jin called out his name did he lower his hands and look around. She was there. She had followed him. 

One half of Zuko definitely did not want to have to face her, the other half yelled at him in a voice that sounded suspiciously like Uncle that she deserved some kind of explanation. 

Zuko took some deep breaths, but did not rise from his knees. Jin had walked closer, she stood before him, but several feet away. Her usual happy expression was concerned now. Oh great, Zuko thought, of course I made her upset. Why am I so bad at this, he screamed internally. 

Outwardly though he just looked at the ground between them, unable to meet her gaze again. "I'm sorry," he croaked out. She took a hesitant step closer and then she replied with, "No Lee, I'm sorry." This confused Zuko, why would she be sorry? She didn't just bolt from him. 

Zuko raised his head an looked her in the eyes. They were filled with care and compassion. Zuko breathed deeply about to apologize again, but she spoke first. "I shouldn't have just kissed you like that." she apologized, "I just, it seemed right." 

Zuko shook his head side to side. "No Jin," he stated, "I am the one who is sorry." He took some more breaths, "The kiss was fine. Eh, no. Better than that, it was . . ." He trailed off looking for the right word. "Incredible." He nearly whispered, having found the proper description for how it had felt. 

"I just," he stammered, "I have quite a long history and most of it is not good." She tilted her head to one side slightly at his words. "I suddenly became aware that I would be dragging you into my mess." he finally explained. 

She gave him a small smile and stepped closer. "Lee," she said carefully, "everyone has a past." She then extended her hand, to help him off of his knees. Zuko stared at her hand for a moment, trying to figure out how she was not angry or upset with him. "When you are ready, if you ever are, and want to talk about it, I will listen." She told him with a caring smile. 

Zuko thought about that, she didn't know anything about his real life. Only what she had observed of him and Uncle, or what he had badly lied about during their date. And yet, she still wanted to give him a chance. Offering to get to know him? 

Zuko took a deep breath and then accepted her offered hand and rose to his feet. He awkwardly scratched the back of his neck, and he felt very small under her eyes. Even though she had been nothing but kind and caring the whole time. 

She interlaced her fingers with his, and then announced that she should be getting home as it was now late. Zuko started walking with her, and then decided to be the person Uncle wanted him to be. 

"I uh, have a long backstory on how I got to Ba Sing Se," he told her, she glanced up at him when he started speaking and Agni dammit, he did like the colour of her eyes. "At one point," he stammered a bit, trying to force the words out of his mouth, "I ended up in the Spirit World for a while." He swallowed nervously and her look became concerned, but still caring. "While I was there I took a serious look at my life, and started trying to be a better person." Zuko told her. 

Jin didn't say anything, she just gently squeezed his hand in silent support. "Since then I travelled to Ba Sing Se and found my uncle. But I'm still dealing with all that and I don't really know what I'm doing." he admitted to her. She just nodded and kept walking. 

After another block had passed, she spoke up, "Thank you for telling me that Lee." She hummed softly as they walked before adding, "If you ever want to talk more, I will be your confidant. " she said with a supportive smile. 

Zuko smiled back, and then an idea struck him. "So, uh, sorry about the mess of a date," he said quietly. Jin chuckled beside him. "Honestly, it really wasn't that much of a mess," she replied, "I mean the whole fountain part was great. When you just started to get something to light the lanterns, it made my night." Now it was Zuko's turn to chuckle and smile. 

"So um, would you like to go out again sometime?" he asked but it came out more like a whisper. "Yes!" she exuberantly exclaimed. She then covered her mouth with her other hand smiling at him. The energy with which she had answered him, gave Zuko some of that feeling back from when they had kissed. Smiling himself he asked her, "So if you are free on Saturday, I heard that there is a free play at the park. How about a picknik and a play?" 

"Sure thing," she responded in her usual happy manner, "I will talk to my parents and get the day off." Excited about the next date Zuko remembered the free tea coupon his Uncle had given him to give to her. 

He made sure to give it to her before he said goodnight outside her family's apartment. Uncle would have been incredibly disappointed in him if he had forgotten the darn coupon. 

Chapter Text

Uncle, thankfully, had not asked Zuko any questions about the date. In fact the only question that he had asked Zuko when he had returned that night, was how Zuko's evening was, and the old firebender had left it at that. 

Which unfortunately meant that Zuko had to bring the topic up when they were walking to Pao's the next morning. "So, I uh," Zuko stammered, internally frustrated at himself because why is this so hard to talk about, "was hoping that you could talk to Pao and convince him to let me have Saturday afternoon off." Iroh hummed, with an amused smile on his face. 

"Oh," he said, raising an eyebrow, "I can, but what is the reason?" Iroh looked at Zuko mischievously. Zuko just stared straight ahead as they walked and set his jaw while answering, "If Jin is available, we were going to go to the free play at the park and have a picnic." While not even looking at his Uncle, Zuko knew that the older man was enthusiastic about the idea by the exuberance of his response. "Why nephew! That is an excellent idea." Iroh exclaimed while clasping his hands. 

Zuko nearly regretted asking Iroh for help in getting the time off because Iroh was now rattling off a list of things that Zuko could pack for lunch, and which neighbours to ask to borrow a blanket for the day, provided Zuko wash it before returning it. Zuko only half listened to his Uncle as they made the rest of their way to the teashop. 

---- 

Iroh was able to persuade Pao to switch Zuko's day off so that he was now available Saturday, but that still left Zuko with one large problem. Was Jin even going to be available? Infact, he realized now, they had not even made plans to talk before Saturday. Therefore Zuko hoped that Jin would come by the teashop like she usually did. 

Hence, Zuko was hyper vigilant about the ringing bell above the door. Quickly glancing up from whatever he was doing to examine whomever had entered. Only to feel slightly crushed when it repeatedly was not Jin. 

The day dragged on. 

Until, finally, late in the afternoon, the bell above the door chimed and when Zuko looked, Jin smiled back at him. Zuko released a breath he did not know he was holding. Quickly finishing at his current table Zuko immediately beelined for Jin only to realize he didn't know what to say when he got to her table. 

However the accumulated shifts of serving tea had apparently hardwired his brain, and he sputtered out, "Welcome to Pao's." Instantly flustered, because that was not what he had wanted to say, Zuko blushed. Jin laughed, and Zuko felt his anxiety diminishing. Once she had stopped laughing at his awkwardness, she requested a cup of ginseng tea. 

Zuko gave a quick nod of his head and went to relay the order to Iroh. When he returned, Zuko quickly scanned the teashop, noting that everything was in order for the moment. Thus, when he got Jin's tea from Uncle, along with a free pastry, he placed her order on the table and asked if he could join her. All the while his heart had suddenly jumped into his throat, beating wildly. 

 
"Please do," Jin smiled, and Zuko's heart returned to its normal place in his chest, but still beat rapidly. After a moment of silence where Jin lifted her cup of tea and took in the aroma, Zuko just decided to ask, "So I was able to get Saturday off, are you still interested in going to the park? Together?" Zuko could feel himself blushing, why did he have to be so terrible at talking to her?? 

Jin smiled at him again, "Yes, I spoke with my parents and I can take the afternoon off as well." she told him in her soft bubbly voice. That confirmation, just the simple answer yes, caused a warm feeling to spread in Zuko's chest. He might have to ask Uncle about that later, but coach it in more medical terms so the older man didn't pester Zuko about Jin. 

Zuko sat with Jin and made easy conversation with her for a few minutes before he was required to return to work. But in that short time he had felt more at ease than he had in a long time. They had also worked out the details of their date on Saturday. And though Zuko would never admit it to anyone else, after Jin had left, he stared at the door for some time, wishing he could have gone with her. 

---- 

The rest of the week passed by quickly, with Jin visiting the shop nearly everyday. Iroh had started covering for Zuko, allowing him to take his breaks when Jin was there. Therefore Zuko had plenty of time with Jin anytime she stopped by. Their conversation was light and easy. She never pressed him for details about his past, and she was able to strike up a discussion over the most minor thing, which Zuko was secretly very grateful for, because he was not a great conversationalist on the best of days. 

Saturday morning came and Zuko had indeed followed Iroh's advice and had borrowed a blanket from a neighbour. Armed with the blanket and two waterskins, he walked to the edge of the park where he had agreed to meet Jin. 

She was waiting for him with a picnic basket and her bright smile. Her eyes light up upon seeing him and Zuko's heart fluttered for a moment. He was really going to have to ask Iroh about that sooner rather than later. 

The play was, well about what Zuko expected, exactly what he had paid for. The actors were all clearly armatures, the props were barely scraped together, and the details were inaccurate. Zuko did not realize that he had been criticizing the entire performance until he noticed that Jin was just sitting beside him with an amused grin on her face. 

"Uhh, sorry," he muttered, suddenly very self conscious that he was doing all the talking on their date. So he was very surprised when she was not upset at all, but actually kind of excited to see him so passionate about something. Then it became a conversation, as she asked questions about certain details and aspects of the play that had bothered Zuko. 

Other than his mother, Zuko could not recall anyone else talking to him about plays with enthusiasm. Hence it was a shock to him when darkness started to fall and he realized that they were still on the blanket at the park. Jin also noticed the fading light and together they began packing up. 

As they walked away from the park, Jin hesitantly asked, "So where did you learn so much about the theater?" Quietly Zuko responded, "My mother. She was an actress, er, uh not a professional one." Jin hummed softly in response. "When I was sick or injured," Zuko continued, "she would read me plays and then we would talk about them." Zuko blushed slightly after saying that. He had not meant to share such a personal detail. How was talking with Jin so different from anyone else, he asked himself. 

"That sounds really nice," Jin replied softly. She took his free hand in her own as they walked. Neither one said anything as they continued. Zuko was slightly mortified at sharing such detail about his mother, and Jin seemed to catch on to his reservation to speak. So they just walked in silence holding hands. 

Suddenly they found themselves at the front of the building where Jin and her family lived. Jin turned and faced him, and removed her hand from his. Zuko was struck by a small loss of comfort and tried not to show it on his face. Only for Jin to lean forward and place a quick kiss on his lips. 

Just like the last time, Zuko felt energized by the kiss. He instantly felt bad for not really participating in it. Quickly he glanced to his left, saw that there was nothing in the way, and threw the blanket onto the ground. Now with both hands free, he tried not to be awkward and placed one on each of her shoulders. Her eyes brightened, and her face showed some amusement, and then Zuko leaned forward and kissed Jin. 

She tilted her head slightly to the side and reciprocated the kiss. Zuko closed his eyes and everything felt amazing. The world felt right in that moment. Jin wrapped her arms around Zuko's torso pulling him in close to her. And Zuko wanted the kiss to last forever. 

However, the need for air caused the two to separate their lips, but not their bodies. Zuko and Jin both took quick, fast breaths, while staring into each other's eyes. Zuko saw care, compassion, and a mischievous twinkle in Jin's green eyes. He also noticed she smelled slightly sweet, with a hint of freshly baked bread straight out of an oven. Without even thinking, he sniffed the air very close to her. 

The chuckle and surprised/amused expression on Jin's face told him he had messed up. "Sorry!" he blurted out, "I just. Uh." His face heated up and Zuko knew that he was blushing. Jin dropped her gaze from his face and winced slightly as she told him, "Sorry I had to work this morning and I didn't have time to . . ." She trailed off with a slightly pained smile. 

"You smell good," Zuko said again without thinking. Agni above what was wrong with him he screamed internally. "Sweet!" he clarified quickly, "you smell sweet." Oh spirits he was really bad at this. Jin just smiled, a genuine happy smile and then she rested her head on his shoulder once again slightly pulling into him with her arms. 

How could hugging another person feel so exhilarating, Zuko asked himself. 

Then Jin sniffed him. Which was only fair Zuko figured. But try as he might, Zuko could not recall anyone smelling their partner in any of the plays he had ever read, even the romantic plays. So he was quite surprised to hear Jin whisper softly, "Mhmm, you smell like many tea blends and woodsmoke. I like it." All he could think to do in response was chuckle softly and return the embrace. 

She kissed him a final time before stepping back out of their embrace with a quiet but heartwarming, "Goodnight Lee." Hoarsely Zuko replied, "Goodnight JIn." He watched her retrieve the basket and then start ascending the stairs into the building, before turning to walk home himself. 

He nearly skipped the entire way back. 

---- 

The next few weeks passed by without Zuko really noticing it. He was busy at the tea shop and spent every free moment he had either with Jin, or planning for the next date with Jin. Together they had gone and seen three more plays, each accompanied by Zuko's follow up commentary, though he now included tea for Jin during that. They had also visited a local Zoo, which was actually a very depressing place and one of their worst dates as they both felt bad for the helpless animals. Jin had shown Zuko where a small but much loved library was located. There was not a lot of selection, but Zuko enjoyed getting the chance to read again. Fondly he recalled memories of being young reading in his bed before his mother came to tuck him into sleep. 

Zuko was happy, for the first time in a long time and Uncle must have noticed, because he commented on Zuko's bright mood. Zuko did not really know how to respond to Uncle, but it was true, he was happy. 

So of course, that was right when everything changed. 

The tea shop was busy. That was the new normal. When Zuko had started, Pao's had busier times, around the lunch rush and when most people finished work for the day, but now with Iroh's tea brewing mastery, the shop was busy pretty much from open to close. Often with Zuko having to herd the final customers out at night so they could close the shop. Iroh of course, was no help in this regard, and seemed to nearly want to spend all of his time brewing tea, even late into the evening. 

It was late afternoon, and Zuko was carrying another round of drinks when he saw a well dressed man wave him over. Zuko delivered the steaming cups and then went to the man's table. The man and his companion just wanted their bill, and to personally congratulate the tea maker. Zuko suppressed his groan, everyone wanted to express their gratitude to Iroh.

Nevertheless he went to the back where Iroh was busy brewing and informed him that two customers at table 8 wanted to speak to him. 

Zuko went back to his duties, pausing only to quickly check for Jin, she usually stopped by around this time. In-between cleaning up from the morning's baking and before she went and purchased ingredients for the next day. She was not in the shop yet, however Zuko still made eye contact with one of the new tea servers Pao had hired due to the shop's busier nature. The middle aged woman, named Keiko, just nodded back at Zuko in affirmation. She and Zuko had been working together long enough now that Keiko knew Zuko took his breaks when Jin came to the shop. 

Pao's indignant shout drew Zuko's attention. The two men from the table were standing across from Iroh while Pao rushed over behind Zuko's uncle. The chatter in the tea shop died down as Zuko took stock of the situation. The men did not appear threatening, no visible weapons, they were not in combative stances, in fact the men stood easily, one even crossed his arms and chuckled at Pao. "No! You can't poach my tea maker!" shrieked Pao. 

Zuko calmed himself down realizing that there was no fight breaking out, and then returned to his tasks. Only paying brief attention to the ongoing conversation. 

When Zuko had filled his tray with empty cups and headed back to the kitchen he had to pass by the group of men. It was then Iroh addressed him directly, "Great news nephew! These men want to give me my own tea shop!" Zuko froze momentarily. Uncle's dream was obviously to have his own tea shop. But Zuko, well it was fine for now, but he knew he wanted more out of life. What exactly he didn't know, but he wanted more than to just serve tea for the rest of his life. 

One of the men's voices broke him out of his thoughts, "Your Uncle's and your lives are about to change for the better." The man stated with a self satisfied smile. Zuko didn't respond, he just drew in a deep breath and started walking again towards the kitchen. New tea shop or not he still had a shift to finish.

 
---- 

On the walk back to the apartment Uncle filled Zuko in on the details of the new tea shop. Zuko listened and just hummed in affirmation to Iroh's excited rambling. Then the one detail hit Zuko hard enough that it felt like it took his breath away. 
The new shop was going to be located in the Upper Ring. 

They were going to be relocated to a new apartment in the Upper Ring as well. 

Zuko stopped walking as the full realization hit him. He was leaving. And he was leaving Jin behind. Travel through the rings of Ba Sing Se was possible for the rich and powerful, but not for poorer residents like Jin. 

Zuko did not want to leave Jin. He couldn't explain exactly why, but she was essential to his life now. 

Iroh finally noticed that Zuko was no longer beside him and was several steps ahead of where Zuko stood frozen in emotional turmoil. "Nephew," he called out softly, "what is the matter?" Zuko's mind was a reeling mix of emotions and it took a few moments before he could respond. When he did, all he was able to manage was a hoarse whisper, "Jin" was all he said without meeting Iroh's eyes. 

Iroh quickly embraced Zuko in a tight hug. "We shall figure something out nephew," the older firebender softly murmured into Zuko's good ear. Though it was reassuring for Zuko to have Iroh's support, he still felt hollow inside. And even a little bit guilty. Here he was not even supporting his Uncle as he was achieving one of his life's dreams. Even when Zuko was still chasing the Avatar, which felt like a lifetime ago, Iroh had mused about opening his own tea shop. And here now that it was happening, all that Zuko could do was dwell on his own problem. It made him feel like a bad family member. 

---- 

As Zuko and Iroh carried the last of their possessions out of their old apartment, there was a strong cool breeze, despite the sunny day. Zuko was still conflicted. He and Jin had talked about the big change, and she immediately promised to visit when the shop opened and to they both agreed to write to each other regularly. 

While this was a partial solution to the separation, Zuko still felt bad about having to move so far away from Jin. With multiple thoughts swirling in his head Zuko did not see the flyer on the wind until it struck him in the face. 

"Gahh!" he exclaimed in surprise. Iroh, who was walking beside him, stopped and turned to look at him. Zuko ripped the flyer from his face and scowled at the offending piece of paper. In his irritation, it took Zuko several seconds to make sense of the printed words in front of him. 

Missing Sky Bison, the poster announced, with what was clearly an image of the Avatar's flying beast. "The Avatar has lost his sky bison," Zuko quietly announced. Meanwhile, Zuko's mind started racing again, this time with completely new thoughts. If the Avatar was advertising his missing animal companion, the Avatar must be here in Ba Sing Se as well. 

Zuko was unsure what to do about this new information. On the one hand, Zuko was no longer trying to capture the Avatar. He was done trying to please his father by abducting a child, really how had he not realized earlier how young the airbender was? On the other hand, this could be a chance for Zuko to start to make things right for his past mistakes. 
Iroh just stood nearby patiently, watching Zuko pensively. 

Zuko huffed in derision, crumpling up the poster and tossing it aside. He hoped that this would make Iroh think he was over anything to do with the Avatar. "Come on Uncle," he said breaking the silence, "its still a lengthy trip to the new apartment." Iroh nodded silently and set off again with a small smile working its way onto his face. 

---- 

Zuko thought he had been stealthy. He thought he had been silent. However, SOMEHOW Iroh had known that Zuko was going to find the Avatar's sky bison and Iroh was now in the room with Zuko in his Blue Spirit disguise and the sky bison chained up at the far end. Well, this would actually speed things up, Zuko thought. 

He turned to face his Uncle and removed the mask after his Uncle mused about who could be the Blue Spirit. "Uncle," Zuko stated calmly, "I need you to pull the lever to the left of the door." 

Iroh didn't move. He just looked at Zuko with a concerned expression on his face. Finally he spoke, "and then what? Are you going to bring him to our apartment? Should I put on a pot of tea for him?" Iroh asked in a exasperated voice. 

Zuko tilted his head in confusion. Just what did Iroh think Zuko was doing? "Uhm no?" Zuko answered. Iroh did not look convinced and continued to look at Zuko with an almost hard expression. Zuko sighed and decided to explain his whole plan, all three parts of it. "I'm going to cut the chains from the cuffs because I don't think I will be able to get the cuffs off of him. Then you pull that lever which opens the roof to the outside so he can fly away. Then we make our escape." 

Iroh's look switched to one of confusion as he processed Zuko's plan. "You are letting him go?" Iroh asked hesitantly. Zuko sighed again, "Yes Uncle." He looked Iroh directly in the eyes and continued, "I am no longer after the Avatar. Setting his bison free is the first step on righting some of the mistakes of my past." 

Iroh's expression immediately softened and he almost looked like he was about to tear up while smiling at Zuko. However, Zuko didn't have time for feelings right now so he rushed over to the bison, while speaking in softly in a low voice to calm the large furry creature. Once he was confident that the bison was at least tolerating his presence, Zuko quietly unsheathed his swords and then with a few well placed strikes cut the chains from the cuffs on the bison's legs. 

Iroh activated the lever and with a low rumble a rectangular opening appeared above them and daylight streamed into the room. The sky bison made a rumbling noise that sounded like a happy sound to Zuko. The gigantic creature then approached Zuko and licked him. "Ughh!" Zuko exclaimed in disgust. The bison made another deep rumbling noise, which Zuko guessed was maybe his way of saying thank you? 

But time was of the essence if they were all going to get away safely. So Zuko awkwardly reached out and patted the bison on the head. The white fur was surprisingly soft to the touch. Remembering the whole reason he was there, Zuko tried to talk to the creature. "You have to go now. It is not safe here." Zuko removed his hand and pointed at the opening in the roof. "Go. Find the Avatar." 

Zuko then turned and walked back towards the door where Uncle stood. Another rumble from the bison caused Zuko to look back once again. The bison was still on the ground, looking at him expectantly. Zuko instantly worried that with the extra weight of the cuffs around his legs the bison might be too heavy to take off. Therefore Zuko tried motioning with both hands while talking, "Go! Fly away. Find the Avatar." Zuko pleaded with the giant creature. 

The bison finally got the message and with a final rumble, swung its tail and then rose gracefully from the ground and out through the roof. Zuko let out a deep sigh of relief, and was suddenly joined by Iroh who placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You did the right thing nephew." Iroh stated with pride in his voice. 

With that, the two turned to leave the underground complex. Iroh once again surprising Zuko with his agility. However just as the two were making their way out of the complex, Zuko felt something prick his neck. Not painfully, but more like an annoying bug bite. Still running, Zuko felt his neck with his hand and discovered that there was a small dart in his neck. He pulled it out without any difficulty and clenched it in his fist continuing to run. 

It was only when the two arrived back at their apartment, having taken a winding and lengthy route to throw off any pursuers, that Zuko looked at the dart in his hand. As the adrenaline was wearing off and the exhaustion was catching up to Zuko, Iroh noticed Zuko staring at this hand. "What is it nephew?" he asked full of concern. 

"Some kind of dart pricked me," Zuko answered. Only to have his exhaustion fully catch up with him and darkness overtook him. Iroh's heart nearly stopped when Zuko collapsed on the floor.