Avatar: Things Are Not The Same As It Once Was || Book 1: The World In Flames

The Fire Nation port

"A ship in port is safe; 

but that is not what ships are built for. 

Sail out to sea and do things."

- Grace Hopper

🌊⛰🔥🌪

Iroh's POV
Ever since this morning, both Zuko and (Y/N) were avoiding each other. Well, until I asked for both of them to see me now. "I had enough with what you both are doing. I want to know why you both won't go near each other, and no lying." I said with a stern voice, but I made sure it was nice enough for (y/n). Zuko sighed and looked at her with regretful eyes, (y/n) looked at Zuko with no emotion.

"Okay, I will need to hear both sides of the story and see what we can do." I sighed, "Can I please hear yours first, (y/n)?" She looked at me and began telling me her side of the story. I listened to her as I combed my beard, I looked at my nephew and saw that he started to blush of the embarrassment, "Now, can I hear your side, Prince Zuko?"

He sighed then told me his side of the story when he was finished, I looked between the two and saw sparks in their eyes, it was like their eyes were the same, and I knew full well what this would mean. "Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. I'm just glad it was sooner than later." I said with a grin.

They looked at each other then to me in surprise. I just waved them off, "Those kinds of misunderstandings are quite common. Now, I believe we are going to be on the Fire Navy port soon." Zuko stood and left, before he left he turned to (y/n), "I think it would be best if you should stay by me today." She nodded and they  left, leaving me all alone. I sighed 'I bet it will take a month for them.'  I thought with a smile imagining what might possibly happen in the future.

~~~
T

hird person POV
At the harbour, where several Fire Nation ships are lined up next to each other. A smaller ship is docked between all the other army ships. The smaller ship's walkway was down and revealing three small figures exiting it in silence.

Once they stepped onto solid ground, Zuko broke their short silence, "Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail." Iroh looked off into the distance with a disinterest in his voice, "You mean the avatar?" Zuko turned sharply around to face Iroh, "Don't mention his name on these docks! Once word gets out that he's alive, every firebender will be out looking for him, and maybe take (y/n) to use her as bait. I don't want anyone getting in the way!" He shouted in a hushed voice.

As he was speaking, a figure with sideburns on his face and in Fire Nation uniform, appeared behind the two. "Get in the way of what, Prince Zuko?" The strange man walks over to the trio with his hands held behind his back. Zuko awaits him with his arms crossed with contempt, while Iroh stares at him and (y/n) looking at him with confusion and curiosity, 'He kind of looks like a monkey.' (Y/N) thought when she saw the man.

"Captain Zhao." In his tone, showed her how much Zuko disliked the man, which made her not trust him with any information. Zhao smirks towards the prince, "It's commander now." He turns to Iroh and bows in respect to him, "And general Iroh. Great hero of our nation." To which returns a bow towards the commander, "Retired general." Zhao turns his attention to the third figure, "And who might you be, miss?" Zuko and Iroh tried to think of a good cover story, but (y/n) beat them both to it. "My name is Akiko. It is an honour to meet you." She said as she bowed to the man.

He turned his back to the prince and general, who both looked slightly surprised, "The Fire Lord's brother and son and their allies are welcome guests anytime. What brings you to my harbor?" Iroh gestures to the severely damaged ship they exited off, "Our ship is being repaired." Zhao looked up at it and marveled at it.