For the Want of the Sun • Zuko

chapter six: A Series of Unfortunate Events

"Zuko. Are you stupid?"

"No!"

"Yeah, I think you are! This is crazy!"

"It's what I have to do, Y/n. They're going to Roku's island!"

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

"I have no choice, Uncle."

Iroh speaks angrily. "Have you completely forgotten that the Firelord banished you? What if you're caught?"

I step beside Iroh, nodding aggressively in agreement. "Yeah, Zuko, I don't think banished means that you can just pop in and say hello-"

Zuko peels away from the telescope that he's been peering through, pointed to the ocean's horizon. "I'm chasing the Avatar! My father will understand why I'm returning home!"

"You give my brother too much credit. He is not the understanding type."

Zuko rolls his eyes, placing his head back in front of the telescope. "There they are!" He shouts, pointing to the crescent-shaped island ahead of us. "Helmsmen! Full steam ahead!"

I look exasperatedly to Iroh, who just shakes his head. There is frustration gleaming in his eyes, and worry. I feel it building in me, too.

"Zuko," I try. "If you get caught, it'll be really bad. Can't we just wait until they leave the island?"

"No! This is my chance to get him!"

"But what if you-"

"I don't care, Y/n. I'll be fine! Captain! Full speed!"

In front of us, a catapult is loaded with a sizzling projectile. It's flung outwards toward the Avatar, who's platypus is flying seamlessly through the air. Barely missing them, it crashes into the ocean below. Smoke rises from the sip, and a rancid stench fills the air.

Iroh waves his hand in front of his face. "Really, Prince Zuko. Couldn't you shoot them down with something more fragrant?"

Zuko walks over to the catapult, summoning fire to his fingers with practiced aggression. He brings his hand to the ball, lighting it with a punch. "On my mark! Fire!" The ball is thrown into the water, blown away from the group in the sky.

I follow its path downwards, and my gaze falls on something else. I run up to the ship's side, leaning over the edge to get a closer look. My eyes widen. "Um, Zuko? I think we have a problem."

He walks up next to me, looking out at the sea. His eyes narrow, and then harden into worry. "A blockade."

In front of us are several ships, each dark metal and decorated by red flags. They line the outskirts of the island and churn up the sea, looming over us like a wall.

"Technically we're still in the Earth Kingdom, right? If we turn back they can't arrest you!"

Zuko spares me a glance, but directs his eyes back to the Avatar's bear. It turns in a circle, hovering, and then speeds forwards to the island. Zuko growls. "They're not turning around!"

Iroh rushes forward. "Please, Prince Zuko! If the Fire Nation captures you there's nothing I can do! Do not follow the Avatar."

Zuko looks at Iroh, and then to the Avatar. He clenches his fists. "I'm sorry, Uncle. Helmsmen, run the blockade!"

I shake my head with wide eyes. "Zuko, no! This is stupid, we can get the Avatar somewhere else-"

"Stay out of it, Y/n!" He yells, and I step back. His eyes are alight with anger and malice, and sparks flicker at his fingertips. I step back quickly, startled. He turns away from me again. Then his eyes widen, and he pushes me down. "Look out!"