Two Journeys, Different Paths

-Zuko's Point of View-

I climbed my way up the ship's deck. Good thing I was able to hold on to the ship's anchor. When I was almost up, I saw my uncle and he helped me.

"SHOOT THEM DOWN!" I yelled and then my uncle and I, together, created a big fireball and aimed it right at the flying bison.

But the Avatar was quick to move; he deflected the fireball and it went to the glacier beside us. It created a big snow avalanche that covered my ship's deck.

After all that had happened, I was beaten down to the ground, with my head down.

"Good news for the Fire Lord, the Fire Nation's greatest threat, is just a little kid," my uncle said.

I stood up then I looked at him.

"That kid, uncle, just did this," I said as I pointed out to the pile of snow that almost covered half of the ship. "I won't underestimate him again,"

I looked at my crew and then I shouted, "DIG THE SHIP OUT AND FOLLOW THEM!" but then I saw that only three of my crew were available and they were melting the other three that were frozen.

"As soon as you're done with that,"

I noticed that the sun was about to set.

"We're not going to get out of this tonight," I mumbled to myself and then I started walking towards my quarters.

I lay down on the bed and went to sleep.

Don't worry Zuko, tomorrow is another chance. We'll have our ship repaired first thing in the morning. We'll catch up with the Avatar soon.

He couldn't have gone far. Anyone who was gone for a long time will surely want to go back home...

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-Maya's Point of View-

"Guys, the sun is setting and I think Appa is also tired. Why don't we set up camp for the meantime and we'll just continue flying first thing in the morning?" I proposed to everyone.

"Finally, someone said it! Thank you, Maya!" Sokka shouted and then he grabbed my face and kissed me on the cheeks.

My eyes grew wide for a moment and I was frozen in my place. I then slowly pushed Sokka away while wiping the cheek that he kissed.

"Okay... that was unnecessary..." I said.

"So how about it Aang?" I asked with a big smile on my face.

"I think it's a great idea. Don't you think Aang?" Katara replied. My smile suddenly faded and I moved back a little.

"You're not Aang..." I whispered to myself.

"Yeah, sure! Appa let's head down there near the lake! I think that would be the best place to take a good night's sleep," Aang said and then he led Appa.

We safely landed beside the lake and as soon as we reached the ground, Sokka jumped off the saddle, and then he kissed the land.

"Oh, sweet land! I missed ya!" he yelled.

It's the first time I ever get to see dry land. I have been used to the ice grounds at the south pole that seeing this green landscape took my breath away. It's beautiful.

"We've been in the air for only hours and you missed the land already?" Katara said. As she slides down on Appa.

"I am not a fan of air traveling! My navigation works best on waters," Sokka argued.

"Oh... So that's why our canoe crashed. Great navigation!" Katara teased.

"Hey! I was in a state of panic at that time!" Sokka yelled.

"Okay! Guys! Why don't we drop that conversation and just fix ourselves some fire and some beds to lay on?" I said as I stood in between Sokka and Katara.

These two have always been like this. Am I gonna have to babysit them the entire trip? Give me a break.

"I'll work on the fire!" Aang shouted and then he placed the sticks on the ground and started rubbing stones to create fire.

"And I'll set up our beds," I said, and then I went to grab our stuff on Appa's saddle. When I got everything, I started walking to where Aang was. He's trying to light up a campfire.

"I'll help you with that," Sokka said and he grabbed the other camping beds I was carrying.

"I'll go prepare our dinner," Katara said.

Sokka and I placed the beds on the ground and just right after that, Aang was able to start the fire.

When everyone was done doing their part of the work, we all sat down in a big circle, had a little chat while eating, and when everyone was tired, they all slept.

But I stayed awake. I couldn't sleep. I kept staring at the campfire, thinking about my mom and the Fire Nation.

My mom can't possibly be from the Fire Nation! She is too kind and not what you'd expect of a Fire Nation citizen.

I want to know more about Mom...

Then suddenly, I remembered the letters that were in the chest. I carefully stood up and went to Appa's saddle.

Appa suddenly opened its eyes and saw me crawling up his back.

"Shh... Go to sleep Appa," I said as I climbed up.

"Where are you going?"

"Aah!" I shouted as I fell to the ground. When I looked at who talked, it was Aang. He was on top of Appa's head. He's still awake?

"Ugh... I was just getting something..." I said as I scratch my head. I looked back at the siblings who were deeply asleep. Good thing they weren't awakened by my scream.

"You're not leaving us, are you?" Aang asked once more.

"What? Leaving? Where would I even go? I was just getting my stuff. There's something I need to read," I answered while sitting up.

Aang went down to the ground and then he helped me stand up.

"Thanks," I said.

"You won't be sleeping?" he asked.

"Maybe later. How about you? Aren't you supposed to be asleep hours ago?"

He walked towards the campfire and sat in front of it.

"I don't know, I guess I'm just too excited to go home. I've been away for a hundred years!" he answered.

I sat beside him and then I asked, "You miss them don't you?"

"Yeah, I miss everyone. My friends would be old right now! Can't wait to see the look on their faces when they see me," he said with a little giggle.

I giggled too but my smile slowly faded as I remembered what the Fire Nation had done a hundred years ago.

"Aang..." I called. "The Fire Nation started a war a hundred years ago... A lot of things can happen in a hundred years..."

"And?" Aang asked. I let out a sigh and then I continued.

"And... things might not be the same as you remembered them. I want you to be prepared for everything that you will see. We are going to travel around the world and you will see things, you will hear things... I want you to be prepared for all of that," I explained.

He looked at me with a smile on his face.

"Don't worry! I am ready! Besides, I have Katara, Sokka, and you by my side, nothing will be able to go against the Avatar and his crew!" he replied.

I looked at him and then I gave him a smile.

"I believe in you Aang, and no matter what happens, I will always be there if ever you need help," I said.

We looked into each other's eyes for a few seconds until I looked away. This is weird. I'm really feeling something weird.

"Alright, that's enough for today. The Avatar needs his rest. Go to sleep now Aang," I said as I stood up.

"Are you sleeping too?" he asked.

"I guess I will be, you stopped me from doing what I was supposed to do so, I'll just go ahead and rest," I answered.

"Okay! Well, good night then!" he said and then he laid down on Appa's head. I went back to my sleeping bag and laid down as well. I guess I won't be reading the letters for now. I'll try again tomorrow when everyone's asleep.

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-Zuko's Point of View-

I am currently here in my room, meditating on the events that occurred yesterday.

So he is alive, the Avatar, but how come he's not a hundred years older? And it appears to me that he doesn't know how to bend the other elements except for Air and Water.

This makes things so easy! Yet still, I won't underestimate him again when I get to meet him. I need to get the Avatar, I need to get my honor back.

I was trying to concentrate more on my meditation but then I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in," I said.

One of my crew opened the door and went inside.

"Prince Zuko, we're all set. We've dug out most of the ice, although there's still a little bit left on the deck. It just needs more melting, but we can set sail now. The ship's not immobilized anymore," he explained.

"Well about time you dug the ship out," I said still not looking at him. "Set a course to the nearest repair dock. We need to get our ship in good shape," I continued as I open my eyes.

"But Prince Zuko..." the crew hesitated. I turned around to look at him.

"What? Wasn't what I said clear? Set a course to the nearest repair dock! I won't repeat it again. Now, go!" I shouted.

"Prince Zuko, the nearest repair dock is at the south harbor of the Fire Nation colony in the Earth Kingdom," he continued.

"So what? What about it?" I asked once more.

"That is Captain Zhao's harbor," he answered.

I paused for a few seconds before I could reply.

"It doesn't matter. Set a course to that harbor. The most important thing here is that we get the ship fixed and continue our search for the Avatar," I said and I looked away.

"Yes, your highness. As you command," he said and then he closed the door.

I went back to my meditating and tried focusing on it when I heard a knock again.

I let out a loud grunt and then I turned around.

"I told you! It doesn't matter! We are heading towards that dock, whether Zhao is there or not!" I yelled.

"I am not opposed to the idea."

It was my uncle. He had already opened the door. I turned my back on him and then I closed my eyes, trying to resume my meditation.

"What do you want?" I asked.

"Zuko, I know you are disappointed about the Avatar's escape," he said.

"If you are here to talk about what I feel then just leave. I am not in the mood to speak."

He went quiet for a moment and then he let out a sigh.

"Alright, I'll give you your space. But just so you know, our crew is composed of people as well, people like us. They did all that they could to get the ship out of the snow. At least show some gratitude," he said and then he closed the door.

I don't care about their well-being. They work for me and they will follow me. Being too kind-hearted will make them slack off on the job. Sometimes an iron fist is needed to make people follow your command.

I am not like you, uncle. I am my own.

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-Maya's Point of View-

Ah, the beautiful sunrise! This is my first time being able to see it like this. It's amazing!

I stretched out my arm as I gaze at the beautiful view.

Who would have ever thought that I'd be able to get out of that ice land? I've always thought I'd grow old in there and die there without ever being able to see other things besides snow and ice.

I like this... this warmth from the sun... It's very refreshing. It's as if it's giving me powers.

"Enjoying the sun so much?" Katara said as she carried our stuff to Appa's saddle.

"Oh! Sorry! I got carried away by my thoughts. Let me help you with that!" I said as I walked towards her and carried the other stuff to Appa's saddle.

"What were you thinking about for you to be carried away like that?" she asked while fixing her's and Sokka's stuff.

"Oh, it's just... It's the sun... There's something about the sun that made me feel at ease. It feels refreshing getting yourself soaked with sunlight... You should try it sometime!" I said filled with energy, then I continued fixing my stuff.

"Well I also enjoy the sunlight, but I'm more of a moon person especially when it's full. It's as if I am getting immense powers from it," Katara replied.

"Woah! The same feeling that I get from the sun!" I exclaimed. "I think it's the Fire Nation blood in me that is liking the sun this much. I don't hate the moon though, it's just that, sunlight hits differently than the moonlight," I continued.

Katara suddenly stopped packing and then she looked at me.

"Maya... About you being from the fire nation and all... You wouldn't suddenly turn crazy and start hurting Aang or us, wouldn't you?" she asked with a concerned face.

"What? No! Why would you think of that?" I asked her back.

"Well, you know... What if you suddenly had a change of heart when you get to know about your mother's past?" she asked again.

I let out a faint sigh and answered, "Look... I'm just as angry as you are with the Fire Nation. They killed my mother in front of me! And besides, whoever my father was, even if I get to meet him, he is still a big jerk for wanting me and my mom gone,"

I knelt down and then I grabbed her shoulders.

"I'll never turn my back on you, Sokka, and Aang! I have been living with you for years! You are like a real cousin to me, sister even! And Aang is the world's only hope— our hope," I continued.

"If I ever suddenly started attacking all of you, then I would've needed to undergo deep brainwashing, for me to be convinced that I need to kill my sister, brother, and the Avatar," I said and then I laughed.

"Don't worry Katara. I'll always be on the good side," I said and I patted her shoulders while standing up. "Finish up preparing there. I'll go wake up Sokka," I said and then I jumped off the saddle.

"Good morning Maya!" Aang greeted from on top of Appa's head. He was tightening the ropes tied to Appa's horns.

"Morning Aang!" I said and waved back while still walking towards the sleeping Sokka.

"And good morning to you!" I greeted Sokka as I stopped in front of him. "Wake up Sokka! It's time to fly!" I yelled.

He didn't reply and just let out a loud grunting noise.

"Yeah, Sokka! Wake up! We're going to the Southern Air Temple!" Aang shouted. "Wait 'til you see it Katara! The Air Temple is one of the most beautiful places in the world," Aang said to Katara as he tightens the rope.

"Heard that Sokka? We're visiting one of the world's most beautiful places. Now get your lazy ass up," I said and I gave Sokka a faint kick.

He didn't reply again. He gave me an annoyed look and then he turned to his other side.

"Aang, I know you're excited but, it's been a hundred years since you've been home," I heard Katara say and I saw her with a worried look.

"That's why I'm so excited!" Aang replied with an energetic tone.

"It's just that... a lot can change in all that time..." Katara continued. I walked closer to Appa and stood beside him.

"I know, but I need to see it for myself," Aang said and he jumped off of Appa's head.

I climbed up on Appa's saddle again and I looked at Katara. She was still looking at Aang with a concerned look.

"I already talked with him about that last night Katara. You don't have to worry that much. He can handle it. Have some little faith in the Avatar," I said with a smile on my face.

"Even if he's the Avatar, Maya, he's still just a little kid," Katara argued.

"Don't underestimate this little kid Katara... He'll be fine. Trust me," I replied.

Aang walked towards the snoring Sokka and then he shouted, "Wake up Sokka! Air Temple, here we come!"

"Sleep now, temple later," Sokka said and then he slept again.

Aang then grabbed a stick from the ground.

"Sokka! Wake up! There's a prickled snake in your sleeping bag!" he said as he poked the stick on Sokka's sleeping bag and slid it from the bottom to the top.

Sokka suddenly went up and started jumping up and down while still inside his sleeping bag.

"AH! GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF! AHH!" he shouted and then he fell to the ground face-first. Katara and I laughed from up on the saddle.

"Great! You're awake!" Aang cheerfully shouted.

"Good morning Sokka. Haha!" Katara said while still laughing.

"Hurry up now big guy! Let's go!" I shouted.

Sokka then started getting out of his sleeping bag, folded it, and then he climbed up on Appa's saddle. But he was mumbling to himself all the while he was doing that. He is definitely pissed.

"Alright, guys! We're taking off! Appa, yip yip!" Aang shouted and then Appa went flying to the sky.

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-Zuko's Point of View-

We arrived at Zhao's Harbor and we anchored the ship in between the other navy ships larger than us.

On the way down the pathway and towards the dock, I was talking to my uncle who was just behind me.

"Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail," I said as I walk.

"You mean the Avatar?" he suddenly said. I stopped at my track and turned back to him.

"Don't mention his name on these docks! Once word gets out that he's alive, every firebender will be out looking for him. I don't want anyone getting in the way," I warned him.

"Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?" a man said from behind me and he started walking towards us.

"Captain Zhao..."

"It's commander now. And General Iroh; great hero of our nation," Zhao said and he bowed down in front of my uncle.

"Retired General," Uncle replied and nodded his head.

"The Fire Lord's brother and son are welcomed guests anytime. What brings you to my harbor?" he asked.

"Our ship is being repaired," my uncle answered as he pointed toward my small ship.

Zhao looked at it and then he looked back at us.

"That's quite a bit of damage,"

"Yes. You wouldn't believe what happened," I said.

Okay, I didn't plan it this far. I have no idea what alibi I should say. Okay calm down, you have your uncle with you Zuko, use him.

"Uncle! Tell commander Zhao what happened."

Uncle's eyes grew wide.

"Yes, I will do that," He said then he placed his hand on his beard.

"It was incredible!" he exclaimed, and then he whispered to me. "What? did we crash or something?"

Ugh! I was relying on you to come up with an alibi! Why are you asking me?!

"Yes! Right into an earth kingdom ship," I answered without even thinking. Darn it uncle!

"Really? You must regale me with all the thrilling details," Zhao said with a smirk. He then moved his head closer to mine and asked, "Join me for a drink?"

I moved away from him and I replied, "Sorry, but we have to go." And then I started walking away from them.

"Prince Zuko." My uncle grabbed my shoulder, making me stop. "Show commander Zhao your respect."

He lets me go and then he faced Zhao.

"We would be honored to join you," Uncle said. "Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favorite," he added and then they both started walking towards Zhao's tent.

I let out a loud grunt and then I released fire from my fist as I swing it down.

I don't have time for this! We will lose the Avatar's trail if we let Zhao keep us staying longer in this place! That good-for-nothing commander is irritating! I never really liked him ever since!