It's been three weeks since we set sail from the Northern Water Tribe. Three weeks drifting on a makeshift raft. Our only food was fish, a food of which I do not want to see for the rest of my life. I've managed to avoid the question of where I come from this long, but I don't think the silence will last much longer.

I can see that Zuko is near a boiling point. He's constantly glaring at me, trying to figure me out. He's already asked me a couple of times when Iroh slept, but I couldn't bring myself to explain it to him.

"Why won't you answer the question!" He asked in anger. He was sick and tired of me avoiding it, but I simply couldn't do it.

"Because you won't believe me!" I all, but shouted back. We had to keep our voices down, to keep from waking the currently sleeping Iroh.

"How do you know I won't believe you, if you won't answer me!" I could tell that it was taking all of his self-control to keep from yelling.

"I just do. You have to at least try to trust me on this." He sighed, deciding that I was too stubborn to ever give in.

I've grown quite close to Iroh. He's just as lovable as he was on the show. I remember one time, I had tried to convince mom that he was my uncle.

"Why do you like this Iroh character so much?" She asked, a smile playing on her lips.

"He's just so funny and level-headed. A trait that's brought out even more when he's with Zuko. Not to mention, he's the kookiest wise person on the planet." I laughed at the thought of how oxymoronic that sounded.

"You know with how much you talk about the bad guys, you'd think you loved them more than you love me." She teased.

"Well, it's only to be expected; they're family." I laughed. She rose an eyebrow.

"Right. Because fictional characters are actually your family. What am I, an onion?" I smiled mischievously.

"No... I'd say your more chopped liver." She fake frowned, with a disgusted look.

"Well, it's good to know I'm loved." She muttered playfully.

"Yep. You know it!" I hugged her, and went back to making the sandwich that I was working on while talking to her about my favorite cartoon.

Home... I hadn't realized until now, how much I missed mom. While in that frozen cell, I stayed away from the thought of home, afraid to cry. I wasn't going to get the sympathy of the guards, and I didn't want it. If pity was going to be the only reason they were nice to me, then I don't want it.

I was ripped from my thoughts when a hand was placed on my shoulder. I turned to see Iroh smiling kindly at me, but I could still see the concern in his features clearly.

"Are you alright, Eden?" He asked.

I nodded. "I'm fine, Iroh. I'm just thinking. Why do you ask?" I smiled at him.

"You're crying." He observed.

I placed a hand on my cheek, and noticed that it was slightly wet. "Oh, it's nothing. Sorry, for worrying you."

He shook his head and sat down next to me. "You've been getting more and more distant since we first met. I know that I've only known you for these past three weeks, but my first impression of you was that you were unbreakable. You seemed so strong willed and capable of bouncing back from anything. It must be something devastating for you to be this way.

"At first, you were so willing to talk to me, but now it seems like you've become detached. Not in a good way." He looked so concerned for me, as he now gazed out to the sea, but he barely knew me.

"Why?" He gave me a questioning glance. "Why do you care if I'm alright or not? I'm nothing, but a stranger to you. You don't know-" He raised a hand to halt my speaking.

"You are no stranger to me. I have spent three weeks with you. Even if I were to consider you a stranger, I don't think that would make me care for you any less. I have learned that it is good to care for everyone, not just those you love."

I nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, Iroh. Your words mean a lot to me. They really do." I turned and hugged him. A hug in which he returned.

When he pulled back from the fatherly gesture, he spoke up again. "One thing I would like to know is, what were you thinking about. You have yet to tell us where you are from, nor why you were in the North Pole."

"Yes, where are you from?" The sudden voice from Zuko made me jump three feet into the air.

I sighed. "I guess I've withheld the information from the two of you long enough." Iroh shook his head.

"Your past is your own, you don't need to share it if you don't wish to."

I looked at him. "I had promised Prince Zuko that I would tell him when we got back to you three weeks ago. I have yet to fulfill that promise, and he's managed to wait this long, I shouldn't make him wait any further."

Zuko nodded. I could tell he was pleased to finally be getting the information he was promised. "I don't know where I'm from." I paused for a moment. What can I say? I like to mess with Zuko.

He was just about to shout, when I cut him off with a raised hand. "Let me explain. I was discovered on the doorstep of my home when I was about 2, or that's what mom always told me. I grew up knowing that I was adopted, but never cared about that. We were very close.

"The next part is what will be the most unbelievable, but please try to bear with me. I'm not from the Fire Nation, or any nation for that matter. I come from another world, entirely. Everything about where I come from is different than it is here.

"For starters, there's no bending, but there is martial arts which has the same stances depending on the bending. Northern Shaolin is like Firebending. Tai Chi is like waterbending. Buguazhang is like airbending and Hung Ga is like Earthbending. I'm no good at any of them, and there are many other styles, but those are the ones that relate to you.

"I know, Zuko, you have been wanting to know how I know something personal about you, like how calling you 'Zuzu', irritated you. The reason is that you are all characters in a story. Your lives, past and future, exist in a story. A very good story, might I add.

"I grew up knowing about Prince Zuko, General Iroh, Avatar Aang, Sokka, and Katara. Now, that I'm saying this out loud, it feels really awkward. The thing is, you guys were fictional. You were never real! But here I am, sitting here with the Banished Prince and his Uncle, explaining to them why I know so much, yet so little."

Iroh had the same look as Aang had when I first talked about it with them. Zuko simply laughed. It wasn't a humored laugh; it was more of a 'I should have known' kind of laugh.

"That makes sense." Iroh stated. I rose an eyebrow. "It does?"

"I have to agree with Uncle. It does make sense. After the extent of five minutes with you, it kind of became obvious that you weren't normal." I smiled.

"I'm plenty normal where I come from. It's all of you who are weird. No cars, no planes-" I wiped a fake tear from my eye. "No technology. I don't know how I'll live without my AC or videogames."

"See what I mean?" He smirked, knowing I just proved his point.

"Shush, human. That's not important." He glared in annoyance.

"Whatever." He sighed, figuring I wasn't worth his time. Smart move on his part; I'm as stubborn as a mule.

Iroh smiled. "I see land approaching. We can stop there, for now." I turned and saw a mass of land with a high mountain behind a harbor, covered in cherry blossom trees. It looked very peaceful.

When we landed, the first thing I did was jump out and stretch out on the ground. "Land! Solid land! Oh, how I missed you!" I exclaimed in joy.

Zuko rolled his eyes, as he stepped off of the makeshift raft. "What are you doing?"

"I'm expressing my gratitude for land. Although, I'm not entirely sure that you know what gratitude is. I'm thankful for it." I smirked. He just glared at me.

"I know what gratitude is!" He exclaimed in frustration. I rose an amused eyebrow, as I stood up.

"Really? I didn't think gratitude, or nice, for that matter, was in your vocabulary." I'm so mean, aren't I? We began walking toward the mountain.

"Whatever. It's not like normal is in yours." He snapped back. I shook my head in agreement.

"No, it isn't. Is it?" He went into his 'ignoring me' state, a state that he's managed to come pretty close to mastering in the span of three weeks with me. "Oh, come on, Zuko. Lighten up."

"You two sound like quarreling siblings." Iroh mused, causing me to shrug.

"I'm like that with everyone I know."

"You're an annoying little sister to everyone you know? I feel sorry for your friends... if you have any." I fake glared at him, trying to hold in a laugh.

"See what I mean? 'Nice' is not in your vocabulary."

He rolled his eyes, which caused me to lose control and burst out laughing. "Alright, alright. I'm done. For the most part."

We walked up the stairs carved into the side of the mountain by the harbour. The mountain covered the harbor, and I had feared we would need to climb it. Thankfully, these stairs were here. Which brings even better news: civilization!

No more fish! The moment I came to this conclusion, I began sprinting up the stairs, not being able to wait to taste something other than bland fish.

As I reached the top, I noticed a trail leading to a complex down a little ways. I turned to look back at the two guys still a little ways behind, and impatiently gestured for them to hurry up. "Come on, guys. There's civilization!"

The two of them continued to simply walk. I had a sly smirk on my face. "Oh, and Iroh? I think I can smell roast duck over there!" That's when I noticed Iroh speeding up, dragging his nephew behind. I can be evil when I'm impatient.

Once they made it to the top, I began sprinting to the complex. The thought of a proper bed, real food, and other humans, pulling me faster. As luck would have it, the complex was a motel of sorts. Kind of like a rest stop for travelers. This is my kind of day.

After waiting for the two slow people trailing behind, I walked in. Iroh did all of the talking. I'm not entirely sure what was said, because I was too busy thinking of possible luxuries available here, but Iroh got us a room for the night and they were willing to get us some clothes and massages tomorrow. Finally.

"Well, you lot. I'm going to grab some food and head to bed." I walked away. The complex wasn't too big, so I should be able to find it.

"Do you have any idea where you're going?" Zuko came up next to me, making me jump once again.

"What is it with you and scaring me like that?! I thought I was going to have a heart-attack!" I exclaimed. "I figured I could find my way around... eventually." Zuko rolled his eyes.

"Lucky for you, Uncle told me where to go. Follow me." He made a turn down a hall, then stopped at a door and opened it, revealing a dining hall. I nearly sprinted in towards the displayed food. I took a plate and began to put a bit of food on it. I was sure to not take too much.

I sat down at one the wooden tables with chairs made of the same material. I'll be honest, it wasn't the most comfortable chair, but it was better than sitting on the floor.

I saw Zuko take a seat on the other side of the table, with a plate of food as well. He took the pair of chopsticks from his plate and began to eat. I stared at mine. I picked the pair up and tried to eat. I'll admit that I've used them before, but it's still a challenging task.

The prince looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "Um... what are you doing?" I could tell he was trying hard not to laugh.

"I'm trying to use chopsticks, that's what." I nearly snapped as I attempted to pick up a piece of meat. I glared at the stubborn food.

"It would help if you held them properly." He showed me how he held them and began eating again. I copied his hand placement, and found it a bit easier to pick up the food. I blushed in embarrassment. "I knew that."

He shook his head. "Sure, you did."

"So, why do they help us? I mean we are in Earth Kingdom territory, but I mean it's pretty obvious that Iroh and I look like we're Fire Nation..." I changed the subject.

"This is a place for travellers to stay. Places like this don't care for politics, they just do their job. Which is to show hospitality to guests, no matter their origins." I nodded my head in understanding. "That's how they stay around during the war, as well." I concluded. "Fire Nation soldiers won't attack something they can use themselves." He nodded.

I finished my plate just then. "That was much better than fish." I stated. "I could actually taste flavor."

I began to walk away, Zuko not too far behind. "Are you going to bed?" He wondered. I shook my head. "I never got to do any exploring. I wonder if they have a shop here..."

I wandered for about five minutes before arriving at a small shop, containing basic things: clothes, hats, a bit of jewelry, and some other things. I walked in, heading straight for the hats. I always got hats as souvenirs wherever I went, and this can be the first time I buy something in this world. Granted, my hats were always snapbacks and ball caps, but these hats will do.

I picked up a simple oriental style hat, with nothing special about it. I showed it to Zuko. "Hey, look at this."

He gave it a strange look. "What's so special about that?"

"Nothing. That's why when I saw it, I thought of you. The two of you are equally bland." I smiled, while he huffed in frustration, and purchased it. It was thankfully cheap (Well, at least I think it was).

"Now, I'm going to bed." I let Zuko lead me to the room.

"There you go. I'm going to go make sure Uncle doesn't do anything stupid." With that, he walked back out, leaving me alone.

The room was a basic cherry blossom wood. There were three beds in three separate corners, separated by a small curtain, so it seemed like a separate room entirely. Each bed came with it's own nightstand and a small dresser. On the nightstand, I noticed was a quill and some parchment. Out of curiosity, I opened the drawer to one of the dressers and, to my surprise, I found robes. Light cherry blossom colored robes with darker red accents.

In the drawer beneath it were, normal Earth Kingdom clothes. I took off the costume, leaving me with normal clothes from my world. I forgot I was wearing it entirely. I was wearing a black T-shirt with the Avatar logo on it in white, and a pair of regular skinny jeans.

I had completely forgotten that I had more than the armor and costume on. I contemplated leaving the T-shirt and jeans on. With a sad sigh, I changed out of it and into the Earth Kingdom clothing.

I couldn't hold on to my world anymore. I don't think I'll make it back, ever. I was a new person now. A new person in a new world, I couldn't try to hold on to my old identity anymore. I laid the clothes neatly on my night stand, I would allow myself to look at them one more time in the morning.

I looked down at what I was wearing now. It was a light gray tunic separated into a slightly baggy long sleeve shirt and pair of slightly less baggy pants that ties off at the end, giving a skinny jean feel to them. All in all, it was very comfortable. I took my hair out of the female topknot and let my hair drift to my side. It was the fashion I preferred it in.

I lied down on the bed, pulling the sheet over me. I couldn't help, but wonder how I got here, why I'm here and most importantly, who I am in this world. My last thought being about what my mother would think if I never returned, before the embrace of sleep took over.

☆¤☆¤☆

I sat there on the couch of my old home, watching Avatar: The Last Airbender with my adoptive mom. We laughed and cried together as we watched the show.

But when the screen started to glow, I stood up and walked over the screen and touched it. "Mom, did you see-" I turned from the screen and saw that she was no longer there, instead Zuko, Iroh, Oazi, and Ursa sat there looking at me.

"Why doesn't she recognize me?" Zuko, looking about 10 without his scar, asked his mom.

"I don't know. She doesn't seem to recognize any of us." She gave me an incredulous look, before they all faded and crumpled.

The spitting image of myself walked up with a smirk on her face. "Well, if it isn't mother's favorite little girl." She snarled. I tilted my head. Her eyes lit with anger as a blue flame heated her hand. She began to lift it as if she were going to burn me.

Right then, she crumpled to the ground herself. Replaced by my adoptive mother, whom I ran up to. Right as I reached her and began to hug her, her entire form went translucent, and I went right through her. I cried in hurt as I heard her voice.

Instead of being comforting, as it always had, it sounded furious. "You left. You never loved me. The moment you had the opportunity to leave, you took it. You aren't my daughter. If you were, you would have cared that I would die of heartbreak when you left. I died. I no longer exist, and it's your fault!" Her translucent form, began to attack me. I dodged each attack, but just barely.

"Why don't you wake up? Wake up! Leave me here, alone. Like you did back in Florida? WAKE UP!"

☆¤☆¤☆

I snapped my eyes open and sat up gasping. The brightness of the morning sun, blinding me for a few seconds.

This dream had been haunting me ever since I set sail with the two Firebenders. Why won't it leave me alone? That is one question that I may never learn the answer to.

Once my surroundings came into focus, I saw a concerned Iroh looking at me. "Are you alright?"

I nodded my head, still in a daze. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. "Yeah, just a nightmare."

He smiled kindly. "Well, get ready for the day. They're offering massages!" He bounded out of the room in a happy manner.

I shook my head with a smile. Typical Iroh. I reached over to the nightstand, and out of habit tried to turn on the lamp. A lamp that wasn't there. I sighed and looked over at the nightstand, with my clothes on it. I contemplated just burning them, they would do no good, but just bringing sad memories.

I decided against it, figuring it would make good tinder when we were in the wilderness. I wrapped one of the robes from the dresser over my clothes and another around myself on top of what I was wearing. I put on the hat I bought and put a smile on my face. I wasn't going to let the nightmare bring me down. I grabbed the parchment and quill, perhaps I'll have a chance to do some drawing later on.

I put my hair into a topknot. I would wear it one more day, just for fun.

I walked down to where Iroh had bounded off to and saw him lying down getting his massage. Sitting down on the ground against a wall was Zuko. He looked extremely angry. Well, worse than usual. I sat by him, and placed the hat on his head, trying to lighten the mood.

To my surprise he made no movement to remove it, instead he just looked to the ground. That made me frown in confusion. Iroh had his own way of lightening the mood. "This is what I've been missing. Who knew floating on piece of driftwood for three weeks with no food or water and sea vultures waiting to pluck out your liver, could make one so tense." He sighed in contentment, before glancing over at Zuko who hadn't moved from looking at the ground.

He stood up and walked over in his robe, and sat down on the other side of Zuko. "Oh, I see. It's the anniversary, isn't it?" Those words struck a chord. I've seen this before, but I can't remember the details of what happened next. Why not?

"Three years ago, today. I was banished. I lost it all." He looked up from the ground, showing his frown. "I want it back. I want the Avatar. I want my honor, my throne." He looked at me. I'm almost certain that I'm reminding him of his prodigious sister, who his father loves more. "I want my father not to think I'm worthless." That only confirmed my suspicions. I placed a hand on his shoulders, trying to apologize for the bad memories.

"I'm sure he doesn't!" Iroh exclaimed, all too confident and happy. "Why would he banish you if he didn't care?" Zuko snapped his head to face him. His discontent clear on his face. He simply stood up and walked away.

I shook my head. "Ugh. That came out wrong, didn't it?" I rolled my eyes at him with a slight smile on my face. "Nope. That's why it angered him." I walked after Zuko. He looked aggravated to say the least.

"Hey, Zuko." He looked at me, his expression unwavering. "Give him a break. He's only trying to help. I bet it probably sounded better in his head." I smiled at him. He looked at me, still aggravated, but something else danced in his features, but I couldn't read it.

"You remind of someone I... knew." He stated, looking away. He sat down on the ground near a tree looking out at the river.

"Who, your sister? Just because I look like her doesn't mean I'm crazy." I retorted, crossing my arms. I walked over when I noticed him become more upset. "No, you remind me of my mother."

I didn't know what to say. I knew it must of been important for him to mention his mother. I knew he hated bringing up the topic. I placed a hand on his shoulder, as I sat down next to him. "I'm sorry. I know how much she means to you."

He looked back down. "Yeah. Being around you, it's like I'm near her again." I gave him a side hug. "You're like a sister that I can actually get along with." I shrugged.

"Anything for a friend." I responded. I looked at Zuko, who still seemed despondent. "Hey, why don't we do something to get your mind off of everything? I saw this really neat spot that I've been wanting to visit earlier. Why don't you come with me?" I stood up and walked out of the front of the building.

Zuko joined up with me by the time I reached the edge of the dock. I continued to walk with a seemingly aimless style until I reached the desired destination. It was a bit off the trail, but it looked out from the top of the mountain with a perfect view of the ocean, while still capturing plenty of the cherry blossom trees. It looked absolutely stunning at this time of day.

I took the parchment from out of my robe, and began to draw out the scenery. The quill worked much like a calligraphy pen, a pen that I had learned to use in my free time. Mom knew I loved to draw, so she thought a calligraphy set would be nice for me.

I looked at Zuko, then back to the scenery. "Hey, Zuko. Could you just sit right over there for me?" I pointed to a spot right underneath one of the cherry blossoms. He slowly trailed himself over to the desired spot and sat back down.

"No, no. That frown won't do my picture any good. I need at least a tiny smile." Somehow he managed to do it. "Perfect." I looked back down to my work, and continued.

The picture captured Zuko, with the hat on (I refused to let him take it off), sitting with one arm rested on a knee and the other leg stretched out, next to the cherry blossom, looking out at the ocean. The painting was set at sunset, and the breeze was just right to send the leaves down in a gentle manner.

After I had finished, a couple of hours later, I called him back over. He walked over and looked at the finished product. "Not bad." He nodded. He looked out into the setting sun. "We should head back, Uncle might be wondering where we are."

I nodded in agreement. "Alright." I looked back down at the finished product and folded it carefully. Placing it into my pocket, I followed Zuko.

After about five minutes of silence, Zuko spoke up. "Hey, Eden?" I hummed, offering him to continue. "Uh...Thanks... fo- for everything. It felt like mom was back, even if it was just for a little bit." I nodded and gave him a side hug.

We walked back into the room and saw Iroh looking at some shells. "What magnificent shells. I'll enjoy these keepsakes for years to come." Zuko's mood instantly went dour.

"We don't need anymore useless things!" I saw Iroh jump at his sudden exclaimation. He obviously didn't see us. "You forget we have to carry everything ourselves now."

"Hello, brother, uncle." The sudden voice made me jump and look to the voice's origin. I didn't like what I saw.

"What are you doing here?" By Zuko's reaction, I don't think he did either. Azula sat there on the chair by the window with one leg over the other. She was holding one of the seashells in her hand, examining it. I just want to know how she got there, unnoticed. The thought of her being that stealthy sent shivers down my spine.

"In my country, we exchange a pleasant 'hello' before asking questions." Azula stood up. "Have become uncivilized so soon, Zuzu?" I had to stifle a laugh. She may be evil, but that name was simply hilarious.

"Don't call me that!" Zuko yelled in frustration.

"Hello, Princess. Is there any way we can help you?" I asked. Oh, the look on her face was priceless. Apparently, she doesn't like the idea of someone looking so similar to her. I knew that she was on a mission, so she had to keep herself focused; I could wait. She looked back at her brother.

"Are you trying to replace me already, Zuzu?" Zuko glared his sister in agitation. She was smirking. She knew that she'd gotten under his skin.

"To what do we owe this pleasure?" Iroh spoke up. Azula sighed.

"Hm. It must be a family trait. Both of you, so quick to get to the point." She crushed the shell that was in her hands, letting the shattered pieces fall to the floor. She made my blood boil, but I didn't let it show.

"I come with a message from home." I rose an eyebrow, unsure of what to expect. "Father's changed his mind. Family is suddenly very important to him.

"Father has heard of plans to overthrow him. Treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust. Father regrets your banishment, he wants you home." When her brother said nothing, she became infuriated.

"Didn't you hear me? You should be happy, excited, grateful. I just gave you great news." Zuko had turned to look out the window. Doing my best to hold my tongue, I turned to him and put a hand on his shoulder. It had only been three weeks since we met, and we were already like siblings.

"I'm sure your brother just needs a moment to-" Iroh tried to reason.

"Don't interrupt, Uncle!" Azula burst. I began breathing deeply to keep my anger in check. I'm not one to get angry easily, but once you cross that line, my anger makes me want to snap necks. A fight that I'd lose to her.

Azula walked up to the other side of Zuko. "I still haven't heard my thank you. I'm not a messenger, you know. I didn't have to come all this way."

"Father regrets? He... wants me back?" Zuko was contemplating it, which couldn't be good.

"I can see you need time to take this in-" I cut her off. That sentence sent me over the edge.

"No kidding! That's what your uncle tried to tell you, Miss I-lie-to-my-brother. Your existence sickens me. You're rude, self-centered, and I'm not sure I'd want to go back with you, if I were him! You just need to shut your mouth and get out of here!" I glared at the person who called herself 'Princess' in disgust. Telling others they're uncivilized, when they act like a monster. I could just hurt her now.

"Such bold words for a peasant. I'd watch your tongue, if I were you. I could have you in jail for trying to impersonate royalty." I rolled my eyes.

"We're not in your country as of right now. You can't exactly do anything." She looked at me and smirked, as if to say 'Just wait'.

"I'll be back to call on you tomorrow. Good evening." With that she walked out of the room. I muttered a 'finally', and walked over to the chair to sit down.

☆¤☆¤☆

By nightfall, Zuko was packing up in excitement. "We're going home, after three long years. It's unbelievable." He sounded so happy, I'd hate to ruin it for him. I can't remember any of the details, but something didn't seem right. Wasn't he going to end up in the wilderness? Or was it Ba Sing Se?

Why can't I remember? Had I changed the outcome, somehow? What could I have done to let him go home or was he supposed to go home by now? "It is unbelievable. I have never known my brother to regret anything." Iroh spoke up, shaking me from my thoughts.

"Didn't you listen to Azula? Father realizes how important family is. He cares about me." Zuko seemed to defend that evil idiot without any hesitation, and it scared me.

"We care about you!" Iroh cut back. "And if Oazi wants you back, well, I think it may not be for the reasons you imagine."

Zuko turned and looked away. "You don't know how my father feels about me. You don't know anything." He tensed up. It almost looked like he wanted to convince himself. Like he knew that Iroh's words were true, but did want to admit it.

"Zuko, I'm only saying that, in our family, things are not always as they seem." Iroh was trying to reason with him, which was not going to work on the hot-headed prince.

"I think you're exactly what you seem: A lazy, mistrustful old man, who's always been jealous of his brother." I winced. Low-blow, mate. Low-blow. Zuko turned and walked out in a huff. Iroh looked down in sadness for his nephew.

He wasn't upset that he had called him that, but upset in the fact that Zuko was putting so much faith in something that would let him down. I had to respect Iroh for that. He cared more about his nephew's well-being than his own feelings.

I placed a hand on Iroh's shoulder. "I'll go talk to him."

With that, I followed Zuko, and saw him lying on his bed in frustration. "Hey, Zuko." I called.

He turned over in his bed to look at me. "What do you want, Eden?" I walked over and sat at the foot of his bed. He sat up to face me, eye-to-eye.

"I just wanted to say... I'm happy for you." He looked at me, a smile on his lips. "You're not going to try to stop me?"

"No. You've managed to keep yourself hoping to go back home. And now you are. I just hope I'm that lucky, eventually." He frowned a little.

"Before I say any more, there is one thing that I can't quite understand." He nodded for me to continue. "I understand this may be a personal question, but why? Why do you even want to go back? You said earlier that you didn't want your father to think of you as a failure. Why would want to go back to someone like that?... Sorry for the intrusion."

He sighed. "It's complicated."

"But the thing is, he wanted you to come back. This guy you call father, who hated you enough to burn you with no remorse, suddenly wants you back? I just want you to see it through untainted vision. What do you think it would look like if I wanted to go back to my abusive father, who cared nothing about me, just because he said he was sorry.

"I understand that you love him. An unconditional, Son-to-Father love. But for those of us who care, looking from the outside in. It doesn't look like anything could go right for you. We only want to protect you from that kind of hurt."

His gaze hardened. "You're as bad as Uncle. Neither of you really care. You want me stuck in this pathetic life of a peasant. You don't care if I get my throne back or not. You don't care if I get my father's love or honor back. You just want to hold me back from it."

I sighed. "Alright. I wasn't going to say this outright, but I think you're being an idiot. I want you to, for one second, stop thinking about everyone else and really look at the situation! How can you say, without this rose-tinted view you have of your father, that any of this makes any sense?!" I got up and walked over to the door of his bed and opened it, but right before I shut it, I turned back to him.

"And you know what? I am like Uncle! I'll take that as a compliment." With that, I slammed the door shut and went to bed.

☆¤☆¤☆

The next morning, Zuko had already left when Iroh woke me up. "Eden, he's gone. We need to make sure we're there for him, in case he needs us." I nodded and got up. Not even worrying about changing.

"Alright, I'll see you two off." Iroh gave me a confused look. "I'm not going with you two, but I will make sure you guys get to sea safely." I smiled and we ran after him.

When Iroh saw him, he called, "Wait! Don't leave without me!" Zuko turned and saw us.

"Uncle, Eden you've changed your minds!" Zuko exclaimed happily. "Well, he has. I'm just going to see the two of you off." I added.

"You're not coming?" Zuko frowned in confusion.

"No, as much as I hate to admit it, Azula's right. I can be incarcerated for impersonating royalty, just for existing. But I promised I'd stay until the two of you were well out to sea."

Zuko nodded, albeit sadly, but he understood. The teen began heading toward the ship again, while Iroh and I gave it a meaningful glance. The two of us trailed behind slightly.

When we reached the dock, I stopped moving and let the two of them continue. "Brother, Uncle! Welcome!" The three of them bowed. "I'm so glad you decided to come."

The guards along the edge, closed in behind them, making sure they didn't try to change their mind. "Are we ready to depart, your highness?" The head guy spoke up. A captain, I presume.

"Set our course for home, captain." Ha! I was right! I love it when I'm right.

"You heard the Princess! Raise the anchor, we're taking the prisoners home-" Oops. He's in trouble now.

After that, a full-blown fight broke out. The soldiers began to attack Iroh and Zuko went straight for Azula. I watched from the background waiting to run. As soon as I saw that both of them had an oppurtunity to run, I yelled, "Zuko! Uncle! We need to go! Now!"

I saw the two of them run towards me and the three of us ran off into the woods. We didn't stop running, until we came to a river and saw that they had not followed us. "I think we're safe here." Iroh stated.

Without a word, Zuko pulled out a dagger from his back pocket. Obviously, something he didn't let out of his sight. He placed it's sharp edge against his ponytail and began to cut it away until the entire thing came out in a fistful. Then he handed the knife to Iroh, who did the same with his Top knot.

I simply pulled my hair out of it's tie and let it fall onto my shoulders. The three of us put the remnants of another life into the river and let it float away.

We were now fugitives.