I don't own Avatar...Duh.

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Brotherly Love

Chapter 1: A Return

“You have to let me go! You’re dooming the world by taking me to the Fire Nation!”

“For the last damn time, would you SHUT UP!”

The Fire Nation ship sailed through the waters towards the land of its birth. Everyone was happy to be going home, one more so than all the rest combined.

“Prince Zuko, please, I’m begging you!”

“Well, that really won’t get you anywhere.”

The Avatar stood between two guards, his arms pinned to his chest by chains and shackles pinning his legs. He had long since worked his gag loose and as you can probably already tell, had been begging Zuko to let him and his friends go for hours. And Zuko wasn’t budging. He was almost home.

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Katara just watched her friend beg and plead with the insufferable prince. Her brother lay on the deck unconscious from the previous fight. They’d tried to escape again and had failed miserably. Now Zuko was just toying with them, letting them see the Fire Nation draw ever closer.

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A sailor came up to Zuko, bowing, true respect on his face. “We’re nearing the border now.” Zuko nodded and the sailor returned to his position. Iroh sighed, a cup of tea in his hand. “I must say I’m proud of you Zuko.” Zuko smiled slightly. “Take the water peasants down to the hold. Replace the Avatar’s gag, but leave him up here.” His crew ran to obey his orders more from habit than fear. Zuko’s temper just couldn’t be lit today.

As the ship crossed the border, it was stopped by another, much larger ship. Zuko told his men to help the other ship prepare for their captain to board Zuko’s ship.

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The captain stood on the deck, attempting to stare Zuko down. “What are you doing returning to the Fire Nation, Prince? You are in exile.” Zuko smiled at the captain, whose nearly black eyes usually scorched all those around them. “Not anymore, Captain Hezier.” He waved his hand to the boy in chains behind him. “This is the Avatar. My task is done.” Captain Hezier’s mouth fell open, but he bowed.

“Of course Prince, shall I send word to the Fire Lord of your return?”

“If you don’t mind.”

The captain then turned and boarded his own ship. Zuko was allowed to pass, and that was the instant he believed, truly knew, that things could and would return to normal. I wonder if she’ll be waiting for me like she said she would.

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