EMBERS
i. FAR FROM HOME
❝I WILL FIND THE AVATAR.❞

THE AROMA OF JASMINE TEA FILLED THE PRICKLY COLD, DEAD AIR OF THE ICY SOUTH POLE, but it seemed that only retired General Iroh appreciated it. His daughter, Jasmine, on the other hand, had a few words to say about the cold weather. She was bundled up with a fluffy blanket on a metal chair with a book about the Water Tribes in her hands. Since they were in Southern Water Tribe territory, Jasmine thought it would be best to read up on their history. It discussed traditions, waterbending moves, and much more, but something that stood out to Jasmine was the Blood Moon and the effect that it had on the Water Tribes. However, it was debatable on how accurate her book was since it was written by someone who lived in the Fire Nation. Jasmine let out a small sigh as she looked up from her book and glanced at her father and her cousin, Prince Zuko.

Her father, Iroh, sat on a small stool as he overlooked a game that he was engrossed in. A small kettle of Jasmine tea — his favorite — sat on the table next to the board game. Jasmine, despite being named after the tea itself, did not like it very much. While Iroh was relaxed, Zuko stood tall at the edge of the platform as he gazed out at sea for any sign of disturbance. His shoulders were still and tense, but his hands shook with unreleased energy and anger. Jasmine let out a small sigh as she stood from her seat and approached her father. She took a seat across from him and gave him a warm smile. "Mind if I join you, Father?"

Iroh didn't say anything as he returned her smile and gestured for her to take a turn. Jasmine turned her attention to the board in front of her and glanced at the four rows of tiles. His game was simple — each side had a deck of tiles of the bending types and it was mostly a game of overlapping with the stronger move until someone reached the end. She frowned when she noticed that each of the rows ended with firebending moves. Iroh frowned as he watched his daughter ponder over which tile to use, but continued to sip on his tea.

"I don't understand," Jasmine mumbled as she shook her head before setting the tile back on the table. She looked up at Iroh who set his cup of tea down. He kept his eyes focused on the board as his eyes darted to the multiple tiles that were laid out on the table. Jasmine frowned as she tried to see what her father saw, but to no avail. "Nothing can overpower fire? I do not see how this game can continue."

"That is where you are wrong, little dragon," Iroh said as a small smile appeared on his lips. He reached out and picked up a tile that represented airbending and placed it on top of the firebending one. Iroh looked up at his daughter and noticed the confusion that still lingered on her face. "Fire is powerful, but it is not invincible — always remember that."

Jasmine nodded slowly as she picked up another piece and placed it on top of another firebending tile. She examined the tiles more closely and noticed little symbols in the corner that explained what the strengths and weaknesses the certain tile had. "It seems that each tile has its strengths and weaknesses."

Iroh's smile widened as he realized that his daughter understood the lesson that he was trying to teach. Since Jasmine's schooling had been halted to handle Zuko's journey, Iroh tried his best to teach his daughter whenever he could. "Exactly, Jasmine. Just like our world, every nation has its strengths and weaknesses — no one is on top."

Yet, Jasmine didn't understand. For her whole life, she had been taught that the Fire Nation was superior to all others. It was something that every person in the Fire Nation was taught from a young age and Jasmine was no different. She was about to speak up, but something caught her attention. A blinding blue light filled the air — illuminating the whole South Pole.

"Finally!" Zuko exclaimed as he stared at the light before he watched it fade away. His eyes were wide as he looked back at Iroh and Jasmine. "Do you two realize what this means?"

Iroh let out a heavy sigh as he looked over the tiles on the table. "I won't get to finish my game?"

"No!" Zuko scoffed as his nose flared in slight irritation. He gestured toward the skies that were slowly turning back to their normal color. "It means my search is about to come to an end."

"Zuko, please don't get your hopes up," Jasmine reminded as she pulled the blanket closer to her. She shivered slightly as a gust of wind hit them hard. Zuko didn't seem to notice it, but Jasmine and Iroh did. It was unfortunate that Jasmine wasn't very far in her firebending training. She was aware that some fire benders had ways to keep themselves warm using breath techniques, but whenever Jasmine tried, she had set her clothes on fire. So, she opted for a blanket and thick clothing instead.

"That light came from an incredibly powerful source!" Zuko spat out as he directed his glare at Jasmine — the two rarely agreed on a thing and tended to argue at every chance they got. However, things were different when they were younger. Jasmine was a surprise to Iroh and his doting wife, Zia. After the birth of their son, Lu Ten, they hadn't planned to have any children, but Jasmine was born 12 years later. Jasmine loved her older brother, Lu Ten, with all her heart, but he and her father, Iroh, were never around due to their involvement with the war. It didn't help that her mother had mysteriously disappeared as well when she was six years old, leaving Jasmine completely alone. Yet, she still had Zuko. He made sure that she was always happy and safe — the two became each other's best friends. But, things were different now. "It has to be the Avatar!"

"Jasmine is right, Prince Zuko," Iroh stated. Skepticism and disinterest were clear in his tone as he continued to play his game. "It must be the celestial lights again. After all, we've been down this path before. I don't want you to get excited over nothing."

"Exactly," Jasmine added as she played her turn — easily defeating her father in the game. But, she had suspicions that he was going easy on her.

"Please sit," Iroh suggested as concern flashed across his face. He worried about Zuko too much, but it made sense. Zuko had gone through a lot and was still on the path of destruction. "Why don't you enjoy a cup of calming Jasmine tea?"

Iroh's comment was enough to anger Zuko further as he let out a frustrated yell — fire escaping his mouth as he did. "I don't need any calming tea!" He snapped as he began to walk towards the door that led into the was ship. "I need to capture the Avatar. Helmsman, set a course for the light!"

Zuko rushed inside and disappeared out of sight. Jasmine sighed softly as she glanced back in the direction of the light. For Zuko's sake, she hoped that it was the Avatar so they could end their long journey and return home. Jasmine missed the Fire Nation and its warmth.

"Say, it's probably going to take some time to reach the light," Iroh started as he poured two fresh cups of tea. "How would you like to finish our game?"

Jasmine smiled as she took the cup from her father. She didn't usually drink tea but she welcomed the burning liquid that instantly warmed her up. "I would love to."

— — —

IT WAS A FEW HOURS LATER and Jasmine wandered around the war ship as she looked for something to do. After being out at sea for so long, Jasmine had to find amusement in the tiniest things. Yesterday, she had seen a couple of penguins fight over what looked like a parka. It was a strange sight, but entertaining. However, Jasmine was actually looking for a quiet spot to finish her book. She walked out to the helm of the ship and immediately spotted Zuko staring out at sea again. She sighed softly. "It's late. You should be sleeping, Zuko."

"A bit hypocritical coming from you," Zuko muttered. He didn't even bother to spare her a glance, but he knew that Jasmine wouldn't leave his side any time soon. Zuko had been practicing his breathing techniques which his Uncle had recommended he do to calm his anger, but Jasmine had decided to interrupt him. "You know, I've seen you wandering the ship well into the night, so you have no place to talk to me about sleep."

"Yes, but I'm not the one commanding this ship or planning on going head to head with an Avatar any time soon," Jasmine reminded as she leaned against the railing, but kept most of her weight on her feet since she didn't want to fall. She doubted that Zuko would even move a muscle to help her if she did manage to fall backward. She had her back turned to the ocean as she faced Zuko's surprisingly calm expression. "Zuko, you should sleep. Imagine how embarrassing it would be if you were fighting the Avatar and then passed out from exhaustion — it would hurt your honor even more."

Zuko sent her a sharp glare — fully expecting to see her smirking at him — but noticed that she was flipping through her book instead. In many ways, Jasmine reminded Zuko of Azula. They both found joy in bothering him and making sure that he was miserable in every single way. However, there were many ways that Jasmine and Azula were different. Jasmine was compassionate and knew when a joke had gone too far, but Azula would have no mercy. Zuko had to admit that he would much rather spend every waking moment with Jasmine than have to spend a second with his little sister. Yet, they both tended to get on Zuko's nerves. Zuko turned his attention to the book that Jasmine was reading and noticed the symbol of water printed across the cover. "Why even bother reading a book about the Water Tribes?"

Jasmine tucked a piece of her straight black hair behind her ears as she lifted the book and showed Zuko the page that she was studying. She pointed to a row of drawings that showed a waterbending move called the water whip. "Well, this book includes a bunch of waterbending tricks and then how to resist them with fire bending," Jasmine said as she proceeded to point to the series of drawings underneath that shows a firebender blasting a certain time of fireball that would instantly dissolve the water whip. "You know, in case we meet any water benders and have to fight them."

Zuko let out a harsh laugh as he looked away from Jasmine's book. He had faith in his abilities and wasn't afraid of any waterbender. "You can barely throw a straight fireball. No amount of reading is going to help you, Jasmine."

"Oh, please," Jasmine spat out as she slammed the book shut. It was true that Jasmine wasn't the best firebender, but she had been trained in non-bending combat. While her father and brother were off at war, the late Fire Lord Azulon thought it would be best if she was prepared for war as well. She had officially started practicing her firebending when Zuko had been banished. Iroh had thought it would be best if she learned how to bend as well. "Do not forget that I can take you down without any bending at all, Zuko."

"I doubt it," Zuko gritted out as he gave her a glare. His eyes glowing slightly in irritation, but he began to calm down when he watched her crack her book to some of the last pages and began to silently read. He stole a glance at her pages and noticed a bright red moon painted across the pages. He frowned. "What is that?"

"It's called a Blood Moon — rare and unpredictable," Jasmine answered as she held the book out for Zuko to see. She had to confess that there was something mesmerizing about it, but even she could tell that there was dark energy that surrounded it. "Apparently, the Blood Moon is considered sacred in Water Tribe history. It says here that children born during the Blood Moon are born with capabilities far beyond an average water bender. These children were cursed with bending so powerful that they were able to reach water in places that were deemed impossible. It says that even the Avatar had a hard time trying to fight them off."

"Impossible," Zuko scoffed as he rolled his eyes at Jasmine's words. He wondered how had dared to write a book about such foolish things, but he didn't believe any of it. "I thought the Avatar was the strongest being in all of the nations. No child of the Blood Moon can win a fight against someone so powerful."

"Actually, the book does mention something about a war that happened a couple of centuries ago since children of the Blood Moon lusted after power. But, I doubt that. I mean there's no way that water benders could have taken control of the Fire Nation," Jasmine mumbled as she kept reading, but skimmed through the pages. "Oh, it also says that water benders that possessed this ancient dark energy used this art it to create the Blood Moon. No one knows what the art is called or where it originated from — only that it is lost in unrecorded history."

"It has to be nonsense, Jasmine," Zuko stated as he watched Jasmine close her book — finally, she had finished it. She had been reading that book for the past two weeks or so, and Zuko had no doubt in his mind that his cousin was going to go around and act like she knew everything about the Water Tribes. Jasmine liked to be a know-it-all and that irritated Zuko more than anything. "Surely, children of the Blood Moon don't exist."

Jasmine scoffed. "I doubt anyone would go through the trouble of dedicating chapters upon chapters of a book to something that didn't exist."

"You'd be surprised," Zuko simply stated as he leaned against the railing as well. He could feel fatigue start to set in, but he refused to go to sleep first. Zuko studied Jasmine's smug expression and could feel himself growing more and more irritated as the seconds ticked by. "Though, I do think you should stop believing in fairy tales and grow up."

"I think you're just scared," Jasmine teased as she grinned — showing off her perfect smile. She crossed her arms over her chest as she looked up at Zuko. "After all, the Southern Water Tribe could be full of children of the Blood Moon. I'm sure they won't hesitate to take you down before you ever catch a glimpse of the Avatar."

"How could you say that?" Zuko snarled as he sent her a stern glare. It concerned Jasmine that Zuko had so much suppressed anger, but she had to admit that it was fun to bug him. Sometimes, it was just too easy to get on Zuko's nerves. "Children of the Blood Moon cease to exist! But, if they were still around, they would be wise to be afraid of me! I'm sure even the moon, itself, is scared to turn into its bloodied version. After all, there hasn't been any Blood Moon for years!"

Jasmine burst out in laughter which caused the book to slip out of her fingertips. It slammed into the floor and Zuko didn't waste any time to kick it away from them. Jasmine leaned against the railing for support as she stared at her cousin. Her lips twitched upward as she said, "Yes, Zuko, I'm sure the moon is very afraid of you."

Zuko let out a fiery snarl as embers escaped his lips with every breath he took. His hands were clenched into fists as they glowed a shade of orange. Jasmine frowned as she immediately ceased her laughter — it seemed that Zuko wasn't in the mood for her jokes. Usually, he was able to handle her teasing, but there seemed too much on his mind that night. Jasmine had to admit that she felt bad for pressing Zuko's buttons, but it was too late now. Jasmine let out an awkward laugh as she placed a gentle hand on Zuko's arm. "Zuko, calm down. Seriously, I was just messing around with you."

"It doesn't—"

"Shouldn't you two be in bed?" the voice of her father, Iroh, filled the cold air which caused the two to immediately look at the metal door that led into the ship. Iroh stood there with a disappointed expression painted across his face as he walked out onto the helm. "Prince Zuko, Jasmine, I think it would be wise to get some sleep instead of bickering out here like children."

"I don't need any sleep!" Zuko snapped as he directed his anger at Iroh instead — which Jasmine was somewhat grateful for. She had no time for Zuko's unpleasant attitude, but it seemed that enraged Zuko was here to stay. It was clear that Zuko was exhausted — the dark circles underneath his eyes proved as much. But, Zuko knew that he couldn't afford to sleep. He could only rest easy after he found the Avatar.

"Everyone needs sleep, Prince Zuko," Iroh mumbled as he stifled a yawn. He walked forward and stood between Jasmine and Zuko. "Even if you're right, and the Avatar is alive, you won't find him. Your father, grandfather, and great-grandfather have all tried and failed."

Zuko's anger began to simmer down as another emotion replaced it. He turned away from both Iroh and Jasmine as he gazed upon the calm sea again. "Uncle, they all failed because their honor didn't hinge on the Avatar's capture. Mine does, this coward's hundred years in hiding are over. I will find him."

— — —

"AGAIN!" Iroh shouted sternly as he carefully watched Prince Zuko and Jasmine duel on the deck of the ship. It was already the next morning and Iroh had woken them up early to get them started on practicing their drills. He hoped that starting them so early in the morning would cause them to sleep earlier, but that wasn't the case.

Jasmine stood in her battle stance as she kept her eyes focused on Zuko — the two stood about ten feet apart and slowly circled each other. She wondered if she should attack first or if she should wait for Zuko to make the first move. However, after a few more moments of silence, Zuko blasted a fireball at her. Jasmine easily slid to the side and sent a retaliation blast in his direction. A smirk spread across her lips as the blast hit Zuko — sending him flying back. "Is that all you got, Zuko?"

"No taunting," Iroh added. It happened every day — one of them would start taunting the other and cause a fight to break out between the two. No matter what, they never learned and Iroh knew that he just had to get used to it.

However, the damage was already done. A shout escaped Zuko's lips as he jumped to his feet and blasted multiple shots at Jasmine. She let out a small yelp as she rolled out of the way, but one managed to hit her hard. Jasmine flew backward and let out a groan as her back slammed into the railing of the ship. Zuko grinned, "Ha! I have bested you!"

"Stop!" Iroh shouted as he stood from his seat. He shook his head in disappointment at the two young firebenders. He moved his hands in front of him as he took in a deep breath — showing them the breathing technique and what it means to draw fire from the breath. "Power in firebending comes from the breath, not the muscles. Breath becomes energy in the body and the energy extends past your limbs and becomes fire!" Iroh taught as he directed a fire blast at his nephew, but it diminished just before it could scorch him. He looked at both Jasmine and Zuko. "Get it right this time."

"Enough!" Zuko snapped as he stomped towards Iroh — anger laced in every step. "Jasmine and I have been drilling this sequence all day. Teach us the next set! We're more than ready!"

Jasmine picked herself off the ground and stayed quiet as she watched the tension brewing between her father and Zuko. It wasn't an uncommon sight since it happened so often, but it still made her and the ship's crew uncomfortable. Iroh was a respected man throughout the ship and the Fire Nation while Zuko gained respect out of fear. She leaned against the railing as she waited for the argument to happen.

"No, you are impatient!" Iroh reprimanded as he took a seat in his chair again. He leaned back and looked up at Zuko's annoyed expression. "You two have yet to master your basics. Drill it again!"

Zuko clenched his teeth in anger and suddenly turned around and directed a couple of fire blasts toward Jasmine. Caught off guard, Jasmine tried to block them again but was almost pushed overboard. She gritted her teeth as she used her arms to deflect a blast, but could feel it starting to burn her arms. Jasmine let out an angry growl when Zuko finally stopped sending blasts her way. Anger shined bright in her eyes as she stomped towards him and gave him a harsh shove. She could feel her hands surging with unreleased energy and all she wanted to do was blast Zuko into the icy water below, but decided against it. "Father, Zuko is a cheater! I refuse to train with him any further!"

"I don't want to train with someone as incompetent as you!" Zuko shouted back — many of the ship's crew rushed inside the ship, not wanting to be caught in the crossfires of a fight. Zuko looked back at Iroh who wore a displeased look — clearly irritated with Zuko's attitude. "The sages have told us that the Avatar is the last airbender alive. He must be over a hundred years old by now. He's had a century to master the four elements! I'll need more than basic firebending to defeat him. You will teach me the advanced set!"

"Very well," Iroh muttered reluctantly. He reached down and picked up a bowl of his breakfast that he had yet to finish. He wore a pleased smile as he held up his bowl. "But, first, I must finish my roast duck!"

Zuko rolled his eyes as he turned his back to his uncle and faced Jasmine instead. He watched as she dusted off the ash that had collected on her clothes. He could see some parts of her sleeves that had burned off because of him. Zuko wondered if he should apologize, but decided that it wasn't necessary. He was about to practice his breathing, but a bright light in the distance caught his attention. He frowned as he stared at the light. It had to be important since there were no other Fire Nation ships scheduled to be in the icy waters of the South Pole.

"It looks like a flare from a Fire Nation Navy ship," Jasmine deduced due to the bright orange and red colors that the flare was giving off. When she was still in school, she had been in a class that taught about the Fire Nation Navy and little details — like the color of their flares — seemed to float around in her head. Her brown eyes flickered to Zuko and noticed the way his nose twitched slightly — either from confusion or the cold — and how he seemed frozen to the spot. "Maybe someone is in trouble?"

Finally, Zuko moved. He ran towards the telescope that was bolted to the ground at the end of the deck. Jasmine rushed after him while Iroh stayed glued to his seat — settling to eat his roast duck instead. Zuko grasped the telescope's neck and looked through it. He immediately gasped as he stared at something in the distance. "—the last Airbender!"

"What?" Jasmine gasped out as she pushed Zuko to the side and peered through the telescope. Her eyes widened as she spotted two people — one dressed in a bright yellow and orange while the other was dressed in blue. She watched as they effortlessly jumped off the Fire Nation ship. They must have accidentally shot off the flare — it worked in their benefit though. It had led them straight to the Avatar.

Zuko shoved Jasmine over as he returned to look through the scope. He hummed slightly as he studied the Avatar and every movement of his. "He is quite agile for his old age."

"I can't believe you did it!" Jasmine exclaimed as a bright smile spread across her lips. She rested a gentle hand on Zuko's shoulder and she could feel him shaking underneath her — both of them had long forgotten about their little fight that had taken place a few minutes ago. "You really found him, Zuko."

"I found the Avatar," Zuko whispered softly — almost still in shock as he continued to peer through the telescope. Suddenly, he moved the telescope to the left and Jasmine jumped at the movement. He smirked slightly. "—as well as his hiding place."

Jasmine looked in the direction of the telescope and could see a faint indication of civilization. Smoke rose from that area and Jasmine could see an outline of a wall built out of snow. It must be the Southern Water Tribe. They had been out in the tundra for weeks, but haven't come across the tribe yet. It seemed smaller than she expected. Jasmine glanced back at her father and noticed the grim expression on his face as he continued to eat his breakfast. But, when she looked back at Zuko — all she could see was determination and hope.

♡

HELLO, THE FIRST CHAPTER OF EMBERS IS HERE. I have gotten it out much much faster than a lot of my other fics, but I have just been really inspired to write for this one! I have so much planned and I am just so excited to write this story! I want to thank demonlust for being so supportive and helpful in the writing process and I love her so much. ALSO, please check out her book "Blood Moon" and everything will make so much more sense.

SOME BASIC INFORMATION — Jasmine is going to be somewhat of a brat in the beginning of this fic! She has been sheltered her whole life and has honestly had everything handed to her. It may not seem like it yet, but you'll see her spoiled side when she interacts with the waterbenders in the next chapter! So, Iroh and Jasmine are very close while Zuko and her just bicker a lot, but he does enjoy her company a lot more than he enjoys Azula's company.

ALSO, WE SHOULD SEE SOKKA IN THE NEXT CHAPTER AND I AM SO EXCITED! I already ship Jasmine and Sokka a lot, but they got a long way to go until they form some kind of relationship! All in good time though! I am so excited to write this fic and I truly hope that you all enjoyed it! ❤️

(If any mistakes are seen throughout the chapter, please let me know so I can fix them as soon as possible!)

— AMARA
[ CHAPTER POSTED — 04.30.2019 ]