After a long three weeks of drifting on a small raft that held a grumpy fire nation Prince, a delusional tea drinker, one really annoying lionshark and a super pissed off Tenshi... Lillian had tried to keep their little family together but there was no point. Iroh was dehydrated and tired. Zuko was annoyed and attempted to swim to shore at a point. Kasai took a nip at Iroh's leg thinking it was a food source and Lillian was over whelmed with a darkness she couldn't control. Lillian had murdered Lex believing that he killed Zuko, but it was in vain. Zuko was alive and Iroh knew but chose not to tell her. Lillian kept her emotions to herself, even Zuko got the cold shoulder even though it wasn't his fault. In the cool breeze of the evenings while everyone slept at their end of the raft, Lillian would sit with tears in her eyes staring up at the moon, 'A life for a life..' Is what ran through Lillian's mind once Lex's body fell on the icy spikes below, but she murdered someone in pure rage... Lillian was in a dark state since the explosion of Zuko's ship. Uncle had told her that her eyes were not the bright crimson that they were all familiar with but a dull redish brown. Sometimes when Lillian got excited or laughed, Uncle saw sparks in her eyes as if they were trying to regain their true life. Lillian's dreams were haunted by Lex's torturing screams and voice begging for mercy, but every dream ended the same way as on the snowy cliff. No matter how hard Lillian tried to change her nightmare... It always ended with Lillian shooting lightning through Lex's falling form and his body being pierced by the sharp ice below, she could never wake up before the horrific end, she was forced to watch it over and over again....
Zuko laid against Kasai's tail as everyone slept. Zuko watched as his uncles form rested peacefully at the end of the raft. Uncle Iroh usually kept Lillian and Zuko awake with his loud snoring but they'd eventually get some sleep. Lillian laid at the edge of the raft with her back towards them. Zuko took a small blanket off of Kasai's saddle and placed it lightly over Lillian's sleeping figure. Zuko knelt down beside Lillian and lightly brushed her arm with his finger's. Uncle was worried about her for some reason and Zuko was unsure what to do to comfort her. She never made eye contact for longer than a few seconds and wouldn't even let him hold her hand. After their kiss in the North Pole she had become really distant. Lillian started to mumble in her sleep, "Lex...." Lillian whispered. Zuko placed his hand on Lillian's shoulder, "Murderer..."Lillian said again before her heart rate picked up and Lillian began breathing unevenly, "No... Zuko's dead..."Lillian whispered harshly. Zuko shook Lillian softly, "Lilly, wake up... Lilly..."Zuko whispered by her ear. Lillian's eyes flew open revealing a small glow of crimson before fading back to the dull red. Lillian sat up and held her head, "Nightmare?"Zuko asked as he moved closer. Lillian nodded her head, "Wanna talk about it?"Zuko asked slowly. Lillian shook her head and tried to move away from Zuko. Seeing him reminded her of Lex's death that just wouldn't stop haunting her. Zuko held Lillian's arms and pulled her towards him, "Don't push me away Lilly..."Zuko said softly, "I'm not... If I did... You'd be swimming..."Lillian said with a small smirk. Zuko was un-amused by her comment, "ha- ha"Zuko said sarcastically. Lillian sat closely beside Zuko resting her head on his shoulder. Zuko wrapped his arm around Lillian's waist and pulled her closer to him, "Talk to me Lilly...What happened?" Zuko said softly in her ear as they drifted along a small current. Lillian took a shaky breath, "I'm a horrible person... I - I" Lillian began but stuttered, "Why would you say that?" Zuko whispered while rubbing her back, "Because... I... Lex..." Lillian choked. Zuko took a deep breath, "I killed h-him!" Lillian cried and placed her face in her hands, "I believed that y-you were dead... so I-I murdered him for taking you away f-from me.... but your here...which means...." Lillian shook violently as she cried. Zuko's eyes were wide with shock, "Lilly Yo-" Lillian interrupted Zuko, "I'm a murderer Zuko! I killed him!" Lillian said. Zuko pulled Lillian into his chest, "Lilly... I'm sorry that I never told you... But Lex was a horrible person... he burned his soldiers and tortured the woman that he had taken from the earth kingdom colonies." Zuko said softly. Lillian lifted her head and stared into Zuko's golden eyes, "That doesn't rectify what I did!" Lillian said, "I know Lilly... I know..." Zuko whispered.
After a few minutes Lillian and Zuko had fallen asleep together, Lillian laid with her head on Zuko's chest and their legs were tangled together. Kasai had awoken Iroh as he dove off the raft and began his morning hunt for fish, "Try getting some seaweed!" Iroh called out to Kasai causing Zuko to wake up, "Why would you need seaweed?" Zuko asked as he slowly tried to sit up without waking Lillian. Iroh gave the two a small smile, "For tea of course!" Iroh said excitedly. Zuko rolled his eyes when suddenly his eyes fell on a stretch of shore, "You wont be needing that seaweed uncle. I know where we can get better tea." Zuko said. Iroh rushed around and began dancing on the raft, "Kasai! We're having meat tonight!" Iroh yelled. Lillian woke up and placed her hand over Zuko's chest, "What's going on?" Lillian yawned. Zuko kissed the crown of her head lightly, "We're getting off this raft." Zuko said as he stood up and pulled Lillian up with him. Lillian turned to see the shore, "Wow..." Lillian whispered. Iroh called the two young fire benders to the back of the raft, "Would you two be so kind as to speed up the process." Iroh said with a wink as he sat in the front of the raft. Lillian was the first one to take her fire bending stance beside Zuko, "First one to lose their breath buys Spicy pancakes." Lillian said with an evil smile at Zuko. Zuko took his stance, "Your on!" Zuko said. Lillian and Zuko stood perfectly besides each other. Their breathing were as one and then they both created their flames at the same time, "Three....Two... One...." Lillian counted down, "GO!" Zuko yelled as the both took a deep breath and then bent a strong stream of fire causing the raft to move at an amazing speed. Kasai was swimming as fast as he could to catch up to the raft. Lillian began laughing at the Lionshark as he did loops in the air and splashed Zuko's flame causing it to flicker out. Zuko noticed that they were close enough to the shore before he dove at Lillian's waist and took her down into the water. Lillian stood in the waist deep water and glared at a grinning Zuko who seemed please at what he had just done. Lillian splashed Zuko in the face before running off towards Iroh, "Uncle! Save me! There's a freaky looking, two legged fish thingy after me!" Lillian cried as Zuko chased her towards the shore. Iroh collected all their small trinkets from their raft,"Come now you two! Time to get some tea!" Iroh sang as he threw the small sack over his shoulders. Lillian stopped when she realised Zuko wasn't behind her anymore, "Zuko?" Lillian called only to find a tired Lionshark dragging his hind legs onto shore. Lillian began to panic, "Zuko! Zuko! Where are you!" Lillian yelled as she stormed through the waters when suddenly Zuko popped up from underneath the water and caught Lillian from behind, "Gotcha!" Zuko snickered. Lillian turned around and smacked Zuko over his head, "Dummy! You gave me such a fright! What if a leech-bear got a hold of yo-" Lillian was shushed by Zuko as he gave her a small quick kiss. Once Zuko pulled away with a smirk, Lillian stood with her cheeks burning pink, "Still want those spicy pancakes?" Zuko asked. Lillian nodded her head and smiled, "your buying!" Lillian giggled. Zuko rolled his eyes before tossing Lillian over his shoulder and walking to shore, "Whatever you say Lilly" Zuko said as he and Lillian began to laugh. Iroh stood on the edge of the shore watching the two firebenders as their laugh's echoed through the air, "It's about time they learned to have fun..." Iroh whispered as he petted Kasai's head.
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The petals of the cherry tree's covered the floors of the river top bath house. Lillian sat on a small bench that just reached the beach gazing at the dazzling ocean, "Aaahhh... this is what I've been missing. Who knew floating on a 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?" Lillian heard Iroh speak. Zuko had been a cold fire the whole day not saying a word to anyone, " I see. It's the anniversary, isn't it?" Iroh said sadly, "Anniversary?" Lillian whispered to herself as she tried to listen in their conversation, "Three years ago today I was banished. I lost it all. I want it back. I want the Avatar, I want my honor, I want my throne. I want Lilly to be able to go home to her family. . I want my father not to think I'm worthless" Zuko said as he looked away from his uncle towards Lillian's figure on the bench, "I'm sure he doesn't! Why would he banish you if he didn't care?" Iroh said optimistically. Lillian mentally slapped Iroh as Zuko stood up and walked to sit beside her, "Erg... that came out wrong, didn't it" Iroh said negatively. Lillian gave Iroh a small smile with a thumbs up. Iroh left for their rooms while she and Zuko watched the waves, "I can't believe that we've been away from home for 3 years..." Lillian whispered as she moved closer to Zuko and placed her hand over his. Zuko nodded slowly, "It's been too long..." Zuko said softly. Lillian bit her bottom lip, "Zuko... What's going to happen when we go home?" Lillian asked as she fixed her hair. Zuko looked up at her confused, "What do you mean?" Lillian leaned on her knees as she watched family of hippo-crabs make their way to the ocean, "you'll be back at the palace and I'll be with my grandfather..." Lillian whispered. Zuko watched as the wind blew Lillian's loose hair around her face, "we'll cross that river when we get there." Zuko said with a smile. Lillian returned his smile with a light kiss on his check and the rested on his shoulder.
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Iroh awoke from a strange electrical current that drifted through the air. Lillian's eyes fluttered open as Iroh walked to their small window in their room, "Uncle?" Lillian whispered. Iroh smiled softly at the sleepy girl, "Is something the matter?" Lillian asked as she rubbed her eyes. Iroh shook his head, "nothing my dear. You should get some rest Princess..." Iroh said as he climbed back into his bunk.
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Lillian sat at a small table close to the window reading a book she found in the bath house office. Iroh poured out a small bag with shells, "Look at these magnificent shells! I'll enjoy these keepsakes for years to come." Iroh said with a smile. Lillian had a small bad feeling in her gut, "We don't need anymore useless things. You forget we have to carry everything ourselves now." Zuko said annoyed. Lillian suddenly hear an unsuspecting voice, "Hello, brother. Uncle. Lillian." Azula's voice creeped through the air unwelcome. Lillian stood slowly from her table and decided to stay on the princesses good side, "Princess Azula." Lillian greeted as she bowed. Azula dismissed Lillian's bow, "What are you doing here?" Zuko asked accusingly. Azula frowned at Zuko, "In my country, we exchange a pleasant 'hello' before asking questions. You should follow Lillian's manners. Have you become uncivilized so soon, Zuzu?" Azula hummed. Lillian felt the heat flow off of Zuko's body, "To what do we owe this honor?"Iroh asked, "Hmm... must be a family trait. Both of you so quick to get to the point. I've come with a message from home. Father's changed his mind. Family is suddenly very important to him. He's heard rumors of plans to overthrow him—treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust. Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home." Azula said with a sincere voice. Lillian felt her heart shatter, 'home' Zuko turns away from Azula and walks past Lillian towards the window, "Did you hear me? You should be happy. Excited. Grateful. I just gave you great news." Azula said. Lillian watched Zuko's form before Iroh broke the uncomfortable silence, "I'm sure your brother just needs a moment to—" "Don't interrupt, Uncle!" Azula snapped. Lillian frowned at Azula, "I still haven't heard my thank you. I am not a messenger. I didn't have to come all this way." Azula said as she stood beside Zuko. Lillian brushed her fingers over his rough knuckles, "Father regrets? He... wants me back?" Zuko said in disbelief, "I can see you need time to take this in. I'll come to call on you tomorrow. Good evening." Azula said and then left. Lillian took one last look at Zuko before leaving their small apartment.
Lillian sat underneath the blooming cherry blossom tree as her mind ran through many different scenario's on how their friendship would last or end on this news. Lillian placed her hand around her neck and felt the two pieces of Yin and Yang. Two halves of a single whole, two halves that could make each other stronger or destroy each other. Lillian rested her head against the bark of the tree as she played back the memory of the necklace.
---Flash back---
"Lillian, I have a very important question for you!"Zuko blurted out in an demanding voice with a bright pink spread across his cheeks.
"Um? Ok? Are you sure you are fine?"
"YES! I umm have s-something for you... But if you don't like it, it's fine and if you don't want to--..."
"Spit it out Zuko!"Lillian groaned as she got annoyed with all his rambling.
Zuko nodded and dug into his pocket, he pulled out 2 necklaces, each had a half of ying and yang. Lillian looked at him confused before he spoke.
"Uncle said that the best way to seal a friendship would be to give your Gir--- I mean bestfriend something special, so I went down to the market and asked the jeweler to make these for us. So that we can always have a small piece of each other with us!"
--- end of flash back---
Lillian felt a single tear roll down her cheek at their memory. Zuko would be returning to his palace and Lillian back with her grandfather. But what about her and Zuko? The things they have shared and their, Kiss? Lillian placed her fingers on her lips as she was trying to remember what it felt like, the deep and passionate kiss they shared on his ship and then once again their kiss at the North pole that seemed so hungry and aggressive but full of care and love. Did he Love her? Did she Love him? What was all this? Of course Lillian cared for Zuko, maybe more than she should but was it enough? Lillian stood up from her spot, "Guess there's one way to find out." Lillian said as she began walking back to their room.
Lillian was just about to enter the room when she heard Iroh and Zuko talking, "Did you listen to Azula? Father's realized how important family is to him. He cares about me." Zuko said happily, " I care about you.Lillian cares about you. And if Ozai wants you back... well, I think it may not be for the reasons you imagine." Iroh said as he held his beard. Zuko raised his voice, "You don't know how my father feels about me. You don't know anything." Zuko said harshly, Iroh's voice was gentle, "Zuko, I only meant that in our family things are not always what they seem. What about Lillian? " Iroh said. Zuko blew steam from his nose, "I think you are exactly what you seem: a lazy, mistrustful, shallow old man who has always been jealous of his brother. And Lillian has distracted me from my destiny long enough! It's time she goes back home!" Zuko yelled. Iroh stared behind Zuko in shame and turned his face away. Zuko's eyes followed Iroh to the back of him towards the door. Lillian stood at the door frame with tears streaming down her face, "Distraction huh?" Lillian repeated... Zuko tried to take a step forward, "Your just a spoiled Prince! You don't care about those who have given up a lot just for you! Your a dishonorable Prince!" Lillian yelled at Zuko before she ran away. Zuko stood in the room shocked and hurt at what Lillian had said to him.
Zuko tried to wait for Lillian to return to the room so that they could talk things over but she never came back until early the next morning when it was time for him to leave. Lillian entered the room and gathered her things and some supplies, "Where will you be traveling to my dear?" Iroh asked Lillian as she packed the rest of her things. Zuko waited anxiously for her answer only to be disappointed, "I'm going to travel around for a bit. I sent my father a letter asking if he needed some help at his camp in an earth kingdom that isn't too far from here." Lillian said as she saddled up Kasai. Lillian bowed to Zuko and then gave Iroh a large embrace, "see you around Uncle." Lillian said. Lillian walked past Zuko and was ready to climb onto Kasai, "Lilly... Please..." Zuko begged, Lillian didn't even face him, "Goodbye Prince Zuko..." Lillian said before she and Kasai took off towards the bamboo forest.
Lillian and Kasai had been traveling for 15 minutes before she felt the hair on her arm stand up and the loud boom of lightning. Lillian waited a few more seconds before she heard more explosions, "Zuko!" Lillian gasped. Lillian froze for a moment... "Do I go back or carry on?" Lillian whispered to herself.
Zuko laid on the floor of the ship underneath his sister's hand as she generated another form of lightning. Uncle Iroh was busy with the guards below and he was lucky enough to avoid the first hit but now it seemed impossible, "Goodbye Brother." Azula said as she swung her arms one more time. The lightning formed around her finger tips and then she released it. Zuko shut his eyes awaiting the painful shock to run through his body but instead...Nothing. Zuko opened his eyes to see Lillian standing before him and her body surrounded by lightning. Lillian redirected the lightning into the sky above them. Azula's face was filled with shock, "Enjoy swimming Princess..." Lillian said to Azula before she sent a strong round house kick that caused Azula to fall over board. Lillian helped Zuko up and pulled him towards Iroh, "Come on! We need to move!" Lillian yelled as they headed for the bamboo forest.
Once they were a good distance away, Kasai was finally allowed to rest. Zuko and Iroh walked towards the river as Lillian fed Kasai a treat. Zuko pulled out his dagger that his uncle had sent to him from Ba sing sai. Zuko held the dagger to the back of his head removing his pony tail and Iroh did the same for his top knot. They both looked at their hair as it drifted down the river. Lillian mounted Kasai, Zuko walked back to her slowly and bowed his head, "I'm sorry..." Zuko whispered before climbing on behind his uncle who sat behind Lillian. Lillian nodded before they took off into hiding...
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Hey all my lovely peeps.
I hope that you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did writing it.
I was thinking about making a whole separate book for book two but decided not too. If you think it will be better please do say so then I can always move this chapter over.
Please tell me what's your favorite thing about Lillian? And is there something you'd love to see her do or can't wait for?
Let me know!
Darkninja!!!