Don't Leave Me (Zuko x OC)

Chapter 2

We ended up having to dock at a nearby port to repair the damage to our ship. I followed Iroh and Zuko off the ship, not entirely sure where they were going but eager to stand on dry land. 

"Uncle, I want the repairs done as quickly as possibele. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail."

"You mean the Avatar."

"Don't mention his name on these docks." He said in a hushed tone, "Once word gets out that he's alive, every fire bender will be out looking for him and I don't want anyone getting in the way."

A voice came from our side, "Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?"

Zhao. 

Oh goody. 

"Captain Zhao." Zuko crossed his arms, unimpressed. 

"It's Commander now. And General Iroh, great leader of our nation." Zhao bowed out of respect, something Iroh returned. 

"Retired general now."

Zhao glanced my way, "And Hiroshi's ward. I'm surprised to see you here...where there's no gold to be dug." 

His harsh words made me look down, unable to meet his eye but Zuko seemed very angry by this. 

"How dare you! She will be your Fire Lady one day and you dare disrespect her like that! You should bow in her presence!" Zuko got right up in Zhao's face but I pulled him back and gave him a little shake of my head to tell him it wasn't worth it. 

Zhao continued on, "The Fire Lord's brother and son are welcome guests any time. What brings you to my harbour?"

"Our ship is being repaired." Iroh gestured to the beat up metal hunk of nothing. 

Zhao was suspicious, "That's quite a bit of damage."

"Yes, you wouldn't believe what happened!" Zuko clearly couldn't think of anything "Uncle! Tell Commander Zhao what happened!"

Iroh was no better, "Yes, I will do that. It was incredible!" In a quieter voice, asked Zuko, "What, did we crash or something?"

They were both terrible at this. 

"We were sailing through the South Pole when a whale-walrus rammed our ship. this noise attracted more and soon we were swarmed with them. We were lucky to get away with just the damages we did. Terribly viscous creatures." I replied calmly, looking Zhao did in the eye. 

I could feel Nalo around my neck, growling at the Commander. Even my little fire ferret didn't like this man. 

"Really? You must regail me with all the thrilling details. Join me for a drink?"

How on earth did he make that sound threatening?

"Sorry but we have to go." Zuko began to storm off but Iroh held him in place. 

"Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect." The look on the man's face was insufferable, "We would be honoured to join you. Do you have any Jinseng tea? It's my favourite."

They went inside while Zuko stayed put. I grabbed his hand and pulled him along too. Once inside the tent, Zuko found a seat while I stood by his side. Zhao wonder over to his big map and started rambling something about the war, I wasn't listening. 

"And by year's end, the Earth Kingdom capital will be under our rule. The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war."

"If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly, then he is a fool!" Zuko cried angrily.