TRIAL BY FIRE [SOKKA]

iii.

THEIR ship was pathetically dwarfed by the others in the harbor - she thought the new ones in the Fire Nation Navy could hold at least three of theirs, with plenty of room to spare. It was almost embarrassing to be seen walking off the gangplank, down towards the harbor; but at least they were finally there. Their ship had been left in shambles after the Avatar had escaped; an iceberg had collapsed on the stern, and it had taken them a day to chisel their way out, and their engine was shot. Kazuya had often spent thirty minutes staring at the same penguin-seal, just waiting for it to pass.

But after five long days, finally they had arrived at the nearest harbor, at the tip of the Earth Kingdom, and she was more than grateful to see land. At least it was warm here, and whilst the repairs were being made she would be able to visit the nearest marketplace.

"Uncle," Zuko said, not bothering to look back at the man as he led him and Kazuya down towards the docks. "I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail."

Kazuya cleared her throat and glanced around. "Don't speak so loudly, Zuko."

"You're right," he nodded, and she moved to stand beside him. "We should remain inconspicuous and quiet. We can't risk any trouble, not when we're so hot on his trail."

"You mean the Avatar?" Iroh asked loudly, stopping in his tracks. Her best friend whirled on his heel and stalked towards his uncle, balling his fists. Kazuya stuck her arm out, gently pushing Zuko back before he could get too close. He shot her an irritated glance but straightened, looking around suspiciously. "Once word gets out that he's alive, every firebender will be out looking for him, and I don't want anyone getting in the way–"

"Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?" Kazuya whirled around, her eyes widening as a tall man, wearing intricate Fire Nation armor with a red sash approached them. She didn't know why she was surprised that it was Captain Zhao - most likely the only man in the Fire Nation who would so willingly and boldly interrupt a conversation between three high-ranking individuals.

His hands were folded behind his back and he came to a stop in front of them, his eyebrows furrowed. She had never particularly been a fan of him; in her opinion, he was a sniveling man who clawed his way up the military ladder without bothering to consider who he stepped on to get ahead. And for that very reason he was favored by the Fire Lord. Kazuya admired his ambition, but she thought there were hundreds of other men who were far more qualified than him.

Zuko folded his arms over his chest, and he drew himself up to full height to face the only slightly taller man, whose brown hair was pulled into a topknot. "Captain Zhao."

"It's Commander now," He corrected with a smirk, and he took another step closer to bow his head. "Governess Kazuya and General Iroh - great hero of our nation."

Both Kazuya and Iroh bowed their heads. The latter corrected, "Retired General."

Commander Zhao nodded, and he continued, "The Fire Lord's brother, son, and the Governess are welcome guests anytime. What brings you to my harbor?"

"Our ship is being repaired," Iroh raised an arm to draw the Commander's attention to their ship - the steel of the bow had several holes and was bent, no longer streamlined and smooth. Zhao studied it for a moment, and one of his thick eyebrows rose. He slowly said, "That's quite a bit of damage."

"Yes," Zuko said, and he raised his hand with his finger pointed, "You wouldn't believe what happened. Uncle, tell Commander Zhao what happened!"

He nudged Iroh, who blinked rapidly and smoothly said, "I was asleep when the damage occurred, but Kazuya would be more than pleased to explain."