The Fire Prodigy {ATLA}

{3}: Commander Zhao

"I want the repairs made as quickly as possible," Zuko said, as we walked onto Ketu Harbor. "I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail."

"You mean the Avatar?" Iroh asked with obvious disinterest.

"Careful, General. It may not be a good idea to mention that name around these docks."

"Hana is right. 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!" Zuko declared firmly.

"Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?"

I could recognize that annoying voice anywhere. He'd been there my entire life to make sure that the Royal Family never officially considered me one of their own, and ready to poison everyone around him into believing his lies.

"Captain Zhao," Zuko said through narrowed eyes.

"It's commander now. And General Iroh. Great hero of our nation."

"Retired General," Iroh corrected with evident distrust.

"I see you still bring with you the same peasant performer girl. I suppose you may need entertainment during your journeys," Zhao said, eyeing me with disdain.

I wasn't surprised by his comments. Most of the Royal Family's inner circle thought of me as just the Royal jester. For my first few years, I had to use my colorful firebending to entertain the court, in order to have somewhere to live. Iroh took me under his wing as his pupil, but most people saw me as a measly servant of the Royal Family. Zhao was one of them.

"Commander Zhao, it is an honor to see you again, too," I said, forcing myself to bow to him respectfully.

"Lady Hana has been an integral part of our endeavors, yes," Iroh said, discretely sticking up for me.

"The Fire Lord's brother and son are welcome guests anytime. What brings you to my harbor?" Zhao asked, probably wanting to get straight to it.

"Our ship is being repaired," Iroh answered.

"That's quite a bit of damage," Zhao said, as he eyed our very, very damaged ship beside us.

"Yes. You wouldn't believe what happened," Zuko said, before widening his eyes when he realized we hadn't prepared a story. "Uncle! Tell Commander Zhao what happened."

Iroh seemed just as surprised. "Yes, I will do that. It was incredible! Did we crash... or something?"

I knew that these two would only get us into trouble, so I had to step in. "Oh, yes! Right into an Earth Kingdom ship! We were trying to cross a forming blockade... It was quite something. Fortunately, most of our crew was left unharmed."

"That is fortunate. You must regale me with all of the thrilling details.  Join me for a drink? Perhaps a show from your performer here?" Zhao suggested with a sneaky grin. I knew he was up to something; I just had no idea what.

"I'd be honored, my lord," I said, bowing down once again.

"Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favorite," Iroh asked.

🔥🔥🔥

It was easy to perform. I know it was seen as an inferior use of firebending, but I much preferred it to fighting. When using fire in a performative way, no one was getting hurt by my actions. I was able to explore my power in colorful, amusing ways and bring joy to others in the process. It was actually the way Zuko and I became friends when we were little. He used to be the nicest person in the audience after each of my performances, always complimenting my routines.