The Fire Prodigy {ATLA}

{7}: Pirates

Zuko and I were going at it on deck. This time, I was doing a lot better at shielding myself from his attacks, and he had a more difficult time avoiding mine. As colorful and appealing as the spectacle looked to others, the true beauty of the duel was felt by the fighters, as we were the only ones truly aware of the certain rhythm necessary to continue the display.

However, as I as about to shoot another blast, I stumbled and missed. I quickly realized that it hadn't been my fault, as the ship had been steered quite harshly all of a sudden. Zuko narrowed his eyes at the tower.

"Someone's changing our course."

We hurried towards the control room of the ship as fast as we could.

"What is the meaning of this mutiny? No one told you to change course!" Zuko began yelling at the captain.

"Actually, someone did. I assure you, it is a matter of utmost importance, Prince Zuko," Iroh said from his tea table.

"Is it something to do with the Avatar?"

"Even more urgent. It seems, I--I have lost my lotus tile," Iroh said, referring to his Pai Sho board.

"Lotus tile?" Zuko and I asked in unison, very confused.

"For my Pai Sho game. Most people think the lotus tile insignificant, but it is essential for the unusual strategy that I employ."

"You've changed our course for a stupid lotus tile?" Zuko asked bitterly.

"See, you, like most people, underestimate it's value. Just give me ten minutes to check the merchants at this port of call. Hopefully, they will have the lotus tile in stock and I can get on with my life," Iroh said, as Zuko let out a scream with a fire breath. "I'm lucky to have such an understanding nephew."

"Uh... I suppose we could use some more supplies for the crew," I suggested, trying to ease his anger, to no avail.

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"I've checked all the shops on this pier. Not a lotus tile in the entire marketplace," Iroh said, after we'd spent a couple of hours walking around the market.

"Are you sure you don't want another tile? Maybe a rose or a jasmine tile."

"No, no. I need a lotus tile," Iroh said, shaking his head.

"It's good to know this trip was a complete waste of time for everyone!" Zuko retorted angrily.

"Well, it's wasn't a complete waste of time. I got some cabbages for some stew. Imported from Omashu."

"Very true. As I always say, the only thing better than finding something you are looking for is finding something you weren't looking for at a great bargain!" Iroh said, as the crew continued to bring all his other newly acquired items.

"You bought a tsungi horn?" Zuko frowned.

"For music night on the ship. Now, if we only had some woodwinds. Oh, this place looks promising!" Iroh said, as we followed him into what was very evidently a pirate ship. They had all sorts of strange treasures, most of it probably stolen from somewhere else.

"I don't like the look of this place one bit," I said, noticing the pirates eyeing us suspiciously.

Zuko sighed. "I know. But try telling my uncle that."

"Oh, that is handsome! Wouldn't it look magnificent in the galley?"

"We lost the Water Tribe girl and the little bald monk she was traveling with," some of the pirates said beside us.