The Fire Prodigy {ATLA}

{10}: The North Pole

It wouldn't be until after quite sometime that we would meet with the Avatar and his friends again. And it would take us to the other side of the world, literally.

"Winter, spring... Summer, and fall... Winter, spring... Summer, and fall... Four seasons... four loves... Four seasons... for love."

"Lovely song, General," I said hoping he would stop torturing us. But before I could say anything else, we were surprised to see Commander Zhao--sorry, Admiral Zhao--and his men walking onto our deck like they owned the place.

"How fortunate to find you here. I was wondering if you could give me the honor of having an audience with your leader," Zhao said with his usual annoying smirk.

Iroh cleared his throat. "Admiral Zhao, what a pleasant surprise. Congratulations on the promotion, by the way."

"Thank you. Now, I hate to only focus on business, but..."

"Right. Lady Hana can take you to Prince Zuko's chamber," Iroh offered, making me widen my eyes.

"I could?"

"Yes, you could," Iroh insisted, giving me a warning look.

I took a deep breath, before forcing a smile and gesturing towards Zhao for him to follow me. "Please come with me, Admiral."

I guided him through the ship's interior, until we got to Zuko's room. I knocked once before opening the door, knowing well Zhao would be right behind me.

"Zuko?"

"For the last time, tell Uncle I'm not playing the tsungi horn!"

"It's not about that. We have a visitor," I said, as Zhao pushed me aside and entered forcefully.

"I'm taking your crew," he declared, making Zuko tense in surprise.

"What?!"

"I've recruited them for a little expedition to the North Pole," Zhao added.

"He's taking everyone, including Hana," Iroh said, joining us for the first time.

"Sorry you won't be there to watch me capture the Avatar. But I can't have you getting in my way again. Oh, and don't worry. I'll put your servant here to good use."

I had to give it to Zhao. He had an undeniable talent to upset Zuko with just a few words. Zuko tried to lunge himself at him, but Iroh and I held him back. The last thing we needed was another Agni Kai.

Zhao walked up to a pair of swords on the wall. He took one off the wall and began practicing some swings with it. Zuko's terrified face told me he knew something Iroh and I didn't.

"I didn't know you were skilled with broadswords, Prince Zuko," Zhao muttered.

"I'm not. They're antiques. Just decorative," Zuko retorted.

"Have you heard of the Blue Spirit, General Iroh?" Zhao asked.

I had. According to the rumors, someone had helped the Avatar escape from the Fire Nation's control not that long ago. Some people believed that to have been a Spirit, others believed it to be a vigilante.

"Just rumors. I don't think he is real," Iroh answered, warily.

"He's real, all right. He's a criminal, and an enemy of the Fire Nation. But I have a feeling justice will catch up with him soon.General Iroh, the offer to join my mission still stands... if you change your mind," Zhao said, as he began making his exit. He turned to me authoritatively. "Servant girl. Follow me."

Zuko tensed beside me, but I put my hand on his arm to reassure him. "I have a job to do."

I then followed Zhao out, knowing fully well that Iroh and Zuko wouldn't leave things at that.