[Earth on Fire] Zuko x OC

Chapter 4: The Waterbending Scroll

I was playing Pai Sho with Iroh in the steering room when it happened. I had actually gotten quite good at Pai Sho. Although I could definitely not beat Iroh (but, really, who could?), I had beaten almost every other crew member. Except Zuko, who seemed to have an anathema for the game and refused to play.

I glanced out the window as Iroh contemplated his next move, watching Zuko spar with a crew member. He shot fire blast after blast, his strong arms twisting and jabbing as he almost danced around his opponent. Then, Iroh let out a panicked gasp, and I tore my eyes away.

"What? What's wrong? Did you see another Fire Nation ship?" I asked quickly, looking around.

"No, much worse!" Iroh cried. "I am missing my white lotus tile!"

A beat of silence, and then I slumped forward slightly, both relieved and a little annoyed.

"The white lotus tile is incredibly important," Iroh said somewhat defensively.

"Oh, trust me, I know very well the importance of the white lotus," I assured him.

"Captain, change our course for the nearest town! I must find another white lotus tile as soon as possible!" Iroh ordered. The captain nodded, looking somewhat perplexed, and turned a hard right. I let out a cry as I slid against the window, and I could see through it that Zuko had fallen onto the deck as well.

"Uh oh, Prince Zuko's not happy," I warned Iroh. Sure enough, a few minutes later, Zuko came storming into the room.

"What's the meaning of this mutiny?" he cried, striding up to the captain. "No one told you to change course!"

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

"Is it something to do with the Avatar?" Zuko asked hopefully. I looked down to hide my smirk. This would be good.

"It is even more urgent," Iroh continued gravely. "It seems I have lost my lotus tile."

"Lotus tile?" Zuko questioned.

"For my Pai Sho game," Iroh explained. "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 repeated, looking incredulous.

"See, you, like most people, underestimate its value," Iroh said. "Just give me ten minutes to check the merchants at this port of call. Hopefully, they'll have the lotus tile in stock and I can get on with my life."

"Yeah, I think I need a few things too," I added, smirking hugely. "I could really do with a few new hair ribbons." Zuko stared at us both for a second and breathed deeply, before expelling fire though his mouth and storming off.

"I'm lucky to have such an understanding nephew," Iroh grinned and I giggled. "Although you really should stop baiting him, Princess Kioni. He gets riled up enough already."

"There's nothing else to do on this ship," I defended myself. "Plus, it's fun messing with him."

"Just make sure one day you don't go too far," Iroh sighed. "My nephew has a lot of loose nerves; it would not be hard to strike a delicate one."

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"You have to let me go!" I cried indignantly as Zuko tried to stop me from leaving the ship. "It's been weeks since I've set foot off this ship; I'm going insane!"

"Oh, Zuko, let her come," Iroh said. "We'll both be there, and I'll keep an eye on her." Zuko looked between the two of us and sighed, resigned.