The Eternal Flame (ATLA)

Chapter 5: Old Friends and Rising Tides

The morning sun hovered over Ketu Harbor. Kira stood on the edge of a balcony, overlooking the area. She was staying at one of the many naval bases that the Fire Nation owned, this particular one, one of her least favorites to be on. It wasn't really the atmosphere. She rather liked the sea, and the cool winds that came from it. It was more so the people... or rather the person that ran it.

"See anything unusual lately, Lieutenant Kira?" Said a voice behind her. She grimaced before resuming a blank expression, turning around to face the man.

"Not at all, Commander Zhao. Everything on this side of the harbor seems fine. Did you need me for anything?"

"Have you prepared to set sail soon?"

Kira sighed, turning around. To face Commander Zhao.

He was one of the most insufferable individuals Kira had encountered in her time as the Fire Lord's servant. He was haughty, looked down at her both physically and mentally, and not to mention, had a thirst for power that even Ozai couldn't express.

"My crew is finishing up packing and refueling. We should leave in about an hour, why?"

Zhao glanced at the woman standing next to Kira.

"Where is your second in command?"

"Lee is with the rest of my crew."

"Oh? Not keeping his boss company?"

"Lee is second in command." Kira replied, "Should I not be able to assist my men, Lee is to take charge. Poko keeps me company." Kira gestured to Poko; the only female soldier that Kira had brought into her entourage. Poko gave a curt nod to Zhao who curled his lip in annoyance.

It had been just a little over a week since Kira had the unfortunate circumstance of landing on this particular harbor. Kira hadn't meant to land upon Zhao's harbor. Her and her crew had a job to do, having been assigned a case near the town that Ketu Harbor neighbored. But as her and her crew docked, she was greeted by Zhao and a few of his men, like some unwanted greeting party.

"What brings such a little girl like you here to my harbor?" Zhao had asked.

Kira provided him papers; a scrolled up report with the Fire Lord's seal, and her own credentials. Zhao looked her up and down with raised eyebrows before reluctantly letting them officially land. But that itself came with an obligatory meal with Zhao, including a conversation that led to Zhao throwing down his napkin and challenging her to an Agni Kai.

The fight went quickly. It resulted in Zhao landing on his backside and Kira standing a few feet away from him with a fist of white fire. No one was allowed to talk about his defeat. But Kira knew rumors would still spread.

"I assume you've come to bother me about something," Kira said, deciding to change the subject, "Unless you're that impatient for me to leave?"

"I actually thought you'd find this interesting," Zhao said, "We've had a special visitor come in from the South Pole. Interrogation has been difficult. I was wondering if you could speak to the crew for me and gather more intel."

Kira pressed her lips together. In terms of rank, Zhao still outranked her. It would go smoother if she complied. Kira nodded, following Zhao down to the docks. When they arrived, Kira's eyes traced over an incredibly damaged ship. The metal was smashed, broken by what seemed to be a large piece of ice.