Under the Cherry Blossom ↠ Zuko x OC ✔️

03 | Commander Zhao

Iroh and Arlington sit in the control room while Zuko gives commands to the captain. The General is teaching Arlington how to play Pai Sho.

"Interesting move." Iroh casually strokes his grey bread.
"To be completely honest, I have no idea what I'm doing." Iroh heartily laughs at Arlington's comment. He thinks for a while longer, then moves a piece.
"Looks like I win!" He gloats. An annoyed Arlington sticks her tongue out at Iroh.

The ship slows down and docks in a harbor. Arlington looks out the porthole and sees several Fire Nation ships lined up next to each other. The only difference is that, Zuko's ship is much smaller.

"Let's go, Uncle. We need to have the ship repaired." Zuko says looking out into the harbor. Iroh nods and gestures for Arlington to come along.

While the walking down the walkway, Zuko stares from the corner of his golden eyes at the girl wearing all black and torn clothing. A part of him thinks she pities him and that's why she's chosen to help. Another part believes she's just nice. And the last part is slightly grateful she's here. Another helping hand is nice.

Continuing glancing at Arlington every now and then, Zuko speaks up. "Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail."
"You mean the Avatar?" Iroh says a little to loudly. Arlington shoots him a glare.

Zuko turns around sharply to face his uncle. "Don't mention his name on these docks! 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!"

Arlington notices a man with big, bushy sideburns walking towards the trio.
"Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?" The man asks, his eyes flashing towards Arlington. 'He hasn't even been here for a minute and he's already creeping me out.'

"Captain Zhao." The disdain in Zuko's voice is obvious.
Zhao smirks. "It's commander now." He bows in Iroh's direction, "And General Iroh. Great hero of our nation."
Bowing back, Iroh replies, "Retired general."

"And who is this?" Zhao gestures to Arlington. Zuko stiffens slightly.
"Is this your girlfriend, Prince Zuko?"
Arlington pipes up, pulling off a fake, pleasant greeting, "I'm Arlington, Commander. I'm just traveling with General Iroh and Prince Zuko. "

Zhao smiles and kisses her hand and looks her up and down. Arlington moves ever so slightly to stand behind Iroh.
"That's an interesting name."
"My parents wanted me to have a unique name." Arlington lies. Zhao doesn't looks too convinced, but he reluctantly changes the subject.

"The beautiful Arlington and Fire Lord's brother and son are welcome guests anytime. What brings you to my harbor?"
Iroh gestures toward the severely damaged ship, "Our ship is being repaired."
That's quite a bit of damage."
"Yes! You wouldn't believe what happened." Zuko says a little too quickly. He glances at Iroh, "Uncle! Tell Commander Zhao what happened."

Iroh's eyes look as if they're about to pop out of his head. "Yes. I will do that. It was incredible!" He asks Zuko from the corner of his mouth, "What? Did we crash or something?" Arlington mentally facepalms. 'We are so screwed.'
"Yes! Right into ... an Earth Kingdom ship!" Arlington joins in. Zuko's nervous look soon turns into a look of relief.

Zhao gapes in disbelief. "Really? You must regale me with all of the thrilling details. Join me for a drink?"
"Sorry, but we have to go." Zuko motions for Iroh and Arlington to follow.

Zhao smiles evilly at him as he starts to walk away, but after a few steps, Iroh place his hand on his shoulder to hold him back.
"Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect. We would be honored to join you. Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favorite."
Iroh and Zhao walk off. Zuko grunts in anger upon hearing Iroh's tea comment and follows them, with Arlington walking close to him.