The Banished Commander (ATLA fanfiction)

Seven

Zuko's P.O.V.

"I understand why capturing the boy is so important as he is the Avatar." Colonel Shinu says "But why the girl?"

"Traitor Jian's daughter?" Zhao asks

"Yes. Why are you so bent on getting her?" He asks "Shouldn't we leave at least one fugitive that Ozai wants for the Prince to capture?"

"I have a motive for everything I do. But that girl, in particular, I have three motives for her capture." Zhao says

I feel my grip on the swords tighten.

'Careful with your next few words Zhao.' I think in my head

"The first reason is to get back at her father." Zhao starts "Everybody thinks he's dead. But only I know the truth. Yes, I tried to kill him for betraying the Nation, but he survived the attack. All thanks to the protection of that mark he has."

"The mark?" Shinu asks

"The second reason I want to be the one who brings her to the Fire Lord." Zhao starts "The main reason why my sister originally abandoned her was that she had the Mark of the Dragon."

"Mark of the Dragon?" Shinu says

"It's rumored that the firebenders That are born with the Mark of the Dragon are more powerful than the Fire Lord himself. They're the strongest firebenders known to man other than the Avatar." He says "Many have been known to fight alongside us, others have been killed for the marking. There have been a few to fight alongside the Avatar. Whoever had the Mark is protected from fire at all costs. They can only be harmed by the fire from the Avatar themselves."

"That's why Ling wasn't harmed in the explosion?" Shinu asks

"Exactly why he wasn't harmed. Same goes to as of why her father isn't dead." Zhao says

"Admiral, If you don't mind me asking, but what was the third motive?" Shinu asks

"I want to bring her in to break the Prince." Zhao says "Everybody knows that he still has major feelings for her and won't harm her. Won't even bring her in."

I start to head off of the roof, after hearing his plans to capture Zara, I couldn't stay any longer. I needed to be prepared to get her out of his hands if Ling doesn't try to.

Zara's P.O.V.

"Aang, run!" I yell, burning the sticks of the arrows, freeing him

He looks back at me and I wink, motion at him to just run.

"I'll be fine I promise. Just get the frogs to the other two." I yell

I feel people grab my arms and pin them behind my back.

"Alright bring me to Zhao and my brother," I say

-~-

I lift my head as I hear two sets of footsteps. I flip hair out of my eye, spitting out blood.

"So that was a very nice welcoming last night." I joke

"Glad you liked it. I planned it out all by myself." Zhao says