Hot Leaf Juice

Chapter three: The Southern Air Temple

zora

"Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail" Zuko stated as my uncle Zuko and I descended from the ship. This port was covered in fire nation ships. much bigger than ours, I can't say I was too comfortable stepping off but staying on the boat didn't sound too appealing either.

"You mean the avatar" uncle replied boredly. Zuko whipped around to face uncle and said quite rushed

"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."

" you know you aren't being that discrete right?" I said rolling my eyes and of course right after I said Zhao arrived.

"Prince Zuko" speak of the devil and he shall appear.

" captain Zhao" Zuko replied with disdain. Seems we both hate that guy.

"its commander now" news flash no one cares I thought wishing I was anywhere but here." and General Iroh, great hero of our nation." I'm here to let you know! I let out a huff while rolling my eyes. before realizing my mistake and hoping he didn't notice.

"retired general" uncle Iroh replied while bowing. Why did he bow? Zhao certainly doesn't deserve it. maybe he's changed though? could I be being too harsh?

" the fire lord's brother and son are welcome guests anytime" HELLO I'm right here! "what brings you to my harbor?"

"our ship is being repaired" uncle stated pointing to our heavily damaged ship.

"that's quite a bit of damage"

"yes, you wouldn't believe what happened. uncle, tell commander Zhao what happened" Zuko exclaimed. I giggled lightly as uncle's eyes widened as he looked back and forth from Zuko and Zhao before looking at me

"but zora tells the story better," Iroh remarked looking straight at me.

"Why are you bringing me into this? He didn't even notice I was here" I said finally being noticed by the other man standing there. I know I'm short but I'm not invisible." uncle you should tell him, I was sleeping when it happened anyway so I just heard offhand what happened" I lied smoothly smirking at uncle.

"fine. It was incredible!" uncle paused and leaned over towards Zuko. "What did we crash or something?" Iroh muttered.

"yes right into an earth kingdom ship" Zuko answered

"really? you must regale me with all the thrilling details, join me for a drink" Zhao says threateningly towards Zuko's face. I cringed back slightly and leaned closer to my uncle. Zuko took one glance at me from the corner of his eye before turning and saying

"Sorry but we have to go" uncle reached out for him

"Prince Zuko, show commander Zhao your respect" with that comment he faced towards Zhao and I moved away from him to Zuko's side. I wasn't comfortable around Zhao at all and if uncle was going to entertain him then I'd move to Zuko. Zuko grabbed my arm lightly; pulling me towards his side, noticing my discomfort immediately. " Zuko looked down, closing his eyes slightly and standing back up as Uncle said, "we would be honored to join you, do you have any jin sang tea?" Iroh asked while walking in the direction Zhao wanted him to go in. Zuko and I still faced the other direction Zuko watching Zhao closely. "it's my favorite" Zhao walked away with Iroh as Zuko let go of my wrist and clenched his hands in anger letting out a noise of frustration. I moved to the side slightly as he threw some firebending backward and I grabbed his arm as he started to walk in their direction.