An Anchor In The Storm

Chapter 3

After some time in the sick bay, Kai was able to return to light duties. "Ugh, I hate being on light duties. It's so boring." Kai complained to Zuko while he wrote out the damages done to the ship.

"You did it to yourself. You didn't have to catch me like that." Kai gave him a look that said are you serious. "Okay, okay. I won't say it anymore. Anyway, we are docking for repairs shortly, I want you to come with uncle and I."

"What? Do you just want my company?" Kai chuckled, dodging a crumpled up paper Zuko threw at him.

Once docked Zuko, Iroh and Kai disembarked. The Fire Nation navel yard was was lively but not crowded. Zuko turned toward the ship. "I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail."

Iroh tilted his head, "you mean the Avatar?" He inquired.

Turning angrily to his uncle, Zuko snapped, "don't mention his name on these docks! Once word gets out that he is alive every firebender will be out looking for him, and I don't want anyone getting in the way."

Kai cringed when he heard a familiar voice behind him. "Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?"

They all turned to face the man speaking. "Captain Zhao," Zuko greeted, unable to hide his distaste.

Zhao smirked, "it's Commander now. And General Iroh, great hero of our nation." He bowed respectfully to Iroh.

Iroh chuckled. "Retired General," he corrected.

Zhao nodded, "the Fire Lord's brother and son are welcomed guests anytime. What brings you to my harbor?"

"Our ship is being repaired." Iroh answered, gesturing to the heavily damaged bow.

"That's quiet a bit of damage," he commented.

Zuko stiffened, "yes... you wouldn't believe what happened." He gave a quick sideways glance to Iroh. "Uncle! Tell Commander Zhao what happened!"

Iroh's eyes went wide, then he blinked silently cursing Zuko. "Yes I will do that. It was incredible." He leaned over and whispered to Zuko. "What... did we crash or something?"

Zuko jumped in uncomfortably, "uh yes! Right into an Earth Kingdom ship." It took all of his will power for Kai to not roll his eyes and facepalm at his friend's terrible lie.

"Really? You must regale me with all the thrilling details." Zhao smiled and got in Zuko's face, in an obvious challenge. "Join me for a drink?"

Zuko quickly tried to refuse, "sorry but we have to go." He turned to leave.

Iroh placed a hand on his shoulder before he could get too far, "Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect." He turned back to Zhao. "We would be honored to join you. Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favorite."

Zuko growled in frustration, releasing sparks from his fists. Kai laid a comforting hand on his shoulder, "come on Zuko, let's just get through this." Zuko looked at him sighed, then nodded. The two teens followed Iroh and Zhao along the dock.

"Why does he have to be so annoying?" Zuko whispered to Kai as they walked along.

"Well he has to make up for his lacking in every other aspect of his personality." Kai chuckled looking over to Zuko. Seeing his friend smirking meant that he was successful at lightening his mood.

Listening to Zhao drone on and on felt like an eternity. "And by years end, the Earth Kingdon capital will be under our rule." Zhao boasted while examining a large map. He turned to look at Zuko, who was seated in one of two chairs. "The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war."