ATLA: Book One: Water |Makki|

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten: The Promise

Makki |~|

It was music night again on the ship and the Lieutenant began to play a soft, beautiful tune on his stringed instrument. Drums accompanied him and Iroh started to sing. I would play an instrument but there's none here that I know how to play, so I just sat by the fire on the deck with the rest of the musical crew and hummed along to the song.

"Winter, spring, summer, and fall. Winter, spring, summer, and fall. Four seasons, four loves. Four seasons, for love..."

The music stopped abruptly when all of us noticed the footsteps behind us. We all turned to be greeted by Admiral Zhao and a pair of his soldiers; he smirked as us.

"It's good to see you, again, Admiral Zhao," Iroh greeted. "What brings you to our ship?"

"I'm here for Prince Zuko's crew," Adrimal Zhao stated bluntly. "The information we've collected is very confident that the Avatar is in the North Pole and I'm going to need all the help I can get, so I'm here for his crew."

"Everyone? Even our cook?" Iroh asked.

"Even the cook."

Iroh frowned.

"But, General Iroh, I would be pleased if you would join me," Zhao smiled. "I'll make you one of my Generals and you can be by my side when I capture the Avatar."

"Hmm, I'm sorry to turn down your offer Zhao, but I do not think you'll be needing me," Iroh brushed his beard.

"All right," Admiral Zhao frowned. "Now, take me to Prince Zuko."

Iroh nodded before heading off to Prince Zuko's chamber. I followed after him since I didn't want to be away from Iroh at the moment, and Admiral Zhao followed right behind us.

"For the last time, I'm not playing the tsungi horn," Prince Zuko snapped when Iroh opened his door.

"No, it's about our plans," said Iroh. "There is a bit of a problem."

The three of us entered Prince Zuko's chamber and Admiral Zhao wasted no time.

"I'm taking your crew," he told Prince Zuko.

"What?!"

"I've recruited them for a little expedition to the North Pole," Zhao explained.

"Uncle, is that true?" Prince Zuko asked.

"I'm afraid so. He's taking everyone..." Iroh started to cry. "Even the cook."

"Sorry you won't be there to watch me capture the Avatar, but I can't have you getting in my way again," Admiral Zhao scowled.

In anger, Prince Zuko went to attack Zhao but I held him back. Ignoring Prince Zuko, Admiral Zhao walked up to a pair of swords hanging on the wall. He paused before picking one up and turning to Prince Zuko.

"I didn't know you were skilled with broadswords, Prince Zuko," said Zhao.

"I'm not. They're antiques, just decorative."

"Have you heard of the Blue Spirit, General Iroh?" Zhao asked.

"Just rumors," answered Iroh. "I don't think he is real."

"He's real, all right," Admiral Zhao walked up to us. "He's a criminal and an enemy of the Fire Nation. But I have a feeling justice will catch up to him soon. General Iroh, my offer to join my mission still stands if you change your mind."

After handing the broadsword to Iroh, Admiral Zhao simply walked out without even giving one last glance.

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