Unusual Cargo

NOTE: The prompt was perfect for an idea I had about a firebender joining Arslan's group.

It's usually a sign of how much I love a new fandom when I start doing a crossover with Avatar and adding an original firebender character. Those who've read my other story "Leminkaiya" and its sequels will know what I mean. But this new character, though with a similar background to the protagonist of the aforementioned story, is a different person and should I choose to pursue this story (no promises though), more will be revealed about her.

But I don't really have the time so I'm satisfied with just posting a few chapters and pretty excited too. I wanted to keep it a one-shot but I was pressed for time and didn't want it to be too rushed. So I'm planning only a chapter or two after this, to wrap up the story.

And I have to mention that I don't plan on shipping this character with anyone in Arslan's group.

Hope it doesn't seem too weird. Enjoy and please let me know what you think!

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"Open it," the prince said sternly.

"But, your Highness," the pirate protested, "It's too dangerous."

"Open it, now," Arslan repeated in a tone of finality.

Reluctantly, the pirate complied.

Arslan and his group had recently overthrown the pirates who had been plaguing the port city of Gilan. As Daryun, Jaswant, and Farangis had finished attacking one ship, they had noticed that a suspicious piece of cargo was being hastily discarded. It was a large, metal box with small, barred windows, almost like a cage. And when the pirates saw that they were defeated, they seemed determined to get rid of this item.

Farangis had noticed this first and had called Daryun's attention. As the metal box was being tossed overboard, they both heard a soft cry from within, and they immediately knew that there was someone inside. They were too late to prevent the box from falling but Daryun and Jaswant dived into the water immediately and brought the box to the shore.

Farangis had described the situation to the prince and Arslan had ordered the box to be opened. He noticed the scared and hesitant looks exchanged among the pirates and he was aware that there was a risk that the creature inside it could be dangerous. But he greatly disliked the idea of someone being held prisoner in such dismal conditions so he was determined to set the captive free.

With trembling hands the pirate, inserted the key into the lock of the metal box. The door swung open and the pirate jumped back, determined to put as much distance as he could from whatever was in the box. His companions likewise moved away, something that put Daryun and the others on their guard. They held their weapons at the ready just in case the captive did prove as dangerous as the captors seemed to believe.

The figure who emerged was not what Arslan had expected. A thin, dark-haired woman fell out of the box, drenched completely and coughing profusely. She was in a miserable state, emaciated, her eyes sunken, and seemingly too weak to even stand.

The prince was immediately moved by the sight, and ignoring all warnings from the others, he ran to the stranger and helped support her. She pulled away defensively from him but she was too weak to get far so she practically collapsed and allowed the prince to hold her.

"What is the meaning of this?" Arslan cried angrily, addressing the still nervous pirates. "How could you have treated someone so cruelly?"

The pirates quavered under the glare of not just the prince himself but also of his companions. But they also threw hesitant glances at the crumpled figure Arlsan cradled in his arms, who Farangis had also approached to help him support. Narsus observed that it was unclear if the pirates were more afraid of the prince's wrath or of whatever threat the prisoner still posed to them.

"But, your Highness," one of the pirates managed to speak, "She's not human. She's…a monster."

Before Arslan could reply, the stranger stirred in his arms.

"It's true," she whispered weakly, "They should fear me."

But as soon as she spoke those words, the dark-haired girl fell unconscious.