Disclaimer: I Do Not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, I only own The Hooded Figure/Fire-Eater
This one may appear a little jumpy but I didn't feel the need to put in sections that would be the same as what happened in the actual show. So here you are! The first real chapter. Thanks to exorcist sora walker and paige g for your reviews, and to those who read and came back for more. Thank you very much, I hope you like this chapter as well. Enjoy!
Chapter 1
~Zhao POV~
I sat at my desk reading reports on the mysterious hooded figure, lately being called "Fire Eater" by the Earth Kingdom peasants. The unknown person appeared out of nowhere killed many soldier, wounding more, removed the very base of the soldiers camp; but worse than that – the soldiers left over can't return to their assigned village. Something was stopping them from returning or even attacking the town—like a force field was put up.
"How is that even possible?" I asked myself out loud. Whoever this person was, I didn't him.
"Commander Zhao!" a soldier interrupted my meditation
"This had better be good." I warned
"Prince Zuko and General Iroh just made dock. Captain said I should inform you."
"Why is he here?"
"I don't know sir. From the look of his ship I would say for repairs, Sir."
A damaged ship? Curious. The banished prince send on a wild goose chase for the avatar might have something interesting to say. I couldn't help but smirk. "I should greet him; maybe he has some fascinating story to tell."
~Zuko POV~
Uncle and I made it back to our newly repaired ship and immediately set sail. I could stop thinking about what Zhao said.
"Uncle?"
"Yes, prince Zuko?"
I tried to think of how to phrase the question. "Commander Zhao said something about reports. Reports that were three weeks out." I turned to look at uncle "But the avatar didn't wake until last week."
Uncle stoked his chin in deep thought "Yes, he did… perhaps Commander Zhao is chasing the wrong avatar."
I looked back out at the sea with new hope "All the better for me."
~Ozai POV~
"Fire Lord, news from Commander Zhao." My right lieutenant reported
"Give it to me" I ordered and grabbed it out of his hand.
Fire Lord Ozai, I have read several of the reports on the mysterious 'hooded figure' some peasants have come to call the 'Fire-Eater'. I also got an unexpected visit from a certain banished prince who informed me of his own encounter. I have reached a conclusion that the 'Fire-Eater' is the Avatar that has disappeared a hundred years ago. Please rest assured that I am putting every ounce of my resources into capturing the Avatar. I will send you more updates as they occur.
Commander Zhao
"We will see how you do Zhao; perhaps a promotion is due in your future." I said out loud
"Fire Lord!" Another soldier came running into my room "Fire Lord!" He repeated breathless
"What is it?" I shouted at the soldier
"News from the temple. The Avatar has returned."
"So I hear." I replied then turned to my lieutenant "Prepare a few extra troops for Commander Zhao." He nodded and left. I gave my attention to the heavens "This will be fun."
~Jei POV~
After three long weeks I finally caught up. "Wait!" I cried to the hooded figure. "Please wait!" The person stopped and turned around. "I…. Want….. Training…. Please….." I asked between breathes.
"Did you follow me all the way from the first village?" A feminine voice asked.
"…. Yes…" I answered.
"Just for training?"
"Yes, please." I put my hands together and bowed "I won't disappoint you."
"I highly doubt there is anyone in this world that won't disappoint me." She responded. "I don't babysit."
"Please, I beg you! I want to know how to fight!"
"Then ask your dad."
"He's dead."
"Then ask your mom."
"She's dead."
"Ask your brother."
"I don't have a brother or a sister."
"Ask a neighbor." She said annoyed
"All the ones who can fighters are off at war."
"And you want to be shift off to participate, is that it?"
"I want to protect the only thing I have left."
"How is your being here protect the girl?"
"For training, of course."
She threw her head back to stare, glower, at the sky revealing a golden tan face with reddish-brown hair and oddly colored green eyes. "Why me?" she whispered like the sky had all the answers.
"Please," I begged again. "Let me be the one to disappoint you."
Her lips turned up slightly at my comment. "Cute," she looked me straight in the eye "But I'm still not convinced."
"Then give me time to convince you."
She pinched a patch of skin between her closed eyes but stayed silent. I remained quiet in fear more begging would encourage her to turn me down.
"You're not going to let this go, are you?"
"No." I said attempting to be firm
She looked me in the eyes again, releasing her upper nose, very seriously said. "You have three days; if I am still not convinced I'll kill you myself. Understood?"
I nodded unsure of my voice not giving away my fear.
"Speak! I will not take a head shake as an answer." She ordered.
"Y-yes!" my voice cracked. Her eyes narrowed at me suspiciously.
"Yes." I said again still sounding afraid.
She stared me in the eyes, hers colder than ice and harder than rock. I stared back struggling to suppress all urges to fidget or run.
"Three days starting right now." She finally spoke.
To Be Continued…
Well, this is interesting. A potential apprenticeship for the loner. I wonder if this relationship will make the next chapter. Hmm… Curiouser and curiouser. Anyways, I hope you liked it reading it as much as I liked writing it. Any questions, comments, or even criticism just click the review button belllooooowww
II
II
II
II
V