A few days after the south pole incident with the avatar, Zuko's ship was now docked in a Fire Nation naval yard. It was much smaller than the other Fire Nation ships. The prow of the ship has opened, its spout lying on the shore of the yard. I stood waiting on the prow for Zuko and Uncle who hadn't diembarched yet. They soon joined me and we walked togather into the yard.

"Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail."Zuko said, as I walked beside him.

"You mean the Avatar?" Uncle answered Zuko turned to Uncle angrily.

"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." He told him.

"Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?" A man asked and I reignized who it was.

As Zuko and Uncle turned around to address the question, they both had somewhat surprised expressions, myself had a sick look.

"Captain Zhao." Zuko said with distaste.
"It's Commander now. And General Iroh" He bowed."Great hero of our nation."
"Retired general."Uncle added. Then Zhao turned to me.

"And the young High Priestess Mariah." He took my hand and kissed it. "You've grown into a fine and beautiful woman."

"Commander, your to kind." I said wanting to throw up.

"The Fire Lord's brother, his son, and the lovely High Priestess are welcome guests any time. What brings you to my harbor?
"Our ship is being repaired." Uncle answered and gestures at the heavily damaged bow of Zuko's ship.

"That's quite a bit of damage." Zhao said.

"Yes... you wouldn't believe what happened." I noticed Zuko giving Uncle all the burden of thinking of a story.

"Uncle! Tell Commander Zhao what happened." I held in my laugh from Uncles questioning expression.

"Yes, I will do that. It was incredible. What... did we crash or something? He whispered to Zuko leaning towards him. Then I figured why make up a lie,when I could strech the truth.

"We were traveling in the south pole. Uncle heard me say that I had never seen a penguin and wanted to surpries me. But the ship was caught in a current and slammed in to an iceburg."

"Really? You must regale me with all the thrilling details dear Priestess. Join me for a drink?" Zhao smiled and looked up to Zuko an obvious challenge for my affection. I hated Zhao, but I loved it when Zuko was jealous.

"Sorry, but we have to go." Zuko said putting his arm around me. But as we went to leave, Uncle placed his hand on Zuko's shoulder.

"Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect." Uncle told him.He turned to Zhao. "We would be honored to join you. Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favorite.

Zuko growled in frustration and released me from his grip as fire shot from his fists angrily, but stopped when I put my hand on his calming him down. Leaning against him we turned to follow Zhao and Uncle down the dock

We soon entered in to a stockade made of wood with many tents inside. We followed Zhao to the largest one, with the prominent Fire Nation symbol on it. We entered into the tent and I was given a seat by Zhao, I took it even though I didn't want to. After, Zhao began to inspect the large map of the world upon the wall.

"And by year's end, the Earth Kingdom capital will be under our rule." He said as Uncle inspected a stand of weapons on the left of the room, and as Zuko sat beside me in one of the chairs in front of Zhao. Then Zhao turned to Zuko

"The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war." He said.
"If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly, then he is a fool."Zuko responded. On the outside I was acting proper. The inside I was clapping for what Zuko had said. Then Zhao took his sit near Zuko.

"Two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue." Zhao paused. "So, how is your search for the Avatar going?" That question made me feel sicker.

Just then Uncle tiped over the stand of weapons he had been examining. The commotion brang the conversation to a halt. Uncle cringed at the mess he has just made.

"My fault entirely." Uncle said embarrassedly as he moved away from the mess sheepishly.

"We haven't found him yet." I wanted to punch Zuko for answer Zhao question.

"Did you really expect to? The Avatar died a hundred years ago along with the rest of the airbenders." Zhao replied

I watched Zuko avert his eyes guiltily. But it only turned Zhao's face more eager looking.

"Unless you found some evidence that the Avatar is alive."

"No. Nothing." Zuko answered still looking away as Zhao stood from his chair.

"Prince Zuko, the Avatar is the only one who can stop the Fire Nation from winning this war. If you have an ounce." Zhao began as he leaned his face into Zuko's.

"..of loyalty left, you'll tell me what you've found.

"I haven't found anything."He answered defiantly "It's like you said. The Avatar probably died a long time ago. Come on, Uncle, Mariah, we're going." Zuko and I stood up and tried to exit, but we were blocked by the guards as they cross their spears in front of us, Zuko pulled me closer in a protective manor, as another guard approached Zhao to deliver some kind of report.

"Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew as you instructed. They confirmed Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody, but let him escape.The Priestess was safe in her room at the time." The guard told him.

"Now, remind me... " Zhao began as he approched Zuko and I still blocked by guards.

"...how exactly was your ship damaged?" Zhao asked as Zuko looked down in defeat.

Zuko wasn't at all happy, as Zhao crossed infront of him. I had been separated from Zuko and placed near the door. As a pair of guards stand behind the young prince keeping him away from the door and me.

"So, a twelve-year-old boy bested you and your firebenders? You're more pathetic than I thought." Zhao stated.

"I underestimated him once, but it will not happen again."Zuko answered

"No, it will not, because you won't have a second chance." From what Zhao just said had me worried.

" Commander Zhao, I've been hunting the Avatar for two years and I..." Zhao turned on him angrily, flames erupting from his hand as he sweeps it in an arc from left to right.

"And you failed!" He interrupted. "Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenager's hands. He's mine now." Zuko launched himself at Zhao in frustration and anger, but he was restrained by the two guards standing behind him. I wanted to do something but Zuko eyed me to stay put as Zhao turned to leave.

"Keep them here." In a further act of frustration Zuko kicked over a small table that had been sitting near Uncle. It broke into pieces as Uncle watched the scene calmly. I moved over to Zuko to try and comfert him some what.

"More tea please?" Was the next thing I heard.

Uncle always could make me feel better when I was scared, even make me smille at a time like this.

Zhao finiale returned to the tent after sometime.

"My search party is ready." He stated as Uncle, Zuko, and I sat facing each other.

"Once I'm out to sea, my guards will escort you back to your ship and you'll be free to go." He continued
"Why? Are you worried I'm going to try and stop you?" Zuko said.
"You? Stop me? Impossible." Zhao laughed as Zuko stood in defiance.

"Don't underestimate me, Zhao. I will capture the Avatar before you." Uncle then also stood.

"Prince Zuko, that's enough!"

"You can't compete with me. I have hundreds of warships under my command, and you... you're just a banished prince. No home. No allies. Your own father doesn't even want you."

"You're wrong. Once I deliver the Avatar to my father he will welcome me home with honor and restore my rightful place on the throne."

"If your father really wanted you home, he'd have let you return by now, Avatar or no Avatar, but in his eyes you are a failure and a disgrace to the Fire Nation.

"That's not true."

"Oh but it is. And besides I'll be taking the Priestess with me. I'd rather she not be forced in to lying for such a disgrace anymore."

" I am not a disgrace. And you wont dare take Mariah anywhere!" With a cry of indignation, Zuko launched himself to his feet bringing his face within inches of Zhao's.

"Is that a challenge?"

"An agni kai. At sunset."

"Very well. It's a shame your father won't be here to watch me humiliate you. I guess your Uncle will do. Until later Priestess." Zhao turns and walks back out of the tent.

"Uck!" I shuddered as I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Prince Zuko, have you forgotten what happened last time you dueled a master?" Uncle asked

"I will never forget." Zuko answered

Before I knew it, it was sunset. So beautiful with its mixture of Fire Nation hues of red, orange, and yellow. But that is it would have been even more beautiful if I weren't sitting in a Fire Nation arena, a four-walled structure with four watch towers at each corner. And there inside at each end facing two openings in the wall, Zhao and Zuko kneeled, preparing for battle. Zhao had four of his men in attendance, where Zuko had only Uncle. As for me Zhao had placed me in a formal box.I felt like some kind of award. And I hated it.

"Remember your firebending basics, Prince Zuko. They are your greatest weapons." Uncle told Zuko.

"I refuse to let him win." He replied, standing up. "And hes not getting Mariah."

I watched as Zuko's shoulder wrap fell to the ground ceremoniously, and turned to view Zhao who did the same.
"This will be over quickly. And the Priestess will be mine."

Then the gong sounded. They faced each other and assumed firebending stances. Zuko fired the first shot which passed Zhao's left. He fired again, this time it passed without effect to Zhao's right. Zuko fired several more, the last of which Zhao blocked, satisfaction evident on his face,so much so I wanted to punch him. I returned to watch and could tell that Zuko was frustrated and losing control of his breath, he moved towards Zhao and unleashing more fire from both his hands and feet. Zhao dodged and blocked them all.Then Zhao crouched forward and shot flames at a point on the ground close in front of him.

"Basics, Zuko! Break his root!" I heard Uncle yell.

Zhao fired many volleys of flames, alternating between his fists. Zuko blocked each, I watched as he was slowly forced back. On the last volley Zhao used both hands, knocking Zuko over and sending him skidding backwards in the dirt.

"NO!" If I had yelled out loud in favor of Zuko he would have lost, so I prayed loudly to myself.

Zhao took a flying jump at him. He landed as Zuko tried to get up, but he wasn't fast enough. Zhao fired right at him. But Zuko rolled out of the way just in time. Zuko got up, and sweaped Zhao's feet out from under him. I wanted to yell in happiness.

Zuko landed on his feet, and I could bearly make out a smille on his face.He began advancing towards Zhao, using his feet to produce small waves of flame that rushed toward him. Zhao was caught off balance and wobbled slowly backwards. I clenched onto my gown in an expression of hope, as I tried to keep a straight face. At last Zuko had finally layed Zhao out flat on the ground with a blast of fire. Zuko rushed up to him, preparing to deal the final blow.

"Do it!" Zhao yelled.

And then Zuko released a blast of fire. He stood straight, dropping his fighting stance. He had speared Zhao by hitting the ground. I watched Zhao, clearly very much unharmed, but a little freaked, looking at hole next to him .

"That's it? Your father raised a coward."

"Next time you get in my way, I promise I won't hold back." Zuko told Zhao and turned his back and began walking away.

But then Zhao got up and, with a howl of anger, unleashes a whip of flames at Zuko. I watched it rush towards Zuko's back. I thought the worst, but then the flame was extinguished. Uncle had moved between Zhao and Zuko to stop the dishonorable attack. They remained frozen for a moment before Iroh hurled Zhao back into the dirt with little to no effort. Zuko rushed to avenge the insult, but Uncle stopped him.

"No, Prince Zuko. Do not taint your victory." Uncle told him. Then turned to Zhao with a look of condescension on his face.

"So this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat. Disgraceful."

"Even in exile my nephew is more honorable than you." Zuko looked at Uncle in surprise at what he had said. "Thanks again for the tea. It was delicious."

Uncle began to leave and Zuko followed close behind. With subdued anger, Zhao watched them exit through a gate of the arena. And since the fight was now over I desided to tick off Zhao even more and quickly ran from the box. As Zuko and Uncle walked togather outside, they began to talk.

"Did you really mean that, Uncle?" Zuko asked quietly.
"Of course. I told you ginseng tea is my favorite." Uncle answered slyly.

But as the conversation ended, I was catching up. I watched as Zuko began to turn to see what was coming towards him in a unthreating mannor. Only to see me.

"ZUKO!" I yelled jumping on him. It lead into a spin as he grabbed hold of me, which lead to him falling over causing Uncle to laugh.

"Apperantly Prince Zuko, you are no match for Mariah." Uncle said still laughing.

Apon Zuko and I getting up I held on to Zukos arm still laugh gently as the three of us walked back to the ship in the harbor still togather.

Of course I had no doubt we would have been anything else, but still togather.