Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender or any of its copyrights, though Lin Zu is mine.
Funny story: the last chapter didn't really end where I had been planning to end it, despite the warning at the beginning. So, this chapter is the one where you all will hate me by the end of. I apologize in advanced, but everything happens for a reason.
(I also apologize that it's so short)
"Lieutenant Jee!"
Lin Zu and Zuko rushed forward at the sight of the battered Lieutenant. Jee struggled to lift his head and look at them. When he finally saw them his eyes widened, and he struggled to free himself of the Water tribesmen's grips, only to throw himself in a traditional overtly formal bow in front of the two. With his forehead buried in snow, he said,
"Prince Zuko, Princess Lin Zu, forgive me. We did what we could, but Zhao had overwhelming numbers. Forgive me!" he sounded a little choked up.
"Lt. Jeeā¦. What?" Lin Zu asked, shooting her brother a concerned glance. Zuko simply looked grim.
Jee lifted his head and nodded toward the sack he had been left with. The Water tribesman that had picked it up looked down at it. He lifted one hand to open it, but the hand came away red. His head shot up and he looked around at the gathered warriors. Then, slowly, he undid the tie keeping the sack closed, and peeked in. He closed his eyes and bowed his head.
"Well, what is it?" Hakoda asked the man.
The man moved closer to his chief and showed him.
"Tui and La," Hakoda cursed.
"Well?" Lin Zu demanded. Zuko was noticeably silent. The men moved to show the contents of the bag when Zuko finally moved.
"No!" he shouted, wrapping his arms around her and bodily turning her away, "Don't show her! I don't want her to see!"
"Zuko, What-?" Lin Zu asked.
"Uncle's dead, that's all you need to know," he said, tightening his arms around her. "He's dead."
