A/N: Thank you for the reviews! Here's the next chapter enjoy!
Disclaimer: Avatar is not mine, only Serenity is.
"And by years end, the Earth Kingdom capital will be under our rule." Zhao said staring at a map hanging on the wall. We were in his tent (A/N: Its not really a tent, but I don't know what else to call it lol) sitting on Zuko's left side. Iroh had a chair on Zuko's right but he was standing looking at some weapons. "The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war."
"If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly, then he's a fool!" Zuko said staring at the ground. The expression on his face made me curious. When he spoke of his father, something showed up behind his eyes. I couldn't tell what it was, but it definitely wasn't good.
Zhao sat down in Iroh's seat smirking at Zuko. "Two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue." He paused turning to face Zuko all the way. "So….how's your search for the Avatar going?" Suddenly I heard a crash and looked over to see Iroh had knocked down the weapons he was messing with.
"Uh, my fault…entirely…" he said nervously backing away from the weapons. I looked up at Zuko, curious as to what his answer would be.
"We haven't found him yet." He said.
"Did you really expect to? The Avatar died a hundred years ago. Along with the rest of the airbenders." Zhao said, and Zuko glared at him then looked away. Apparently this meant something to Zhao, because he smirked evilly. "Unless you've found some evidence that the Avatar is alive?"
I kept my expression calm, but on the inside I was panicking! What would Zuko say? If other people found out about Aang being alive, they would surely go after him. And that would not only put him in danger, but also my brother and sister.
"No." Zuko said looking away again. "Nothing."
"Prince Zuko," Zhao said standing up. "The Avatar is the only one who can stop the Fire Nation from winning this war." He leaned down so his face was near Zuko's. "If you have an ounce of loyalty left, you'll tell me what you've found."
"I haven't found anything." Zuko said putting an emphasis on the 'found' part. He glared up at Zhao. "Its like you said…..the Avatar probably died a long time ago." He stood up. "Come on Serenity, Uncle. We're going." I sighed-grateful to be able to leave this place-and stood up following Zuko.
When Zuko and I got to the guards, they crossed their spears in front of us blocking our path, and I glared at them.
"Commander Zhao." One of the soldiers said walking over to him. "We interrogated the crew as you instructed. They confirmed Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody, but let him escape." Again the panic creeped back quickly. Why didn't the crew just lie?
"Now, remind me." Zhao said walking over to stand behind us both, causing me to feel slightly uncomfortable. "How exactly was your ship damaged?"
I looked up at Zuko and saw him close his eyes in defeat.
"So a 12 year old boy bested you and your firebenders." Zhao said. I was, once again, sitting in the chair next to Zuko. There were a few soldiers standing around us-and the looks they were giving me kind of creeped me out. "You're more pathetic than I thought."
"I underestimated him once but that will not happen again!" Zuko said angrily.
"No it will not." Zhao said sternly causing me and Zuko to look at him. "You won't have a second chance."
"Commander Zhao! I've been hunting the Avatar for 2 years-"
"And you failed!" Zhao shot a stream of fire in front of him and I cringed back slightly from the heat. "Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenager's hands." He walked up standing in front of Zuko. "He's mine now."
Suddenly Zuko stood up about to attack him when the two guards grabbed him and held him back.
"Keep him here." Zhao said walking away.
Zuko kicked the table angrily causing it to tip over.
"Geez, you didn't have to take it out on the table. What'd it ever do to you?" I muttered, but Zuko still heard me. He turned and glared at me, as I just smiled up at him innocently.
"More tea please." Iroh said, causing Zuko to turn his glare from me to his uncle. I couldn't help but feel respect for the old man. Even in times of trouble, he still kept calm and aloof.
The soldiers who were holding Zuko let him go, but mad sure he sat back down. I glared at the guards around us, crossing my arms and turning away. It sucked I couldn't use waterbending. I could easily escape from this place. I looked over at Zuko, and saw he was glaring at the ground. It didn't look like a good idea to talk to him, but there was one thing I was curious about.
"So have you really been looking for the Avatar for two years?"
He turned to me glaring, but I just stared back curiously. "Yes." He said turning away again.
"Why?"
"It doesn't matter why."
"Why doesn't it matter?"
"Because its none of your business!" he yelled glaring at me again. I jumped back a little, but glared at him.
"Fine. I was just asking." I crossed my arms and turned away. I was beginning to think Zuko would never get rid of this attitude of his.
A/N: Please review and let me know what you think!
