Aiko's POV
We've been sailing for several weeks now after meeting June and Nyla. The further north we get, the chillier it is. I managed to scrounge up an old white jacket from the supplies to wear. I also managed to scrounge up my first cold of the season. I'm lying on my bed sneezing and feeling sorry for myself when Iroh walks in carrying a tray.
"How are you feeling Aiko?" he asks.
"Fine," I say with a loud sniff.
"I brought you some tea," he says, setting down the tray next to me. "I'm about to head up to music night. Are you sure you don't want to join us?"
I grin. "Yeah. I think I'll just stay in here and try to get some extra sleep."
Iroh nods. "That is very wise. I shall see you in the morning." He walks out of the room, and I roll over to my side and try to go to sleep. My brain, however, won't cooperate. I toss and turn for a while, then sit up. Looking at the tray, I notice Iroh put two cups on it instead of one. Is he trying to give me a hint? Zuko and I haven't really spoken since last seeing Aang. Sighing, I decide that there's nothing else to do. I grab the tray and head to Zuko's room. Shifting my weight, I nudge the door open with my foot.
"What is it this time, Uncle?" Zuko grumbles from his position in the corner.
"Do I really look like an old man?" I ask. He looks up, startled.
"What do you want?" he growls.
"Can't someone bring their sort-of friend some hot tea?" I say, batting my eyelashes with an innocent grin. The effect is ruined when I sneeze twice in a row. Zuko doesn't say anything. "Spirits, it's dark in here," I comment. Setting the tray down on the table, I pick up the one lit candle and use the flame to light some lamps on the wall. "There, that's better!" I pick up the teapot and pour the dark liquid into the two cups, bringing them over to Zuko and handing him one. "So is this your angsting corner?" I joke.
Zuko looks up abruptly. "Why?"
"Why what?" I ask.
"Why are you always so…so…friendly!"
I laugh. "Is that all?"
"No. Why have you never tried to escape with the Avatar?" I look down.
"I…promised Aang something. And that involves staying." I look back up and smile. "Plus, I'd really miss Iroh!" Zuko actually cracks a smile. I nudge him with my foot. "Is that a smile I see, mister?"
He scowls again. "No." I roll my eyes.
Just then there's a knock at the door. I jump to my feet as Iroh walks in.
"For the last time, I'm not playing the tsungi horn!" Zuko tells him.
"No, it's about our plans," Iroh replies. "There's a bit of a problem." He steps aside to allow a man with bushy sideburns and Fire Nation armor to come in.
"I'm taking your crew," the man says.
"What?!" Zuko exclaims as he leaps to his feet.
"I've recruited them for a little expedition to the North Pole," the man explains.
"Uncle, is that true?" Zuko asks tersely.
"I'm afraid so," Iroh says. "He's taking everyone, even the cook!" I giggle softly at Iroh's despair. The man turns towards me, looking me up and down.
"And who would you be?" he inquires. I bow.
"Aiko, sir. May I ask your name?"
"Admiral Zhao. It is a pleasure to meet you," he replies, taking my hand and bowing over it. I barely feel his lips brush my hand, and I just manage to suppress a shudder. Thankfully, he turns back to Zuko, and I wipe the hand he was holding on the back of my pants.
"Sorry you won't be there to watch me capture the Avatar," Zhao says, continuing the conversation from before, in a tone that says he's not all that sorry. "But I can't have you getting in my way again." Zuko growls and lunges at the man, but Iroh stops him. The man walks over to where Zuko has a pair of broadswords hanging on the wall. He reaches out and picks one up, swinging it through the air. "I didn't know you were skilled with broadswords Prince Zuko," he comments.
"I'm not," Zuko replies. "They're antiques. Just decorative."
"Have you heard of the Blue Spirit, General Iroh?" the man asks casually.
"Just rumors. I don't think he's real," Iroh says.
"He's real all right. A criminal. And an enemy to the Fire Nation. But I have a feeling that justice will catch up with him soon." He hands Iroh the sword and heads for the door. "General Iroh, the offer to join my mission still stands if you change your mind." He exits, leaving us alone in the room.
Zuko growls, turning to punch the wall. I wince at the sound.
"Prince Zuko…" Iroh starts.
"Just go," Zuko mutters. Iroh quickly leaves the room. I hesitate, then walk forward and place my hand on his shoulder.
"Zuko," I whisper.
"I said go!" he yells, flame shooting out of his hands. I back out of the room, hands raised in defense. As I walk down the hall, I hear the sound of a shattering teacup. Sighing, I shake my head and go back to my room. I lie down and try to fall asleep. Someone taps quietly on the door before opening it a crack. It's Iroh.
"I'm going for a walk, just wanted to let you know. The men said thank you for the clean clothes." I nod, sneeze, and roll back over. I'm just drifting off when there's a loud creak. My eyes shoot open, and I jump to my feet. I creep out of the room, ready to do battle.
"Iroh? Zuko?" I whisper. I head to the deck, where I spot the reptile bird from the pirates flying off. I gasp and run to the rail. Just as I leap over it, the ship explodes. I bend a bubble of water around me, blocking most of the flames. I fly through the air, landing in the water. I sink, momentarily stunned, before following the bubbles to the top. I break the surface, gasping for air. Kicking my legs, I stay afloat.
"Zuko?" I shout. "Zuko!" I swim around, trying to find him. I spot something pale floating in the water. Swimming over, I realize that it's Zuko, floating face down in the water. I roll him over, and grabbing his arm, bend the water to carry us to shore. As we get closer, I notice Iroh running towards us. I pull myself up onto the dock as Iroh reaches it. He helps me haul Zuko up onto it. I roll him onto his back and put my hand on his chest. He's not breathing! I calm myself down, and then carefully bend the water out of his nose. I release the tendril into the bay, then turn back to Zuko. He's still not breathing. "Come on Zuko. Don't make me give you mouth-to-mouth," I growl. As if on cue, his eyelids flutter open.
"Wha-what happened?" he breathed. Iroh grabs him in a big hug, and I hesitantly join in.
"Zuko! I was so worried!" Iroh exclaims. "Who did this?"
"The pirates," we say simultaneously.
"I'm going to sneak onto Zhao's ship," Zuko states. Iroh frowns.
"Then I suppose I will have to take up Zhao's offer to be his general."
"Can you get me a position too?" I ask. "A launderer, or a healer maybe."
"I don't know if that's such as good idea," Iroh replies.
I cross my arms. "Well you brought me this far, so you might as well take me along. I'm sure Admiral Zhao wouldn't mind an extra pair of hands on board." Iroh sighs.
"I'll see what I can do," he mumbles. I break into a grin.
"Thank you!" I exclaim. Iroh turns and helps Zuko up.
"Let's find an inn for the night. We'll get you on Zhao's ship in the morning," he says gently.
Iroh's POV
I sit across from Admiral Zhao in his tent, sipping tea, and pretending to be mourning my nephew.
"I'm devastated to hear about Prince Zuko, just devastated," he comments.
"The Fire Lord will not be pleased when he finds out who is responsible," I reply.
"You know who is behind the attack?" Zhao asks.
"Yes. Pirates. We had a run-in with them a while back. They wanted revenge."
"So, have you reconsidered my offer?" Zhao says before I can.
"Yes. I accept. It will be an honor to serve as your general," I state. "To the Fire Nation," I toast.
"To victory!" Zhao exclaims. We both take long sips of our tea. Setting my cup down, I look at Zhao.
"There is one matter I'd like to discuss. The girl you met, Aiko, I was wondering if you would offer a position as well. She was working as a launderer on our ship, but she also has extensive healing abilities. I would hate to leave her so far from her home," I say, choosing my words carefully. A certain glint comes into Zhao's eyes.
"I'm sure I can find a spot for her somewhere," he replies smoothly. I nod my thanks, but inside I have a moment of uneasiness. I noticed how Zhao looked at her on our now destroyed ship, but I suppose Aiko can take care of herself.
