Chapter Three - A Debt Owed

"With all due respect, Princess Azula. She doesn't look much of a fighter."

Natsumi stood to attention, trying to pretend the Commander and Princess weren't having a blatant conversation of her abilities as if she wasn't present. Captain Niko was beside her as they stood before Princess Azula, who was perched on a grand chair, while the Commander assessed her with a piercing gaze.

"Captain Niko, you've worked with Private Natsumi over these past couple of weeks. Perhaps you could provide some insight?" Azula commanded, seemingly annoyed at the Commander's defiance.

"Private Natsumi has the initiative to know her position inside and out. I believe she could tell you anything about her current position just as well as I," the Captain began, "but what has stood out to me most is her fighting potential."

At that, the Commander appeared to become interested, his eyebrows rising slightly. Natsumi had to admit she was interested in what the Captain had to say herself. Many of her Academy Masters would have started laughing at this point.

"Go on."

"Just last week she took part in her first combat drill. She was decisive and ruthless, able to tackle multiple experienced soldiers at once, using her unique firebending technique to throw off her opponent and strike them down before they could adjust themselves accordingly," she informed him. "I believe she would be a valuable asset to you, Commander Zhao."

"Is that so? Then how would you feel about a little demonstration, Private Natsumi?" Commander Zhao turned to her in question.

"Of course."

Natsumi felt like she should be scared, but all she felt was hollow. This was another obstacle standing in her way of being able to do something in this war. She would fight it and strike it down. She would do it for Shou. As their group arrived at the outside courtyard that would be their battleground, Captain Niko came up to her.

"Commander Zhao is ruthless, Natsumi," she murmured, taking her by the shoulders. "These soldiers are going to be the best he has with him and they will not hesitate to fight you without holding back. Their reputation in the eyes of their Commander is at stake for them."

Natsumi nodded, her eyes flicking behind Captain Niko as she observed Commander Zhao instructing the troops ready to take her on.

"Captain, what you said about my fighting…"

"I meant every word. Right now, these people are the real enemy, despite the fact that they are Fire Nation soldiers. Your advantage lies in the fact that you will be highly underestimated. That, combined with your unique fighting style will throw these soldiers off their game," she instructed her. "Strike hard from the beginning, trying not to draw out the fight, otherwise they'll start to adapt. You can do this, Private."

"Thank you, Captain. You've done more for me than I know you should."

She gave her a small smile.

"Just don't let me down. My reputation is at stake as well. Show them what our squadron is capable of."

Natsumi gave a curt nod and turned toward her opponents as Captain Niko and Commander Zhao cleared the courtyard to go and stand with Princess Azula. She took a fighting stance, eyes narrowing as Zhao's soldiers were arranged in four lines of one, three, three, and five.

As the Commander gave the signal to begin, the three soldiers standing behind the first rushed out to surround her. Natsumi hesitated slightly, realising their formation was to make her assume they would come out at her in fixed waves. Her body began to awaken as she felt the intense heat directed at her. She took hold of the flames, weaving them into a defensive cylinder of fire, obscuring her from their vision. As the flames died away, her opposition was knocked to the ground as they realised she had taken a lower position, sweeping a wave of fire at their feet.

Four soldiers from the first and third lines moved in next. Natsumi aimed blasts at the ground, trying to stop them from surrounding her again. This time, she didn't hesitate and moved in, guiding her foot in a circular arc to cut them in half, zoning in on the two on the left. Quelling their flames, she ran at them head on, grabbing the one soldier and launching him towards the other so they collapsed in a heap on the ground.

Next, Natsumi headed to the flaming wall left behind, commanding the flames to part as she sprang over them, surprising one of the soldiers enough to take him down with one blast. The other's eyes narrowed as they engaged in an intense one-on-one fight. They exchanged several blows, Natsumi beginning to tire, perspiration covering her forehead as the fight stretched on.

Natsumi lunged at her opponent, foot raised. He lifted his arms, ready to negate her flames, but instead she kicked him in the chest, causing him to hit the ground, completely winded. She twirled as she glared at the final five soldiers, all of them regarding her carefully, leaving a lull in the fight as she breathed heavily.

Two soldiers ran out at her, but soon sidestepped as her attention was drawn. Natsumi's eyes widened as she narrowly dodged an arrow that had been launched in her direction. She tried to engage the archer, but the two soldiers were intent on protecting him, now fully aware of what she was capable of.

"Go on, Dancing Dragon. One more final performance, just for me."

Natsumi bellowed in the face of her enemy, flames spewing from her mouth. She took hold of the flames, weaving them around as she dodged in and out of the arrows, finally guiding the flame into the archers path, leaving two final opponents. It seemed like she had lost all advantages now. The soldiers brought two fingers together, a crackling filling the air as they guided the lightning from their fingertips. Her heart beat rapidly, the adrenaline rushing through her body as she weaved around their blows, trying to stay alive. Natsumi fell to the ground, her only choice to throw herself on it to avoid the deadly lightning blast aimed at her. The two soldiers were on her immediately, fists raised, ready to deliver the final blow. She wheezed and panted, looking her enemy in the eye as they registered her defeat.

"Come on," she yelled. "I'm not finished!"

The two soldiers gave each other a side glance as they looked at the helpless girl before them. However, their hesitation was interrupted as slow and exaggerated claps seemed to echo throughout the courtyard.

"That was quite a show," Commander Zhao praised, offering her a hand.

Natsumi took it hesitantly, allowing herself to be pulled up, fighting the urge to collapse to the ground in pure exhaustion.

"It seems we have a deal, Princess Azula. I will happily take Private Natsumi under my wing," he agreed, with a slight smile on his lips.

Natsumi did her best to compose herself, watching the exchange between the Commander and the Princess, wondering what she had offered him in exchange for his cooperation. Shaking the thought from her head, she realised she should worry more about what Azula had wanted from her in exchange for this opportunity.

"Well, it looks like you'll be heading out soon, Natsumi," Azula smirked at her. "Just make sure you keep in touch. I'll be sure to miss my dear friend while you explore the world."

"Of course. Thank you, Princess Azula. I am eternally in your debt."

Natsumi closed her eyes as she felt the spray of salt water on her face. She could have almost felt free in that moment, loving the satisfaction that she had achieved something that rarely happened, but it wasn't enough for her anymore.

"It's a wonderful feeling, isn't it? Setting out for the first time," Commander Zhao commented, his stance proud as he clasped his hands behind his back.

"Yes, sir," she replied, eyes focussed on the horizon.

"I think it would be better if we didn't lie to each other, Private," he drawled, his eyes focussing on her.

"I'm sorry, sir. If you want the truth, it's that I want to make a difference that will alter the course of this war. Setting sail is only the beginning and there is a long road ahead," she sighed, eyes angled to the side to judge his reaction.

"I see myself in you, Natsumi. The raw potential, the drive to push beyond your limits, and an eye for a future where the Fire Nation reigns supreme. Let me ask you, Private, why do you fight?" he questioned her, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

"I fight so that one day we will win this war, for the glory of our Nation… and for my Academy fellows. Most of them are dead, sir. They died so we could obtain victory in the neighbouring territory for Omashu," she explained, her voice cracking as she tried to suppress the still raw pain.

"I see… death is a reality of war. I can teach you how to use your pain and anger. To turn it into a weapon, as if your fellows were fighting at your side. My teacher growing up only wanted me to practise restraint, but let me tell you now the rage that drives you is your weapon. You need to harness it and unleash it onto your enemies ten-fold. Only then will you truly succeed in your goal," he announced, a hungry desire in his voice. "Once you have proven yourself, I can lead you to ventures that will truly alter the course of this war."

Natsumi regarded her new leader with wide eyes, a slight admiration forming as he shared his passion and desires for the future of their Nation. All she wanted was to make a difference, and here she was, standing in front of a man who seemed to know exactly how they could do that.

"Thank you, Commander Zhao. I realise my placement here may be unconventional, but I will align my goal with yours and make sure I do everything in my power to achieve them."

"I expect nothing less."

Natsumi charged at the soldier she was facing as Commander Zhao watched, standing at the edge of the stone mountains. Her arms arched through the air, weaving a lattice of fire to target her opponent, trying to gain an advantage.

"No," Zhao growled, blasting a torrent of fire at her feet, causing her to wince at the heat. "You need to learn how to use traditional firebending. Your unique style conveys a tactical advantage, but only when your opponent is surprised. That is why you need to be able to change styles in a matter of seconds."

Natsumi nodded, her eyes narrowed in focus at the task at hand.

"Again," he barked.

This time she took a fighting stance. Gliding forward she pushed her arm outwards, guiding the fire outward. Her enemy retaliated with an arching kick, which she negated with a semi-circular movement of her arms, swiftly retaliating with a succession of jabs to overwhelm her enemy, finishing him off with a plume of fire guided by both of her arms. It was slow, but it was what he wanted to see.

"Better. Now drill it until it's second nature."

"Commander Zhao, there is an incoming Fire Navy vessel. It appears to be severely damaged," a soldier informed him, running out from the nearby watchtower.

The Commander grabbed the telescope that the soldier offered him and walked to the edge of the mountain, Natsumi walking over to join him. He lifted the device to his eye, studying the entry point into the harbour.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the banished Prince," he muttered, his tips twitching upward as he lowered the telescope.

Natsumi sucked in her breath. It had been almost three years since Prince Zuko had been banished from the Fire Nation. Three years since she left her home to join the Navy for him. She had long grown up since then, but even so, she felt as if she owed him something. The whole reason she was here right now was because of him after all.

"How shall we proceed, sir?"

"Take a look, Private."

Commander Zhao handed over the telescope, which she raised to her eye. Natsumi couldn't believe the extensive damage to the ship. Despite the fact that the model was ancient, it had lasted a century without fail. Yet whatever had happened to them had caused the complete destruction and warping of sturdy metal that had withstood the test of time.

"Do you know what task Prince Zuko was set upon his banishment, Private?" he questioned, eyes sparking.

"Sir, you don't really think that the Avatar did this, do you? He hasn't been seen in a hundred years."

"Perhaps, but there have been strange sightings around these parts recently; great beams of light that defy logic," he revealed, a hungry glee filling his features as he considered the possibility of capturing the Avatar himself. "Prepare to receive them, but ready a team to interrogate the crew. I want to know what caused that damage."

"Yes, sir."

The soldier headed off to gather a team while Commander Zhao began heading down the mountain path, Natsumi following behind him.

"How well do you know Prince Zuko, Natsumi?" he inquired, studying her intently.

"We were childhood friends," she stated, thinking it was the best way to explain her youthful obsession with the boy.

"Then perhaps it's about time you got reacquainted."

Natsumi gave him a curt nod, though she seriously doubted she could walk up to Zuko and reminisce about fighting in the Palace gardens before asking if he had seen a hundred year old, master of all elements, running around the place recently. Arriving at the harbour, Natsumi could see who she presumed was Zuko, currently ranting at his Uncle, his back turned and an arm outstretched.

"...and I don't want anyone getting in the way."

"Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?"

Both figures turned, their eyes wide as they realised they were being overheard. Natsumi tried to keep her face impassive as her eyes rested on a face that was barely familiar to her. It was etched with a heavy burden she couldn't see, and a burn that shocked her to the core.

"Captain Zhao," Zuko drawled, his arms crossed.

"It's Commander now," he boasted, following up with a small bow, "and General Iroh, Great Hero of our Nation."

Natsumi followed suit, bowing to the man she had heard so much about, from Zuko himself, and her academy's Colonel. He seemed to give her a curious glance before turning back to Zhao with a content smile.

"Retired General," he stated humbly, patting his stomach.

Commander Zhao greeted them, Natsumi doing her best to hide in his shadow, her mind reeling from Zuko's appearance. It seemed that since she had last seen him he had acquired a scar that covered his left eye. A long time ago, her father had told her that Zuko had been lucky to escape his banishment with his life, but was this really what he meant, or was it just an accident?

"Uncle, tell Commander Zhao what happened," Zuko commanded, appointing his Uncle in charge of providing an explanation for their damaged ship, thereby regaining Natsumi's attention.

"Yes, I will do that," he frowned, eyes drifting to the side. "It was incredible. What, did we crash or something?"

"Yes, right into an Earth Kingdom ship," Zuko blinked.

Natsumi snorted, drawing Zuko's attention. Their eyes locked, recognition sparking within before his attention was drawn by the Commander's invitation for drinks. She couldn't help but be a little relieved as Zuko declined. However, her relief was short lived as his Uncle butted in, hoping for some tea. Zuko let out a frustrated grunt, fire curling around his balled fists as he stalked after Zhao and Iroh.

"You know General, my Private makes a good cup of tea. Perhaps you've met her?" Zhao commented as they walked along.

"I can't say that I've had the pleasure," he beamed, a small plea in his eye as he thought of tea.

"Private Natsumi, sir. I believe you know my father, General Taro."

General Iroh's eyes widened slightly, glancing between her and Zuko. Zuko did his best to avoid his gaze, his displeasure clear as day.

"Ah, yes," he recalled. "Back then he was a Colonel. However, from what I recall he never mentioned anything about you intending to follow in his footsteps. He did mention you were a keen dancer though!"

Iroh beamed at such a statement, almost gleeful.

"I suppose it was a long time ago. It's amazing how much can change in that time," she commented, eyes narrowing.

"Isn't that the truth," Zuko muttered under his breath.

Natsumi ignored him, following Zhao and Iroh as they entered the room they used for briefings, letting out a small yelp as she was tugged back by her uniform from behind.

"What are you doing here?" Zuko barked, his body tense.

"Serving my Nation," she blinked.

"I don't care about that. What are you doing serving Captain Zhao?" he snapped, studying her intently.

"Commander Zhao is a great military figure. It's an honour to serve him," she retaliated, slightly angry he was questioning her.

"He's manipulative and devious."

"I'm sorry, Prince Zuko, but I don't see how who I serve is any of your business."

His eyes narrowed, his rage melting into an impassive face.

"You're right. It isn't," he stated, turning his back on her to enter the building.

A/N: So she's indebted to Princess Azula and has been taken under the wing of Zhao - bodes well for her, doesn't it?

Also many thanks to for your reviews! I wanted to make Shou a loveable bear-like character. I think I did it too well... I felt bad about killing him :(