Chapter Four - Bonds

"Keep them here," Zhao commanded, following his troops out.

Zuko let out a yell, kicking over the table containing Natsumi's favourite tea set. The dragon spout was practically adorable.

"More tea please," Iroh chirped up, holding up his cup.

"How can you stand him?" Zuko growled, eyes directing daggers after the Commander.

"He's just trying to do what's right for our Nation, Zuko," Natsumi sighed, picking up the table and frowning at the spilt tea.

"He just wants to capture the Avatar for his own gain, just like why he has you here," he sneered, indicating her.

"How does my presence give him any advantage here?" she frowned, nose crinkling in thought.

"He thinks he can use you to get information out of me."

Her eyes narrowed on him, moving forward to lean into his seat. His eyes widened in surprise.

"Given what I've just witnessed, the Commander doesn't need my help to get his information," she hissed, angry that he had kept such vital information that the Avatar had returned from them. "Furthermore, do not insult me by suggesting that I'm here by any means other than my own merit."

Natsumi realised that wasn't strictly true, but the fact that she had fought to get here was enough for her. The Commander wanted her because of that, and that alone. Natsumi stalked out of the room, using the excuse that she was going to make a fresh batch of tea. Returning after she had calmed down, she slowed, hearing raised voices coming from within the room.

"...just a banished Prince. No home, no allies, your own father doesn't even want you," Zhao taunted.

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

Natsumi felt guilt bloom within her chest as she thought about how angry she was when she heard that Zuko had withheld information from them. However she realised that, to him, being Fire Lord was how he served his Nation, just like how Natsumi wished to serve, and while she had been given a chance to serve this purpose, his chance had been torn away. To him, the Avatar was his last hope to regain his purpose in life.

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

"That's not true."

"You have the scar to prove it."

Her eyes lowered. So the Fire Lord really had given Zuko that scar.

"Ugh, maybe you would like one to match," Zuko barked.

"Is that a challenge?"

"An Agni Kai, at sunset."

"Very well. It's a shame your father won't be here to see me humiliate you. I guess your Uncle will do."

Zhao emerged from the building, a smirk on his face as he encountered Natsumi hovering outside.

"Once matters are settled here, I expect you to be ready. The capture of the Avatar is this Nation's number one priority and will ensure our victory in this war," he stated, his confidence radiating through his features.

"Yes, sir."

XxX

Natsumi entered the grounds that would host the Agni Kai, a rectangle of metal workmanship, spotting Zuko as he prepared for his match against Commander Zhao.

"Prince Zuko," she called with a slight wave.

He turned around, his eyes narrowing on her as she approached.

"What do you want?" he asked, sullen.

"To talk."

"I have nothing to say to you," he stated pointedly, turning around.

"Well I have plenty to say," she replied, scoffing at his rudeness before exhaling and letting it go. "Zhao was wrong. You are not a disgrace to your Nation. You fight and struggle for them, so that one day you can serve them. The people could ask nothing more from their Prince."

"The people hate me. I've done nothing for them," he disagreed, his voice cold.

"That's a lie," she breathed, amber eyes wide. "You did everything for me. You inspired me to join the Army and guided me to a path that I could be proud of."

Zuko's eyes widened as she opened up to him.

"Why are you telling me this?" he questioned, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Because I think you need to be reminded that it's not your father that you need to fight for. It's your people. What he did to you… it was wrong," she grimaced.

Zuko's face darkened as she mentioned his father, a storm brewing in his eyes.

"You don't know what you're talking about," he brooded.

"Then explain it to me," she huffed, her eyes soft as she tried to understand.

"For me to serve my people, I need his approval. He's the only one who can restore my honor and my status."

"Honor doesn't help your people," she shouted back. "Honor doesn't stop them from dying in this war. Only action will. That's why we need to work together and make sure there's no more unnecessary suffering!"

"What do you know about suffering?"

"Plenty," she snapped, her hands balling at her sides. "You know what? Just forget it."

She stalked away, huffing to blow her stray hair away from her face. As she paced, General Iroh came up to walk beside her, having eavesdropped on their entire exchange.

"You must forgive my nephew. He is a very troubled young man," he frowned, seemingly troubled himself.

"We all have troubles, General Iroh. They don't give us an excuse to be a big jerk," she pouted.

Natsumi's face dropped as she realised who she was talking to, and about a Crowned Prince no doubt. Iroh just chuckled, a heart-warming sound from deep in his gut.

"Do not trouble yourself over trivial matters. There is much more in this life with higher priority. Although I suspect you already know that," he commented, his statement evidently a stoic question.

She signed, looking over at Zuko as he moved through his stances, warming his body up for the fight.

"I've lost so many friends recently. When I saw him, it reminded me of how well we used to get along, but I suppose those were better times for both of us," she sighed, trying to find the boy who was happy in the moping teen.

"When we lose something close to us, we grasp even tighter at those left behind," he stated, a deep sadness in his voice.

Natsumi closed her eyes, trying to fight back the wave of grief washing over her. She was drawn back as General Iroh rested a hand on her shoulder.

"I guess it's just bad luck that the only friend I have left in this world is a sullen teenager I haven't even spoken to in three years."

"Bonds in this life are hard to break. Even when we are apart we are still connected," he said wisely, "and from what I recall, your bonds were more than just friendship."

Iroh gave her a curious look, his one eyebrow raised in questioning. Natsumi felt herself blush, blood rushing to her face in embarrassment.

"Please don't tell him we were engaged," she begged, hands grasping in front of her chest as he gave him a pleading look. "I think I would spontaneously combust in embarrassment if you did."

"Your secret is safe with me," he chuckled, eyes crinkling in amusement.

Movement caught at the edge of Natsumi's vision as Commander Zhao strutted into the battle arena. She started towards him, but then hesitated slightly before turning back to the General one last time.

"He has poor balance," she breathed, her heart skipping a beat.

"I know."

Natsumi nodded. Of course he knew, but nevertheless he smiled wide as Natsumi offered a tidbit of information on Zuko's opponent. Coming to stand by his side, Commander Zhao studied her carefully.

"That looked cosy, Private. Were you offering your condolences?" he smirked.

"I was just taking your advice and becoming reacquainted. You know what they say; keep your friends close, your enemies closer," she commented, not quite sure who was who right now.

The Commander looked pleased, kneeling down at the edge of the arena, ready to begin the battle.

"Good work. Now make sure you watch intently, Private," he ordered, beginning to turn around. "This will be over quickly."

Natsumi heard the gong ring out across the arena, watching as Zuko began an exchange of blows. Zhao sidestepped them all with ease and cut through Zuko's fire like it was paper. Then he directed a ploom of fire at the ground, Natsumi being able to feel the intense heat from behind. She frowned as Zuko huffed in fatigue, having his anger turned against him to stay on the offensive, as Zhao barely made a move against him.

"Basics Zuko, break his root!" General Iroh called out, his fists clenched.

Sensing his fatigue, Zhao began to retaliate, Zuko barely managing to sweep the fire around his body before falling back. Zhao moved in for the kill, Natsumi stepping forward in blind panic. However, in a moment the tables were turned, Zuko sweeping Zhao's feet from under him with a smirk, launching an assault of fire from his feet to trip him up. As Zhao fell, Natsumi held her breath wondering if she looked that desperate when she had fallen in her own fight, yelling at the two soldiers that she wasn't finished. Zuko let out the final blow, the ground smoking from where he had hit, just east of the Commander's head.

"That's it?" Zhao growled, teeth gritted. "Your father raised a coward."

"Next time you get in my way, I promise, I won't hold back," Zuko stated, walking away.

Zhao lashed out, fire enveloping the Prince, only to be cut off by General Iroh. Natsumi stood there, shocked at what she had just witnessed, not blaming Zuko for his retaliation.

"So this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat. Disgraceful. Even in exile, my nephew is more honorable than you," he chastised him. "Thanks again for the tea, it was delicious."

Natsumi met the wise old man's eyes as he directed his last statement towards her. Subtly, she gave a slight bow, watching as they walked away.

"Sir, what are your orders regarding the… guh."

The soldier was cut off as Natsumi elbowed him in the stomach as he started toward their Commander. She shot him a glare before watching as Commander Zhao lost his composure, pounding his fists on the floor, fire erupting as if they were meteors crashing back to Earth.

"Go," she muttered under her breath, "and not a word to anyone."

Natsumi watched as the soldiers left the arena without a moment's hesitation. Turning back around, she saw Commander Zhao's eyes narrow on her, his rage still evident, his jaw locked as he stood up.

"What did you just witness here, Private?" he sneered, eyes wild.

Natsumi paused, choosing her words carefully. Her eyes locked with his, trying to show no weakness, like she was facing a dragon ready to strike.

"I saw an Agni Kai in which you dominated until General Iroh, quite disgracefully, interfered to favour the battle towards his nephew. Your rage was quite understandable."

The Commander regarded her carefully as she was consumed with guilt for dragging the Great General's name through the mud. However, all she could do was hope he would forgive her if she ever had the opportunity to apologise.

"I'll be in my quarters. Do not disturb me," he growled, stomping away.