Chapter 5: Staying by Your Side

Isla woke up when the ship docked at a harbor. She put on her usual robe and made her way to the bow. It was already opened and Zuko and Iroh were down at the harbor. They were talking with a man, a Fire Nation soldier. Isla made her way down.

"My my, you have grown fine," the soldier greeted her.

"And you are?" Isla was confused.

"Commander Zhao, a pleasure to be your acquaintance," the man introduced himself to the girl.

"Uh, yeah. Sure…" she felt awkward.

"I was about to invite them to tea. Would you care to join us?" he asked.

"Umm…" Isla hummed, staring at Zuko, "I'll go if Zuko goes."

"Sorry but we have to go," Zuko said.

"Prince Zuko," Iroh said, holding his nephew's shoulder, "Show Commander Zhoa your respect."

"We would be honored to join you. Do you have ginseng tea? It's my favourite."

Zuko followed. He turned to Isla, "Are you coming?"

Isla glanced up at Zhao. "I think I'll stay and see through the repairs, in case they need me."

Isla went back into the ship. She stood there as if guarding the entrance. A few of Zhoa's soldiers were seen roaming around. Isla observed them.

"What do you guys want?" she asked.

"Why are they leaving a girl to guard the ship?" one of them asked.

"Why do men always underestimate me? Do I look that fragile?" she groaned.

One of them shot a fire at her. "Yes you do," he said.

They started to push her into the ship with their firebending. Isla tried the best she could to dodge and fight them back, holding herself from using her bend. She pushed one away but another attacked. She swiped their feet but then, a fire came in her way. Isla backflipped to avoid. When she landed on her feet, another fire came. She blocked with her arms, burning them in the process.

"Argh, darn," she growled.

One of Zuko's soldiers saw what happened. Isla ordered them to stand back. A spear was aimed at her throat.

"Talk or she dies," Zhoa's soldier threatened them.

Isla was brought back to Zhoa's office where Zuko and Iroh were. Iroh was surprised to see arms. The soldier was about done with his report. He passed by Isla.

"Thanks for making it easier for us," he smirked.

Isla looked down, disappointed at herself. She was pushed to sit beside Iroh. The old man stared at his daughter's arms.

"We don't want anyone to know who I am…right?" she whispered to Iroh.

Zuko was a bit shocked to see her arms. She forced a smile.

"Now remind me again, how exactly was your ship damaged?" Zhoa asked.

Zuko told him the truth and explained in detail the Avatar's appearance. Iroh was worried about his daughter. Isla cringed from time to time. She hoped that her waterbending could fix her arms.

"So a twelve-year-old boy bested you and your firebenders. You're more pathetic than I thought," Zhoa said.

"I underestimated him once but it will not happen again," Zuko replied calmly.

"No, it will not because you won't have a second chance."

"Commander Zhoa, I've been hunting the Avatar for two years and I-"

"And you failed! Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenager's hands. He's mine now."

Zuko stood up to hit him but was stopped by Zhoa's soldiers.

"Keep them here." Zhoa made his exit.

Zuko kicked the table. Iroh asked for more tea. The soldiers went to get them for him. Isla sighed.

"I'm really sorry. If I had fought back seriously, he wouldn't have known…" she muttered.

"No one's blaming you, my dear." Iroh said to her.

Isla smiled. She looked over to Zuko.

"Will that hand heal?" he asked without looking at her.

"I'm the one who is always healing and even I can't guarantee that…" she replied.

There was a dead silence after that. Isla was amazed at how calm Zuko was. Zhoa came back.

"My search party is ready. Once I'm out to sea, my guards will escort you back to your ship and you'll be free to go." he announced, looking over to Isla, "I hear you are one of the soldiers that stood by General Iroh when he made history. Would you care to join me?"

Zuko stood up. "She would not be joining anyone."

"My my you're quite the protective one." Zhoa remarked.

Isla glared at Zhoa. "I'm staying with Zuko. He will capture the Avatar before you!"

"He can't compete with me." Zhoa started, looking at Zuko, "I have hundreds of warships under my command and you, you're just a banished prince. No home, no allies. Your own father doesn't even want you."

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

"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 and a disgrace to the Fire Nation."

"That's not true." Zuko said.

"You have the scar to prove it."

"Maybe you'd like one to match!" Zuko shouted.

"Is that a challenge?" Zhoa chuckled.

"An Agni Kai, at sunset," Zuko said.

"Very well. It's a shame your father won't be here to watch me humiliate you. I guess your Uncle and his daughter will do," Zhoa made an exit.

Iroh spoke up, "Prince Zuko, have you forgotten what happened the last time you dueled with a master?"

"I will never forget," Zuko said, turning his gaze at Isla, "He'll pay for what he did to you."

Isla stood beside her father as the sunset arrived. Zuko was in front of them in a kneeling position, ready.

"Remember your basics, Prince Zuko. They are your best weapons," Iroh reminded him.

"Good luck." Isla said.

"I refuse to let him win," Zuko said, standing up.

He turned around. The gong was heard. He started his attack, throwing fires at Zhoa who dodged them all so easily. He cancelled one with his own hands. Zuko aimed a fiery kick but was also cancelled by Zhoa. Zhoa started his advances towards the Prince, throwing a much powerful fire. At last, he sent the Prince to the ground.

Isla looked worriedly. "Basices, Zuko! Break his root!" Iroh called out.

The last fire came at Zuko but the Prince suddenly rose up, having a new profound motivation. He started to swipe his feet around, catching Zhoa off guard. Soon, the Commander has fallen. Zuko aimed his knuckle at the man.

"Do it!" he shouted.

With all his breath, Zuko fired his last shot for the battle, but he did not hit Zhoa.

"That's it? Your father raised a coward."

"Next time you get in my way, I promise I won't hold back," Zuko turned around to the exit.

Zhoa stood up and aimed his last fire at Zuko. Iroh stopped him in time. Zuko rushed in but his Uncle stopped him.

"Do not taint your victory." He turned to Zhoa, "So this is how the great Commander Zhoa act in defeat? Disgraceful. Even in exile, my nephew is more honorable than you. Thanks again for the tea. It was delicious."

Iroh turned around. "Come now, Isla."

Isla followed her father and Zuko.

Zuko asked, "Did you really mean that, Uncle?"

"Of course. I told you, ginseng tea is my favourite." Iroh smiled.

Isla stifled a laugh. "Hey Zuko," she called out to him.

"What do you need?" he asked.

"Thanks.. You know, for the payback," she smiled.

"It wasn't for you," Zuko muttered.

Isla was meditating as usual. She reached out for some water and wrapped them around her burned arms. The scars were taking a longer time to fade.

"I didn't expect it to be such a powerful fire…" she sighed.

Iroh knocked on the door and entered. "Still not gone?"

Shaking her head, she replied, "No. These scars might stick for a while…"

"I apologise on behalf of that," Iroh placed a bowl of soup on her table.

"Thanks but I don't blame anyone. I don't want anyone to know, let alone Zhoa. He's so cocky and arrogant. I'm worried it might affect Zuko if he knew who I am," she explained.

"It could. I thank you for that," Iroh replied.

Isla took a sip of the soup. "This is nice…" she smiled.

"I will take my leave now, I need to have my dinner with Prince Zuko," Iroh replied.

"We're docked, right?" she asked.

"Yes," Iroh nodded.

"I should get some fresh air," she sighed.

She put on her casual robe and tied her hair into a ponytail. When she was about to exit the cabin, Zuko passed by.

"Get ready, we're going to Kiyoshi Island," Zuko said to her.

"Fine…" she went back into the cabin to put on her warrior suit.

She rushed to where they put the rhinos to get one of her own but it appeared there was none left. She turned to Zuko.

"Should I stay and guard the ship?" she asked.

"Get on," he ordered.

"Okay…" she obliged.

She hopped on Zuko's rhino.

"I want the Avatar alive," he said.

They started their march to the village. When they arrived, the villagers were already locked inside their houses.

"Come out Avatar! You can't hide from me forever!" Zuko called out.

Isla looked around. She hopped off.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Scouting," she replied and ran off.

"Find him," Zuko ordered.

His soldiers started to march on the road. Isla was busy checking around the village.

"Where is he?" she muttered.

"Hey you!" a familiar voice was heard.

Isla looked around. She spotted Katara in front of a large house. She didn't realize she was already at the end of the road. Katara was in her fighting stance.

"You're the girl who's with the Fire Nation!" she shouted Isla.

"Yeah but please don't shout. I'm not really into a fight," she said, holding her hands up in front of her.

"Then, why are you here?" Katara asked.

"I don't feel comfortable talking to a stranger about my life," Isla replied.

"You're still considered as an enemy," Katara threw water at her.

Isla clicked her tongue. She held up her hand and stopped the water. She played around with it.

"You're… a water bender?" Katara was in awe.

Isla nodded and sent the water back into Katara's bottle. "I don't agree with what Zuko is doing but he is desperate."

The village was burning up in less than an hour. Aang landed in front of Katara.

"Look what I brought to this place," he said sadly.

"It's not your fault," Katara said.

"Yes it is. These people got their town destroyed just to protect me," Aang's voice cracked.

"Then, let's get out of here. Zuko will leave Kiyoshi to follow us," Katara suggested, "I know it feels wrong to run, but it's the only way."

"She's right, you know? Zuko will be on your trail in no time if you leave," Isla spoke up.

"Aren't you…?" Aang was shocked.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm with Zuko, but I'll let you go this time… It just doesn't feel right," Isla looked down.

"Thanks," Katara said.

"I'll call Appa." Aang said.

Appa was up in no time. Isla ran to Zuko's side.

"He's getting away!" she said.

"Back to the ship! Don't lose sight of them!" Zuko ordered.

Isla looked around, saddened by the turn of events. She wanted to stay and fix the village. Zuko suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the only rhino they had. Suddenly, a gush of water rained down onto the village. Isla heaved a sigh, relieved.

"Could you make your waterbending useful?" Zuko asked.

"Oh! Right…" she giggled. She took all the drenchedness off of the soldiers, Zuko and rhino.

"Now let's get back to the ship."

Once they were boarded, Zuko ordered the captain to start the ship moving immediately.

"They're not getting away!" he muttered under his breath.

"You know, Zuko, you should get change. Your clothes are still a wee bit wet and you did get hit by water…" Isla said.

"I'm fine," he replied.

Isla sighed, making her way up to him. "Come on, let's get you changed."

She turned him around and pushed him towards the watchtower door. Then, she forced him into his quarters. As he took off his uniform, he glanced up at the girl.

"Why are you still here?" he asked.

"Oh, huh? You're right! I'll take my leave now!" Isla exclaimed, running out of the quarters and closing the door.

She heaved a sigh. Iroh walked by and saw her.

"Hi there, father," she greeted him.

Iroh smiled at her. She chuckled and made her way to her own cabin.