Okay! So far, the poll stands at 1-1. I'll need more votes if I am to decide. I do want to comment that the arguments for each side were both convincing and inspiring. I just got out of school for the summer, so I'll have more time to write. I think I might have a bit of writer's block on this chapter, so if it's bad I promise it will get better.
Breathe in… Breathe out… Breathe in… Breathe out… Prince Zuko relaxed his muscles as he meditated, clearing his mind of worries. The candles in front of him waxed and waned, throwing flickering light on the walls. It had been five days since he had received any news on the whereabouts of the Avatar. The girl still refused to share any information on the Avatar, and Prince Zuko's patience was wearing thin. His uncle had insisted he take a break to cool his temper after he almost fried the navigator.
Breathe in… Breathe out…
There was a knock at the door, and Prince Zuko slowly opened his eyes. "What is it?" he demanded haughtily, a little annoyed that anyone would dare interrupt him.
Uncle Iroh came into the room and cleared his throat. "We have news on the Avatar, Prince Zuko."
Prince Zuko surged to his feet, his energy causing the candle flames to spike to the ceiling, leaving black scorch marks. "Where is he!" he demanded.
Uncle Iroh opened his fan and blew away a bit of the smoky air. "The Avatar has been sighted en route to the Earth Kingdom city of Omashu."
"Omashu?"
Uncle Iroh nodded.
"Then turn this ship towards Omashu at once!" Prince Zuko ordered. "And bring the girl up here. She is going to help us get into the city."
"As you wish, Prince Zuko." Uncle Iroh left the room and rushed down the hall to deliver the orders to the captain.
A few minutes later there was another knock on the door, and a guard entered, dragging the earth bender girl behind him. He threw her inside the room, bowed, and left, leaving Prince Zuko and Sekiei alone.
The girl scowled and rubbed her wrists where the rope chafed her skin. "You know, you're supposed to treat ladies with respect."
Prince Zuko glared. "I will if I see one."
She flinched. "Ouch, that one hurt." She looked at her surroundings, taking in the fire nation tapestries and the furnishings of red and black. "Nice place. Yours?"
Prince Zuko glared. "Watch your mouth."
"Yeah, yeah. So, I take it this isn't a social call. What do you want?"
Prince Zuko gave her his haughtiest stare, and noted irritably that she was not intimidated. "The Avatar has been sighted in the city of Omashu." Was it his imagination, or did her face pale a little at this news? "You will help us get into the city."
Sekiei's eyes were emotionless and as cold as stone. "And if I were to refuse?"
Prince Zuko gripped her chin and forced her face upwards. Flames danced around his other fist, reflecting in the girl's grey eyes. "I do not believe you have a choice," he said softly.
She glared defiantly into his face for a few seconds before averting her eyes. "I'll do what you want." Her usually light and joking voice was filled with hatred.
"That is what I thought." Prince Zuko released her and turned away. As soon as his back was to her, Sekiei lunged, aiming a kick at his chest. He spun around and caught her kick, squeezing her ankle until she cried out in pain. He let go, and she collapsed on the floor. "You're despicable," she snarled angrily.
"You do not know what you are talking about." Prince Zuko summoned the guard, who had been waiting outside. "Take her back to her cell."
The guard saluted, and grabbed the girl roughly by her wrist, where she hung limply. "Come on, wench." He dragged her out the door and down the hall to the prisons.
Prince Zuko watched them go before leaving himself. He sauntered to the main decks, shouting orders for a squad of soldiers to ready themselves. They would dock at noon.
How'd you like that? Review, please!
