Chapter 9: Zhao's Request

It was early morning, and Zhao had gotten his fill of yelling at his crew for the day. Even after Zuko's flat refusal to share any information with him, he hadn't given up his quest for the Source. It was spoken of very little in the ancient scripts, except for restating what the elder had said.

'Those who can tap the Fire-bender's Source have an access to unfathomable powers, but not without a price. The magic of the Source is powerful but not given freely, not even to its host.'

It then went on to explain all the reasons not to use the Source. But Zhao didn't care. The Source could change him into what he wanted to be, it would eliminate all the weaknesses in him that made him human. Lack of stamina, a conscience, and most of all, his love for his wife and daughter. All he needed to know now was how to tap it.

This was the reason he'd tried desperately to get Anzha to fire-bend after Zuko had left. He'd hoped to see something in her fire, some clue to the Source. He'd even stooped to asking Zuko about it. Neither one had any information to offer him. The elder had said that the Source, when one was not taught to access it, chose in whom to make its presence none. But he would achieve the powers it offered; he would tap it, no matter what.

Zuko had sent his men into the woods when they had returned to search for the Avatar. If She-Wolf…Anzha, he corrected himself, was near, then so was the Avatar. Despite his love for her, he wouldn't let her stand in the way of returning home.

Ozai stood at the prow of the Flames' Heart, the ship reserved specially for the Fire Lord. The knowledge that Natalani was pregnant with his child had brought many things into sharp relief. He knew that nothing was worth more than his own son's life, and he had left the Fire Nation to tell Zuko that. The last words he had spoken to Anzha before she left came to mind, and he ordered the captain to increase their speed. Their destination was the last known coordinates of Zhao's ship. He had to stop their plan, but he wasn't going alone.

Zuko's men had found the remains of the Avatar's campsite, but its occupants were long gone. Anzha had even left Zuko a note.

'Catch us if you can.'

Zuko was more than willing to take her up on her challenge. But by nightfall, there was no sign of them anywhere.

Zhao was close to the end of his rope. He'd looked through every scroll, interrogated every one he could think of, and nothing was revealed. He was getting obsessed. Oh hell, he was obsessed. In a moment of pure fury at his inability, he decided to meditate so he'd be able to think clearly later.

He was deep within himself, nothing real save for the four flames that he manipulated. It was then that Zhao realized that Zuko had told him everything he needed to know.

Abandoning the flames, he went deeper within until he began to lose a sense of self. He was nothing, no more a living being than the steel walls around him. And then he saw it, a seemingly huge sun, casting light around him and through him. He was absorbed into its depths, the searing flames all around him. The Source called to him, stating that, since he had no qualms about his true self, what could he want? Zhao made his request and declared he would pay whatever price was asked. The price was stated even as the magic began to work. There was no going back now.

Every soul within a mile's radius heard Zhao's scream. The soldiers on his ship could not open the door without risking losing their hands. The steel of the Admiral's room glowed red. The crew threw sea water against the walls, desperate to keep the ship from imploding on it-self. It was morning before anyone could enter the Admiral's room.

The Admiral took his usual place at the prow of the ship. Outwardly, he was no different. Inside? He was amazed at his transformation. He felt cold…ruthless and he knew nothing would hold him back. The ship cut through the waves and a soldier came up to him and bowed.

"Sir, the Flames' Heart is approaching."

"Excellent. I have much to tell the Fire Lord. Prepare for Lord Ozai's arrival."

The soldier bowed again and set off to relay the orders.

A smile crossed the Admiral's face that was far from pleasant.

sorry it's so short...wanted to break this up into two chapters...