Hello my readers. It's 12:32 am right now, and I can't sleep.
I realize that Zuko is sixteen in the show and jazz…but I want him to be eighteen. He looks eighteen anyway. Plus, in this story, I AM GOD. So…I'm sorry if this offends you…because an age difference is that dramatic.
Zuko: Just get on with it already. You talk too much.
Oh fine. Anyway, I don't own Avatar, just this little plot right here that came out of my mind. Hehehehe….
Aang::raises an eyebrow:
PS. The reason my story is rated T is because of the language. I'm going to keep it down, but I really don't see Zuko getting all pissed off and then saying something like "Aw Horsefeathers." ...ok, so he may be able to contain himself in the show, but that is beside the point.
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2
Prince Zuko was annoyed. The Earth Kingdom town they had just visited five days ago had been full of rumors of how the Avatar had flown by. Yet they had traveled in the direction all the townspeople had pointed toward, and they had still not seen the familiar underside of the flying bison. You would think that a ship would be faster than an enormous flying mammal. Apparently not.
Zuko was getting very impatient. The summer had just started, and Sozen's Comet was blazing closer. Zuko wanted nothing more to be standing next to his father when the comet burned into the atmosphere; he wanted nothing more than to be able to soak up its power alongside his father, where he rightfully should be. Plus, he had just turned eighteen, and now considered a man. What was the point of being a man if he couldn't be a man in his own country?
Stomping all the way to the bridge, the frustrated prince looked over his maps. The man behind the wheel didn't dare ask what had the prince so enraged, and he didn't even look toward him: he just kept on steering, acting like nothing was happening.
"Prince Zuko-" started the only man aboard the ship who dared to talk to the prince when he was in this type of rage.
"Not now uncle!" Zuko snapped as he peered over his numerous maps that were strewn across the desks inside the room.
"-we are all out of Ginseng tea, and Cinnamon tea, and Green tea, and-" continued General Iroh as though his nephew had not interrupted him.
"This is supposed to be a concern of mine?" Zuko asked sarcastically.
"Of course. A prince should always be concerned with the well care of his people. And if not his people, then at least his family." General Iroh smiled upward towards the tall prince, who just raised an eyebrow.
The retired general sighed. "We are also running short on food supplies, so we have to stop at the next town." He verified, by pointing at the town on the map. "It will only disrupt a day of our journey, and-"
"Whatever. They may have information about the avatar." Zuko waved his hand in confirmation that it was acceptable to go to the town. Plus, he had noticed that the food was lacking, and the gruel was much more watery than it had been for awhile.
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A few hours later, the boat had docked and Zuko was out meandering in the market place of the town with his vivacious uncle. They had appeared to have landed in quite a wealthy Earth Kingdom city, seeing as most of the people there were not dressed in ragged clothes, but fine outfits. There were the occasional peasants puttering around, staring with glazed eyes at the colorful fruits, but that was to be expected; there were always lowlifes around.
There was then a peasant that caught Zuko's eye: Because she was wearing mostly rags, it looked as though she should be one of the peasants crawling on the floor, begging for scraps. Yet she stood tall and upright, was somewhat clean and was bartering at one of the nearby stands for a large hunk of meat. At first Zuko thought it was that retched waterbending girl that traveled with the avatar because she had her long brownish hair pulled back in a braid, but at a second glance he could tell otherwise.
"How DARE you suggest such a price?" The girl asked outraged. "I could get this same meat a few stands over for half the price! Ridiculous!"
"You cannot find this anywhere else miss! Fifty gold pieces and that is my final offer." said the man behind the counter, holding up five fingers as a confirmation.
"It's only worth thirty-five gold pieces! Look at the marks in this! No one would buy it, it is so disfigured!" she slapped the meat back onto the counter "If you won't give it a decent price, then I shall have to take my business elsewhere. So long." And with that she turned her head dramatically so her long braid danced a farewell goodbye and marched proudly away.
"ALL RIGHT FINE!" shouted the owner towards the girl. "Thirty-five gold pieces it is." He picked up the meat and started wrapping it in some grimy paper he had lying around, muttering to himself.
"Thank you kindly sir" said the girl in a wickedly sweet way. She placed the gold coins onto the counter top delicately, picked up her meat and strode off out of the market place.
Zuko was dumbfounded. That was a very large piece of meat that she had just gotten for an absurd price! He was never able to get it that low! He made a "hum" sound at the back of his throat and went to the same man to try and test his bartering skills.
About ten minutes later, Zuko walked away with the same size of meat the girl had for seventy gold pieces. He tried everything the girl had done: yelling, smacking the meat down, saying what was wrong with it, and finally saying how he sold it to the girl for thirty five gold pieces, why not him the same? And yet he still had to pay double what the girl did. How was that possible? He was very confused.
His uncle, on the other hand, was energetic to say the least. He was very proud that they had gotten that meat, seeing as none of the men had had a decent meal in the past month. Plus, he had also discovered a tea vendor and was now sporting a large bag full of assorted tea leaves, many of whom Iroh had never heard of before. "But if it is tea, it is good." he would keep repeating like a broken record to confirm that his purchase was a good one.
"Excuse me sir…" asked a voice behind the prince and his uncle. They turned around to see an old plump man, who was once probably handsome, but old age had weathered him quite a bit. "Ah, so I was right! General Iroh! You probably don't remember me, but my good man I remember you quite well!"
"Hello there Officer Kento, good to see you again." Iroh said calmly, bowing in respect.
"Oh so you DO remember! Well this is good news, good news indeed!" The man apparently called Kento clapped his hands together happily, and placed his hand on Iroh's shoulder. "And by the way, it's Commander Kento now! Retired, of course! But, a title is still a title, isn't it? Ah, and who is this here?" Commander Kento asked happily.
"This is my nephew, Prince Zuko." Iroh announced proudly.
"Ah, Prince Zuko, I remember hearing 'ole Iroh here talk about you. My how you've grown." Commander Kento did a very exaggerated bow toward the prince. Zuko just raised an eyebrow. Turning back to Iroh, Commander Kento continued "But, my dear friend, what brings you to our humble village? Does your ship need repairs? I will have my men fix it personally! Come come, you must stay at my manor tonight! A feast is in store!" and with that said he very happily clapped Iroh on the back and lead them toward his house.
"Prince Zuko," Iroh began in a hushed voice. "This is Commander Kento of the Earth Kingdom. He likes to latch himself onto powerful people like a leech, to save his own skin. Do not be fooled by his act."
"I didn't trust him from the first glance, uncle" Zuko said calmly.
"Because he was so weak in spirit, he became a soldier, and latched himself onto his commanding officer. He became powerful, and latched onto bigger and better people. He may be weak, but he is a snake as well."
"Thank you uncle, for that enlightening tale."
"I'm just saying…" Iroh said, shrugging.
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They had made their way up to Commander Kento's manor, and he excitedly invited them into dinner. "And I have made sure that your men are fed tonight as well." He hurriedly explained to Zuko.
"That is most kind of you." Iroh said graciously. Zuko just grunted.
"I must say, I do hope you enjoy the food. I have just, let us say, employed, a new cook, and she is very handy with her ladle." Commander Kento explained.
Zuko again just raised an eyebrow. Whenthe commandersaw his confused expression, he embarrassedly explained "A ladle is a rather large spoon used for cooking…"
"I KNOW WHAT A LADLE IS!" Zuko exclaimed.
"Do not yell at the dinner table Prince Zuko, it is uncouth." Iroh said calmly, sipping his tea.
"Anyway, my new cook is quite a feisty one. I just recently found her about two weeks ago, practically dying of starvation. So, Iplucked her off the streets and brought her up here, where I kindly gave her appropriate clothes, a room, and cooking utensils." He then broke off from his montage and screamed "GIRL! GET IN HERE NOW WITH THE FOOD!"
Zuko was taken aback at the sudden change in Commander Kento. Perhaps it was because the girl was lower class than he, so he would take off his mask and act like his serpentine self.
But Zuko was disturbed from his thoughts when he saw the creature protruding out of the kitchen. It looked as though plates, chopsticks, meat, and vegetables had all been screwed together, and then stuck on top of human legs. It took him a minute more to realize that it was, in fact, the kitchen girl carrying all the plates of food, and stepping delicately so none would fall.
"Sorry for the delay sir" the girl apologized, and quickly placed the food in front of the dinner party. As she placed the food in front of Zuko, he was again taken aback at the fact that this was the same girl he had seen haggling in the market.
"What took so long?" Commander Kento questioned.
"This is a different type of meat." The girl explained. "It took longer to cook. And I tried out a few different ingredients to see which one worked the best-"
"None of your excuses! Back to work! We may want you later!" Commander Kento commanded, kicking her shin. The girl's eyes blazed with anger, but she merely bowed and walked head held high out of the room.
"I told you she was feisty!" Commander Kento said, back inside his friendly mask. "Anyway, I had her cooking for about a week, and then I walked by the kitchens, and what do I hear? Some delightful sound was emitting from inside the room! So I peered inside, and I see that girl singing as she was cleaning! So, she now sings for me every night after I eat. It is quite a treat."
"What is her name?" asked Iroh.
"Eh? Oh…Kimi I believe." Kento said, dismissing the subject with a wave of his hand. "Now you must try this food, it is delightful!" and with that said, he grabbed his chopsticks and dug in.
Zuko had to agree with Commander Kento in one prospect: the food was delicious. He could tell that his uncle was enjoying it as well. But then, his uncle enjoyed anything that had to do with food.
After they had all eaten their share of food, Commander Kento again screamed "GIRL!" and the girl called 'Kimi I Believe' returned from the kitchen and took the dirty dishes away.
"It was a lovely meal my dear." Iroh said to her. She just blushed.
"Now," Commander Kento started. "Would you like to hear her sing, or must you be going?"
"Oh, I would like to hear her sing. Wouldn't you, Prince Zuko?" Iroh looked at Zuko questioningly, but Zuko knew that whatever he said would have no difference; his uncle wanted to hear her sing, so that was what was going to happen.
"I do not particularly care at this point." He replied gruffly.
"SPLENDID!" Commander Kento said, clapping his hands together again. Then, taking a deep breath he again screamed "GIRL!"
Kimi poked her head out from the kitchen. "Yes sir?"
"We would like to hear you sing. Get out here." Commander Kento said, pointing to the floor.
"If you can hold on one moment, I was cleaning the dishes, and I am covered in-"
"NOW!"
She sighed, but stalked out into the room. Zuko bit his tongue trying to not laugh; the girl was covered in soap bubbles. It was as if she had gotten in a fight with a bath and it was winning.
The Commander had a disgusted look on his face. "Is that any way to look before singing for our guests? Go wipe yourself down this instant!"
The girl grit her teeth and stalked back into the kitchen, where a few seconds later she came back out of, bubble free.
"That's better. Now." He pointed to Iroh and Zuko. "This is General Iroh and Prince Zuko of the fire nation. They wish to hear you sing."
She turned toward Zuko. "What would you like to hear me sing sir?" she asked in a sickenly sweet tone. The same tone, he noticed, that she used with the meat man. It was as if she was trying to be polite, but was making fun of him at the same time.
"Do you know any patriotic songs?" Iroh asked, placing his head on top of his entwined fingers.
"I do know one patriotic song, but I am afraid it is not of thefire nation. Will it do?" she asked, a bit more respect in her tone this time.
"That will be fine." Iroh said, smiling.
She smiled back, then closed her eyes, and began.
I vow to thee, my country. All earthly things above
Entire, whole and perfect, the service of my love.
The land that asks no questions, the land that stands the test,
That lays upon the alter the dearest and the best
The land that never falters, the land that pays the price
The land that makes undaunted the final sacrifice!
The land that asks no questions, the land that stands the test,
That lays upon the alter the dearest and the best
The land that never falters, the land that pays the price
The land that makes undaunted the final sacrifice!
When she had finished with her song, she bowed again and stood stark still, waiting for his response.
"Well?" Commander Kento asked Prince Zuko excitedly. "What do you think?"
Zuko was speechless. It was as if the heavens had opened and the Gods and Goddesses were singing instead. Her lovely soprano voice sent chills down Zuko's spine and made him shiver at the mere beauty of it. The low notes she hit made Zuko gasp in amazement, while the high notes made him wonder if that was humanly possible. While she sang, she had spread her arms out dramatically, and her chest puffed out. If anyone else had done this, they would have looked like a complete prat, yet on her it looked as though she was directing angels.
"It was absolutely beautiful." Iroh said amazed.
Zuko nodded in agreement. "Yes, very nice."
Commander Kento chuckled to himself, as if he had just won a bet. "I told you so! Alright girl, you are free for the night. Finish the dishes, and then you may retire."
"Thank you sir." She bowed to all three of the men, and then retreated back into the kitchen.
Commander Kento then turned to Iroh and began interogating him about what he wasdoing lately, and how he was.A few minutes later, Zuko was bored of the talk, andstood up to make his way out of the dining room.
"The bathroom is on your left dear boy!" he heard the commander call, but he paid no head. He just needed some alone time after hearing that song.
Walking by the kitchen, he looked in, snooping. There he saw the girl, washing the dishes, muttering to herself.
"That no good ungrateful- yes master, so sorry sir, right away your highness. ARG! I cannot BELIEVE him! Why, if I had him to myself, I would--ACK!" she had gotten herself so mad that she broke a plate. Cursing, she picked up the broken pieces of glass and looked at them, contemplating. Then, she threw up a piece into the air and chucked a fireball at it. Cursing again at herself, she put the other pieces into a stack of trash and turned back around to continue washing.
Prince Zuko couldn't believe it. This dumb commander had a firebender working for him? This was ridiculous! He would not stand for it! Opening the door, he barged in and said "Hey."
She froze, and then turned around timidly. "…y-yes?" she stammered.
"Are you a firebender?" Zuko asked bluntly.
"Um…in-in a way I suppose." She answered blinking.
"What do you mean 'in a way'? Either you are, or you aren't. Now, are you, or aren't you?" Zuko said frustrated.
"Y-Yes." She answered timidly.
"Then why are you working for this no good creep? Firebenders are not fit to work for anyone."
She just blinked at him, dumbfounded. "I beg your pardon?"
Zuko looked at her. "What's your name?" he finally asked.
"Kila" She replied, holding out her hand. Zuko merely looked at it, and she shrugged and let itfall. "Nevermind…"
"So," Zuko said, leaning against a countertop. "You like working for this guy?"
"It's a joy." Kila answered sarcastically, turning back to the dishes. "He is such a pig."
"Then why not leave? Go back to Fire Nation territory? That's what I would do" Zuko said, addingto himself "if I could".
"I would love to. I would love to go anywhere, just get away from this monkey of a man. But I have no transportation, or money, or food... well, you get the idea." She explained. "I would eventually have to come back here. I've just been crawling from town to town, trying to get by. I have no idea how to get back home, so…" she sighed and stopped washing. "This is my only option." She finally answered.
Thinking to himself, Zuko hatched a brilliant plan. But the downside was that he was going to look nice. "If you were able to get away from this rhino, would you still cook for men? And sing?"
"Well, I sing anywhere I go. It's just such a passion of mine. The cooking, I guess it would depend. But if I was away from this jerk, I would do practically anything." Kila answered, her hopes rising.
Zuko sighed. "Alright, I'll figure out a way for you to come aboard our ship. We have a crew of hungry men, who need a good meal. Plus, I saw you haggling in the market earlier today, and that could come in handy with our money problem." He noticed Kila's puzzled expression, so he explained "my uncle loves to shop, that's the problem."
She just looked at him, and then broke out into a very happy giggle. It sounded almost as great as her singing, and it warmed Zuko. He continued, saying "I don't know how we're going to get you away from the commander here without doing something illegal; it seems that he enjoys your cooking. You can probably sneak out of your window tonight…you do have a window, right?"
"My room is actually on ground level, but instead of me climbing through there, I can just tell him I need to go buy more paprika. He doesn't know what that is…I don't think anyone does actually" she muttered to herself. Sighing, she broke out of her trance and continued "so, I can probably just get out the door, and come with you that way."
Zuko shrugged. "Sounds good, nothing can go wrong."
"Knock on wood." Kila said.
"What?"
"…nevermind." She said, shaking her head sadly.
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After they had bade the Commander farewell, Zuko and Iroh made their way back down the road, and Zuko explained to his uncle that Kila was in fact a firebender, and she was going to stow away on their ship cooking for the men. Iroh was a bit confused on the matter, but shrugged it off saying "No Firebender deserves to be treated like a slave. She will be singing, right?"
A few minutes later, Kila appeared next to where Zuko and Iroh had stopped on the side of the road, wearing a traveling rag and a smile on her face.
"It worked! He's so stupid, he didn't even notice!" Kila said energetically. Iroh laughed and clapped his hand on her back, leading her down to the ship.
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TA-DA! Chapter two, already up! HUZZAH!
Ok, so I also do not own the song, nor the lyrics to "I Vow To Thee My Country". I changed the lyrics a bit, but I do not take the credit for the song.
It is now 2 in the morning, and I am finally tired. Look at what boredom can do to a person! That is exciting.
Sorry this was quite boring, but things will pick up soon, they always do, don't they? Thanks for reading!
SeethingxShadows