Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar. If I did, Sokka would dance more often. And I don't own Pie Jesu Requiem, that is property of Andrew Lloyd Webber. (If any of you have the chance, I highly suggest hearing it sung by Sarah Brightman, it's a lovely song.)
Many thanks to everyone for reviewing! CHAAAAAAA! I guess that sometimes begging, pleading and all around being hella annoying works. :does victory dance:
Zuko: get on with it already.
Shut up. :bonks Zuko on the head with the keyboard.: Anyway, I'm sorry if this is taking forever, but my dad and I have been planning a cross country trip up to Portland, and he's as giddy as a five year old after a venti double shot espresso. (Cross country is basically flying in a small airplane and going to different airports. It's not running.)
And I have also suddenly become an innkeeper to a baby bird that we found on our patio, screeching at my two labs "Hey, I'm right here! Just try and eat me! Come on! I dare ya! I can take you both on with one wing behind my back!" She (or he, I dunno.) still has the baby bird hair and bald spots, so she's brand new. All she eats is figs, and she'll only eat them from me, while I'm singing to her. Out of all the baby birds we had to find and save, it had to be the picky one. Go figure. Anyway, every ten minutes she starts singing either "Chirp", "Chirp 2, the remix" or "Hey bitch! I'm hungry! Feed me!" So, every ten minutes, I have to jump up and tend to Madam's needs.
The cool thing is I named her Ginseng. Can anyone guess why?
Zuko: GET ON WITH IT ALREADY!
…it's like Monty Python… ooer.
5
Zuko was standing at the front of his ship pouting, when a large shadow loomed over him. As he looked up, his scowl deepened.
There it was, Admiral Zhou's ship, slowing down to the pace of Zuko's smaller and less threatening one. A soldier was waving at Zuko, ordering him to stop so the admiral could board. Zuko was just about to give the soldier a very offensive hand gesture, when he felt his ship growl beneath him and slow down to a halt.
Spinning on his heal, Zuko stalked towards the helms, where he wrenched open the door, not surprised to see that his Uncle had issued the command.
"Prince Zuko, the sooner we comply with Admiral Zhou, the sooner we may be on our way." Iroh said calmly, picking up the Pai Cho board and putting it away neatly.
Zuko did not complain; he knew that his uncle was right. The sooner he let Zhou degrade him, the sooner he would be off the ship, and the sooner he could continue his quest. But just to keep up appearances, he shot a blast of fire toward the table, igniting a few tiles ablaze.
"My tiles!" Iroh wailed.
Just a few minutes later, a gangplank was lowered and the deceitful admiral Zhou walked on board, a sneer planted on his face.
"Greetings, Prince Zuko" he said icily.
"To what do we owe the pleasure, Admiral?" Iroh asked, stepping in before Zuko could say anything.
"I've just come by to check up on your progress, see how you are maintaining your…ship? It's more like a tiny dory." Zhou looked around, the sneer growing wider with every furrow of Zuko's brows. "Although, as much as I have loved our little chat right now, we mustn't linger. I have to get started inspecting. Because, unlike some people, my presence is wanted in the Fire nation."
"Your presence is not wanted here." Zuko said coldly.
Zhou just merely shrugged. "And neither do I want to be here. However,the Fire Lord has been increasingly requesting my presence. But, business is business. And so, to business." And with that said he strutted around Iroh and Zuko and began inspecting.
Zuko's temper flared up. How he would love to just reach his hands around Zhou's neck and strangle the malignant worm. Zuko shuffled over to where his uncle and Zhou were and walked silently behind them, keeping an eye on Zhou for his tricks, and keeping an eye on his uncle for stupidity.
An hour passed. This hour was consumed merely by Zhou pointing out every detail that was wrong, how poorly Zuko kept the ship,why it was so atrocious, and so forth.
Zuko didn't think it could get any worse.
And then it did.
As they were walking down another long corridor, Zuko heard distant singing and muttering. "Lovely ladies, looking for a bite, waiting for the customers who only come at night. Wait, is that how it goes? Or is it waiting, and then looking? Oh, I wish I had my ipod…"
The party turned a corner, and there was Kila, on the floor, scrubbing.
"Oh no." Zuko thought to himself.
"Tell me Zuko, what does she scrub besides the floor?" Zhou asked, thinking that this was quite a clever joke.
Kila turned, unaware before that there was anyone behind her. Raising an eyebrow, she stood up. Zuko wished he could continuously bang his head against a wall. Kila was covered in dirt from cleaning the whole morning. Her hair was in a scraggily made bun with strands falling out everywhere. The clothes that she was wearing were ragged and fading from obvious use, and her face was cloaked in a layer of soot. Then, to add to the perfect white trash image, he wiped her soapy hands on her pants. Turning to Iroh, she then asked "Who's this old pervert?" jabbing her thumb at Zhou. Zuko wished he would melt into the floor.
Zhou just merely raised his eyebrows, but showed no signs of anger. Iroh turned a shade pink and explained "This is Admiral Zhou. He's come to inspect the ship."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Kila, the cleaner of the ship, extraordinary cook, wonderful singer and extreamly modest." Kila said holding out a hand. When Zhou just looked at it, she let it drop and shrugged.
Zuko raised a hand to his head and began massaging his temples, trying to squelch the headache that was forming quite rapidly.
Kila ignored his actions and continued "So, I always get ranks confused. I know the general is at the top and private is at the bottom…so that would make an admiral…?"
"A very high rank." Zhou said coldly. "When did you come aboard?"
"Oh, awhile ago." Kila said waving a hand. "I used to cook for this guy in the earth kingdom, but he was a real pain in the-"
"Actually" Iroh said, cutting Kila off in mid profane description, "She was enslaved to work for him. Then we learned that she was of the fire nation, and we…oh, how would you explain it…rescued her I suppose."
"I see," Zhou said. "Well, let's continue."
"Kila, we shall meet you later in the helm" Iroh instructed, leading the way.
Kila nodded and picked up her bucket; she was done scrubbing for the day. As she walked by Zuko, she forgot about the argument they had been having and whispered in his ear "He's like a dog, isn't he?"
Zuko stopped walking and turned around, perplexed. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Well, he acts like a dog. Like, a Zhouzer. Or, a Chizhouzhou." Kila giggled at her ridiculously unfunny joke and walked off toward her room.
Zuko stared at her retreating back. "She never ceases to confuse me…" he mumbled and turned to follow his uncle.
As Kila walked toward her room, an ugly look crossed her face. So that was the Admiral that Zuko was always complaining about. From all the descriptions she had heard from Zuko, it sounded like he was just a lonely old man who was looking for attention in the worst ways possible. Her suspicions had been verified earlier by Iroh over afternoon tea, and Kila had wondered what she would have done if she had ever met him. Well, low and behold, here he came the day she decides to look like crap. Kila was determined to clean herself up and change the first impression he had got of her.
Plus, she had also perfected a new recipe, and couldn't wait to try it out on the crew after he had heard Iroh say he had never heard of it before.
Giggling madly to herself, Kila hopped into her room to get her bath ready.
Another hour later, Zuko was leaning against the wall in the helm, listening to Zhou boast about everything. His fingers were itching to just throw the stupid man out the window.
Iroh was just sitting at the table, politely listening to Zhou, when the door opened, and he smiled. "Ah, my tea is here."
There was Kila, holding a tray containing Iroh's tea kettle, and a bunch of round bread-like looking things. "Sorry it took so long, I had to freshen up." Kila apologized as she placed the tray on the table.
Zhou stopped in mid sentence as she had entered, and Zuko couldn't help but look over her way. Kila's hair was newly washed and brushed, and because she was wearing it straight down, the sleekness of it shown brighter than the purest sunshine. She was wearing a new outfit that she had bought the last time they had stopped for supplies, which was a pale green that clashed with her caramel hair perfectly. The soot was off her face, and the dirt was scrubbed clean. Zuko had to hand it to her, she did look somewhat attractive.
After Zhou found his voice again, he looked strangely at the food that Kila had brought in. "What are these?" he asked, picking one up delicately with his fingertips, eyeing it suspiciously.
"Cookies! Fresh out of the oven too!" Kila explained enthusiastically. "I finally go the recipe right, after a few tries. Oatmeal raisin! Try a few, they're delicious." Then picking some up, she walked over to the other side of the room and crammed them into Zuko's hands. "Please try some" she mumbled so that only he would hear. "They'll make your bad day a little brighter." Then she turned around, and walked back over to Iroh, and sat down next to him.
"My dear," he said happily. "These are quite tasty! And they go great with tea! Are there other flavors?"
"Yes…" Zhou said suspiciously. "This is…tolerable." He had taken a few nibbles out of his cookie, and was still holding it by his fingertips.
Kila giggled again and picked up the empty tray, leaving the kettle and plate of cookies on the table. "If you excuse me, I have to get dinner started."
"What are we having tonight?" Iroh asked excitedly.
"Well, we were going to have spaghetti again…" Kila said, an idea popping into her head. "But, if the Admiral is kind enough, I could borrow a few ingredients from his cook and make something really tasty! Would that be alright sir?"
Kila had sidled up next to Zhou and was dripping with such sweetness, it made Zuko want to toss his cookies at her. What was she thinking? Having him stay longer is NOT what he wanted! And he DEFINITLY didn't want her looking at him like that, it was repulsive. And even Zhou had enough of a brain that he would be able to see through her.
But apparently, Zhou didn't. "General Iroh here has been proclaiming your cooking like it was from the Gods themselves. I may have to try it myself, see if it's worthy of fire nation soldiers. You are permitted to use my ingredients from my ship; they are of better quality anyway."
"Thank you kindly sir!" Kila said, then bowed and walked proudly out of the room.
Zuko wished that the day would just end. It was now dinnertime, and they were all congregated inside the large mess hall, awaiting Kila to come out and say they could come get their dinner.
When she had finally announced that it was served, the men surged upward and bounded for the front where the large pot was located, trying to get first in line. Kila had other men helping her serve this night, so the dinner was distributed much quicker than usual. She then made her way over to the table where Zuko was located, and placed his dinner in front of him, just like she did every night. Then she placed it in front of Iroh, Zhou and finally in the empty seat at the end of the table for herself.
"Ah!" Iroh exclaimed happily. "Beef stroganoff! One of my favorites! A lovely choice Kila." He excitedly picked up his chopsticks and dug in, making loud slurping noises.
Zuko just picked up his chopsticks politely and ate, just like every night. It was true that he liked Kila's cooking, but he would never tell her that, it ruined his appearance.
Zhou raised his eyebrows after he had a few bites of the meal. "Not bad, but there could be a few more spices added. Although, it's not like I expected perfection aboard this ship." he said.
Kila wished that she could cram her chopsticks up his nose. But instead she said nothing and continued to eat.
After she had finished her dinner, Kila chose five men and had them pick up the dirty plates all around the tables. Kila then grabbed her plate, Iroh's, Zhou's and Zuko's, and turned toward the kitchen to place them in the sink along with all the others. It was usually this time of night that Kila wished she had her dishwasher, but then Kila realized that she could just have the men wash them also, and take turns. After laughing at her amount of power she had over the men, Kila retreated back to her table to sit back down and wait to see what would happen next. It was usually at this time that Kila would try and think of a good song to sing to match the mood, or a song that the men hadn't heard yet. But the men weren't chanting for her to sing, and she didn't know if it was proper with Zhou around. Although, come to think of it, she really didn't care what he thought anyway.
Looking over toward Zhou and Iroh, her eyes landed upon Zuko, who was looking at the table with such intensity she thought he was trying to burn it with his eyes. Breathing in deeply, Kila had to admit to herself that she felt sorry for the scarred prince. So, he was a rude, arrogant, spoiled brat, but look at what he had to constantly put up with!
"Kila," Iroh began. "I was wondering if you were going to sing for us tonight. I'm sure that Admiral Zhou would love to hear your voice." At this request the men cheered.
Kila smiled, and sat up straight in her chair. "Oh, I don't know…" she began. "If I sing practically every other night, then it really doesn't become a treat now, does it?" She smiled at the men's pleading. It was quite funny. "Well, if you insist." The men cheered.
Kila got up and walked over to her usual table that she sang on, and stood up on it. Thinking to herself, she tried to come up with a good song, something that would really knock Zhou's socks off…then it came to her.
"Now, this song it a bit different." Kila began to explain. "It's all in Latin, and it's more of an opera type song than I have been singing…Are you sure you want to hear it?" The men cheered again. Kila smiled broadened. Then closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and began.
Pie Jesu, Pie Jesu, Pie Jesu, Pie Jesu
Qui tollis peccata mundi
Dona eis requiem, dona eis réquiem.
Pie Jesu, Pie Jesu, Pie Jesu, Pie Jesu
Qui tollis peccata mundi
Dona eis requiem, dona eis réquiem.
Agnus Dei, Agnus Dei, Agnus Dei, Agnus Dei
Qui tollis peccata mundi
Dona eis requiem, dona eis réquiem.
Sempiternam, Sempiternam
Eis réquiem.
This was by far the best song that Zuko had heard Kila sing. It was indeed more opera sounding, and she was hitting much higher pitches than ever before. On the last time she sang the word 'Eis' she hit such a pure high note that Zuko could feel Zhou quiver next to him. This did indeed cheer Zuko up to learn that Zhou enjoyed her singing, and it cheered him up even more to know that Zhou wouldn't hear her sing again, while Zuko heard her every night. Zuko leaned back in his seat, a smug look crossing his face.
Ending her song, Kila stepped down from her make believe platform and walked over to the table that Iroh, Zhou and Zuko were positioned at.
Iroh wiped a tear from his eyes. "Very lovely my dear, very lovely."
"Are there any other hidden talents you have?" Zhou asked suspiciously.
"Actually, she is quite a skilled firebender." Iroh said proudly.
"Is this so? So you must have beaten Prince Zuko then?" Zhou asked, acid in his tone.
"No, I haven't sparred with Prince Zuko. But if I did, I would beat his butt." Kila said confidently.
"I beg to differ." Zuko said proudly.
"I would like to see such a spar." Zhou said.
"I have a better idea," Iroh said, a gleam in his eyes. "Why doesn't she spar with you Admiral? Just for a lesson on how masters work of coarse."
"I would be honored if you would help train me, sir." Kila said, using the same sickly sweet tone she used with bartering for goods.
"Well, I'm sure it would help you to see how real masters firebend. This shall be interesting." Zhou said icily. Then, standing up from the table, he made his way to the arena to get ready.
Iroh passed Kila and whispered in her ear "Zuko once beat him. It will not be difficult for you." Then winking, he followed Zhou.
Zuko looked toward Kila, his eyebrows raised. Having not heard what his uncle just whispered to her, he was very worried. He had once sparred with Zhou, but had just barely won. And then he remembered that once he did win, the Commander at the time tried to strike him from behind. What if he tried that with Kila? Zuko's brain didn't want to admit it to Zuko's common sense, but he was a bit worried for her. Shaking his head, he also made his way over to the arena, with a large feeling of dread following him.
Random and Inane Babble
Khazia- Thanks for the many reviews! I loved reading them! And I love how you worked backwards, hehe. I would do the math, but alas, that isn't my greatest subject. It may not end up like you think…or will it? Da da dammmmm. Ok, it probably will end up like you're thinking, but with a bunch of twists.
albr62- Yes, I suck at summaries. But I'm glad that your opinion was changed! That made me happy when I read your review. And I'm glad to know that everyone is in character. It's hard to keep Zuko in character, and to keep Kila from being a dreaded 'Mary Sue'.
Please keep reviewing, and I will keep writing! Thanks!
SeethingxShadows