~The Waterbending Master~
Ryuu POV
Music night. We were playing 'Four Seasons' with Iroh singing, Jee on lute, me on flute and everyone else as backing singers. The chorus had just struck up again when a man wearing Fire Nation uniform boarded the ship. He smirked.
"Glad you're enjoying this night, as it will be your last one on here."
...
Iroh glided stiffly towards Zuko's room. I followed quickly behind, Zhao stepping maliciously on my heels at every opportunity. Iroh placed his hand on the door handle and turned it. Zuko's room was gloomy and he sat on his bed, reading something (no idea how because the light leves were so low). He smacked it down and glowered at his Uncle.
"For the last time, I'm not playing the tsungi horn!"
Zhao pushed me in - I stumbled and fell over into the room. Iroh helped me up:
"No, it's about our plans. There's a bit of a problem."
Zhao stepped through the door. I growled at him but he smirked back. Zuko shot to his feet; hating Zhao every much as I did. Despite me just meeting him, the man had taken every opportunity to hurt me. Zhao trained his eyes on the Prince, testing his reaction.
"I'm taking your crew."
"What?!" Zuko roared.
Zhao checked his nails, "I've recruited them for a little - expedition to the North Pole."
Zuko paniced and looked at his Uncle for confirmation. Iroh put his hand dramatically to his forehead.
"He's taking everyone... even the cook!"
Zuko stared at me then at Zhao, " What about Ryuu?"
Zhao gave me a look that made me want to be sick. I balled my fists and stood my ground against the creep. The utter, putrid, sour-faced creep.
"I thought about it... her uses to me are - limited. So you can keep her. She is your little plaything, after all. "
Zuko braced his arm infront of me. Zhao laughed, amused at Zuko. He smirked again and thought of something else to get on the Prince's nerves. I placed a hand on his shoulder to prevent him from trying to fight.
"Sorry you won't be there to watch me capture the Avatar. But I can't have you getting in my way again."
Unconsciously, I squeezed Zuko's shoulder. He knew I knew about the other alias. Zhao placed over to Zuko's broadswords. He picked one up and swished it about before turning back to us. Iroh narrowed his eyes at the man. Zuko verged on a scream, but kept his mouth shut. I wanted to punch Zhao's smug kisser.
"I didn't know you were skilled with broadswords, Prince Zuko."
Zuko and I spoke at the same time. I allowed Zuko to continue speaking alone.
"I'm not. They're antiques. Just decorative."
Zhao was not impressed. He turned to Iroh. The general also shared our strong dislike for the horrible creep.
"Have you heard of the Blue Spirit, General Iroh?"
Iroh played dumb, "Just rumors. I don't think he is real."
Zhao scoffed and placed the sword back in its place. He spoke with his back turned:
"He's real, all right. He's a criminal, and an enemy of the Fire Nation. But I have a feeling justice will catch up with him soon. General Iroh, the offer to join my mission still stands ... if you change your mind."
He turned back around and locked eyes with me: "And I may still take the girl for my uses. Just give me a day to think... Oh and she looks like a wanted poster I once saw..."
Zhao excited the cabin. I wanted run and punch him but I was routed with fear and disgust. Zuko enveloped me in a quick hug before clasping my shoulders.
"I won't let him take you. Trust me."
I mumbled a yes under my numb breath. Iroh patted my back.
"Let's go say goodbye. "
We both looked to Zuko to see if he wanted to come. But he refused, stating he would rather finish his story. We left him in the cabin. The crew made an emotional good bye. And, before they went, Jee pressed something into my hand - a lucky talisman. A turquoise painted wooden bead with a eye on it. I thanked him no end - he just told me to stay safe. Later we returned to the cabin, to ask if Zuko wanted to come on a walk with us - clear our heads.
"Good riddance to those traitors, " He bitterly remarked.
"It's a lovely night for a walk. Why don't you join me? It would clear your head. Or just stay in your room and sit in the dark. Whatever makes you happy."
"Zuko?" I frowned. Zuko turned his back on me.
"You go. I'm tired. "
Before we left the ship, I made a quick detour and grabbed my Ji. I had a feeling something was going to happen and wanted my weapon with me. Iroh let me take it. He thought the same as me. I touched my new lucky charm that hung around my neck.
We didn't manage to go far. The ship exploded behind us, the shockwave ricocheted around the bay we were docked. It took both Iroh and I a moment to realise what had happened... and that Zuko was still on the ship. I screamed his name dispite knowing that, even if he had miraculously survived, he wouldn't hear me.
"No. Calm down. Breath. Ryuu, he is an excellent Firebender, there is a chance that he survived. Hold on to hope."
I dropped my spear, numb with shock. Zuko had been blown up! All I could think was 'He's gone.' Iroh pulled me to him. I sobbed into his shoulder.
"Believe in Zuko's abilities. He will survive. Trust me."
...
"So, to what pleasure do I owe this visit?"
I glared daggers at Zhao. He sat in the red draped tent, acting as if he had not just sent pirateswith explosives and killed anyone. Iroh tapped my shoulder, a signal for me to change my expression. My hands tightened around the pole of my Ji. Zhao offered us tea, making us sit.
"I'm sure you have heard of Prince Zuko."
"Oh yes, " Zhao poured us each a cup of tea, "I'm devastated to hear about Prince Zuko. Just ... devastated."
I wanted to scream at him. Punch him. KILL HIM. But I showed restraint the way a Centre Ring girl in Ba Sing Sae would. Iroh sipped his tea and took a careful sigh.
"The Fire Lord will not be pleased when he learns who was responsible."
Zhao faltered. He almost spilt his tea. It reminded me painfully of Zuko's tea incident. I forced my eyes to glaze into a numb stare. I wouldn't cry infront of this - monster. Zhao coughed and hurriedly drunk his tea. He regained his mask and asked us who we thought responsible.
I answered, deadpanning, "Well, You know who..." - Zhao glared at me - " Pirates. We had a run-in with them a while back. They wanted revenge."
"Mmm. Horrible people, " Iroh shook his head.
Zhao sipped his tea, "Quite. So, have you reconsidered my offer?"
Iroh put on a fake proud expression, "Yes, I accept. It will be an honor to serve as your general. To the Fire Nation!"
"To Victory! "
'To Revenge! 'I subconsciously added.
We toasted - me grudgingly. Iroh ran his figure around the rim of his cup.
"One condition. "
Zhao's face dimmed, "Yes, anything for Great The Dragon of The West."
Iroh gestured to me and stared Zhao down, "My assistant stays my assistant. After everthing that has happened, she reminds me of my dear departed Nephew - Spirits rest his soul - you shall not touch her. Ever."
Zhao sneered but agreed. I was relieved because I did not to find out what that creep would've had in store for me.
...
My new uniform was a drastic difference to my old one. It was all black with a red standing collar. My black trousers were no longer loose, but I still kept my arm and leg wraps, and Jee's Lucky Charm. I had to tie my hair in a top-knot and wear red boots that peeked just above my ankles.
Iroh led me through the maze of corridors to the designated meeting place. I stood there, clutching onto my Ji. I was allowed to keep it as 'protection '.
Another plain looking soldier rounded the corner but stopped by us. He took out his faceplate, revealing Zuko. I beamed widely. He slightly nodded at me. Iroh maintained a straight face.
"Our plan is working perfectly. Zhao doesn't suspect a thing."
Zuko stared ahead, "You didn't have to do this. Either of you."
"No nephew of mine is going to stow away on a ship without some backup."
"And I am not leaving you, Princess. Ever."
Zuko glanced at both of us and replaced his face mask, "Thank you, both."
He marched away when another soldier came. The plan was starting. Iroh and I weaved to the top of the Command tower. Zhao was waiting. I stood as far away as possible from him. He put his arms akimbo and returned to staring out of the massive glass window.
"My fleet is ready. Set a course for the Northern Water Tribe."
