AN: I have not died. I have not forgotten. I will not give excuses. I will not give reasons. I will simply say, "Sorry for taking so long," and leave it at that.
I would also like send out a big "THANK YOU!" to all who have followed and left reviews.
Q&A
Q: One of my reviewers asked if when Chiaki stated that she would follow Prince Zuko if she was showing her loyalty with a reference to the Embers-verse.
A: Sort of, she is Earth Kingdom, so if we were in the Embers-verse, then it still would not apply, as in loyalty. However, she was demonstrating her, support if you will.
I believe that's it.
~Well Wishes
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender. No profit is being made by the writing and submission of this story.
Scene #3 Pai Sho
"Prince Zuko, no visual sign of the Avatar yet; however, recently resurfaced reports indicate a sky bison sighting about 100 years ago heading towards the Southern Water Tribe. No reports state whether he arrived or not. Additionally, these sightings occurred just weeks before Sozin's Comet and the subsequent events."
Not much had changed during the two years since Zuko made the arrangement with Chiaki. At first, Zuko thought Chiaki would bring the reports most often so that she would be able to spar afterwards; that was not the case. After the initial meeting, Zuko hadn't seen Chiaki once. No worries, the reports were made on time, but they were always done by a different person and they weren't always made to him while he was on the ship. This was the first time Zuko had seen Chiaki since the agreement was made. It was also the first time a report had been brought in before the 3 months were up.
'Finally,' Zuko thought, 'something I can go on.'
"Furthermore, I desire passage to and from the South Pole," Chiaki added.
Stopping, Zuko crossed his arms and glared. That was not in the original agreement.
~(*)v(*)~
'His glares have gotten better,' Chiaki absently noted, 'and he's crossing his arms to make firebending more difficult. Wise move,' continuing she clarified, "Prince Zuko, all I ask is a room to myself, water, and use of the latrine. Well, maybe a bit of tea and a game of Pai Sho with the most esteemed General Iroh as well."
Chiaki had met up with Prince Zuko during one of General Iroh's many shopping expeditions. She had timed her approach well. Prince Zuko looked ready to fry someone and in dire need of a distraction. Carefully navigating the market day rush, she walked so no one was near enough to hear if they spoke softly.
"Why, should I allow you to travel on my ship?"
'Still arrogant I see,' Chiaki noticed, "Convenience mostly," she shrugged, "I desire passage to the South Pole and I envision your ships heading shall be in that direction." Another absent-minded shrug, "My skills permit me to gain accurate information without the utilization of unnecessary violence." Mentally she added, 'it also has a high chance of keeping you on the ship where you won't damage our relations with my Southern Water Tribe contact, but I won't mention that part.' She continued aloud, "Additionally, I will provide a new sparring partner on occasion."
Prince Zuko seemed to be at least considering my proposal.
~(*)v(*)~
Even if Zuko had not seen Chiaki in two years, he did know a bit more about her then when they first met. She was a talented earthbender, somewhere around the age of 10, an orphan, and good at what she does, 'Whatever that is,' Zuko thought. 'I would no longer have to wait for reports, I could receive them immediately. She has held to her end of the agreement throughout the two years we've had it. If I allow her passage, maybe Uncle will leave me be about tea and Pai Sho. We do have a spare cabin and so long as we don't have to provide food…'
Decision reached, Zuko subconsciously nodded, "Very well, you may travel with us to and from the South Pole. You will be provided a room, water, and use of the community latrine, so long as you spar with me at least every other day and provide or retrieve any information on the Avatar from the Southern Water Tribe."
Zuko watched Chiaki closely, trying to discern her thoughts. They hadn't spoken to each other at all during the 2 years, though most of the reports clearly came from her. You could hear it in the wording if you listened close enough. 'Nothing,' he thought, 'her body language tells me nothing.'
She stuck out her hand, "I accept."
~(*)v(*)~
The most esteemed General Iroh seemed most delighted to accept her as a temporary passenger. Upon settling in her cabin, the most esteemed General Iroh requested a quick game of Pai Sho.
It was not quick.
At. All.
The first 30 minutes passed without many spectators. By the time an hour passed, almost the entire crew crammed themselves around the two of them in order to observe the game. Bets were being made; it was 2-1 in the most esteemed General Iroh's favor.
After the game had continued for close to 2 hours the most esteemed General Iroh spoke, "Lady Chiaki, you have vastly improved over the past 2 years."
"Frequently playing against worthy opponents allows one to improve greatly, most esteemed General Iroh, for nothing surpasses analyzing a defeat in order to develop superior strategies to overcome previously insurmountable obstacles. Additionally, familiarity with your opponent's methods allows even the greatest of challenges to be conquered." After placing her piece Chiaki finished, "Like so, HA! I win!" She grinned, almost bouncing with excitement.
The crew stared.
General Iroh blinked, looked at the board, Chiaki's beaming face, the board again, and then laughed heartily, "We must play at a later time, Lady Chiaki."
Chiaki gave as much of a bow as being seated allowed, "I appreciate the opportunity to improve most esteemed General Iroh. Many opportunities to battle over the Pai Sho board will occur, for Prince Zuko has graciously permitted my passage to and from the South Pole, a journey of many weeks, but please, simply call me Chiaki. You know I may lay no claim to the title 'Lady'."
"Only, if in return you call me 'Uncle'."
Chiaki was shocked out of her excitement. 'Call the most esteemed General Iroh by such a familiar form of address?' she thought frantically, 'But he was… and he is… but, but…'
The most esteemed General Iroh looked mildly amused by her shocked expression.
Chiaki bowed her head, 'I guess we are almost equals… now,' she sighed, "Very well the mo—" she cleared her throat, "Uncle Iroh, thank you."
Uncle Iroh blinked at the sincerity behind those green eyes, "Your welcome Chiaki. I hope you enjoy yourself."
Chiaki smiled. This would be fun.