Hi guys! Sorry for the long wait. I got stuck on how to write the agni kai of Zuko and Zhao and ended up decided that this chapter will be split into two parts. Here's part one!
Enjoy,
~VanillaReSu
Ps: *eyetwitch* I hate how the stupid doc uploader thing always fucks with my formatting! *ragefliptable* I think I must've edited and fixed this chapter like 4000 times already :
Book One: Water
Chapter Three p1 : Reminiscing Introductions
"We'll be reaching the port in 2 days time dear nephew." Prince Zuko turned around to face his uncle. "We can get our ship fixed there and drop off our delightful guest" he nodded towards the small stature girl sitting down, sipping on a cup of tea. Hearing those words she looked up, an expression of interest on her face. "Also gives us plenty of time to hear your story" he said, flashing a kind smile towards her.
"One cannot simply tell a story without first knowing who she is telling it to" she replied, a small glimmer in her eyes. She knew full well who she was speaking to, she'd just rather hear it from them, wondering when they'd recognize her.
"Oh how rude of me!" the older man cried, smacking his forehead. He bowed down gently and then looked at her, his own glimmer in his eyes. "I am Iroh, retired general. And this here is my nephew, Prince Zuko" he motioned to the boy with his hands. "And you are?"
It was the girl's turn to smile. "My name is Anae*" She simply stated, bowing back.
She raised her eyes a little, just barely catching the young prince stiffen at her name and then turn back to normal. She shifted her gaze to Iroh, and couldn't help but break out into a large grin. That glimmer in his eyes told all.
"My little Sunshine, you have grown up since I last saw you so many years ago."
-
Anae
-
I wondered if he had noticed the relief I felt as those words escaped his mouth. Seeing Iroh again made me feel so much better about this whole journey. After almost a year away from home, to have someone remember me was the best feeling in the world. Zuko stared at Iroh, questions clearly forming in his mind.
"Prince Zuko, I'm surprised you don't remember Anae. She is, after all, your sister's dear friend." Iroh stated, looking at the prince from his peripherals. I too, looked at him and noticed his expression darkening. Oh yeah, he remembers.
"Not anymore, Master." I hastily said, hoping to stop whatever thoughts Zuko had in his head. It seemed to have worked, as he raised his only eyebrow. "Explain" he demanded.
I grimaced, knowing that this was going to come up sooner or later. I cast my eyes downwards, not ready to relive that memory. "Let's just say, we got into a bit of a disagreement. A very big, disagreement." I said casually, hoping he'd take the hint.
He was about to open his mouth to speak again when Iroh cut him off. "Of course, Princess Azula could probably anger even an Air Nomad" he chuckled, trying to fight off the tension that was appearing. I sighed. Iroh always could do that, just make everything better. He walked off towards the main deck.
Prince Zuko turned to me, his usual scowl on his face. "Listen here brat" he snarled, walking up very close to me. "This is my ship. Whatever I say goes. Azula isn't here to help you, and Uncle can only watch you for so long. One move, one mistake, and I won't hesitate to throw you off this ship."
I shrank back against the wall, pinning myself as his face leaned in close to mine. My heart went crazy. It beat erratically out of control, I almost winced at how much it hurt. "Just because you and Azula had a disagreement doesn't mean you're my friend now." he murmured.
I almost freaked out at how close he was. His eyes were dangerous, threatening. I had to get out of this somehow. 'Think think think' I thought, what could I do to make him trust me in the slightest, make him move away. Then it clicked.
"Mai's been doing okay, in case you're wondering" I said coolly, hoping to come off with an attitude of 'I'm not afraid of you'. It seemed to have work.
He pulled back, his topaz eyes full of wonder for just a moment before they hardened again. He huffed and began to walk the same path as his uncle.
"I think she misses you. I never could tell with that one you know." He stopped long enough to cast me a glare before walking up the stairs.
I stood there, my back still against the wall. He always had that effect on me. I found it infuriating that he still had that effect on me, even after two years.'How dare he' I fumed, trying to get my heart back on track.
I sighed. These were going to be a long two days.
-
Iroh
-
The past two days have been nothing but filled with laughter. Trying to keep Prince Zuko from almost killing my young pupil was quite the interesting challenge. I mused over the past couple of days, remember how clumsy and silly Anae was when she was younger. She has grown up, with a lot of grace, her features were becoming more prominent. It was clear that her parents had raised her very well.
I looked over to see the port very close to us. I glanced around, trying to find my nephew to inform him of the good news. I knew the ship wouldn't hold out for much longer. "Nephew, we have arrived." I stated, hoping he'd hear me from where ever he was.
"What port are we at?" Anae asked, walking up to stand beside me. "I believe Admiral Foru runs this one" I replied. "Oh! I haven't heard from him in such a long time. Not since my father was pulled from the army." the young girl replied, happiness clearly in her eyes as she spoke of the admiral.
Zuko appeared on the deck, ready to go. The bridge began to lower. Well, more like it was being pushed down. I shook my head, still trying to realize how strong the Avatar was. I pulled myself into my thoughts as we waited to hit the dock.
-
Anae
-
I stood by Iroh, impatiently waiting for the damn soldiers to push the broken bridge down. "Oh my Agni" I murmured in frustration. "The damn ship's already broken, just shove it down already!" I cried in frustration. After being on this ship for almost 3 days, it already has driven me crazy. I don't want to be here anymore. I want some freedom.
Zuko shot me a look, signalling me to shut up. I frowned and stuck my tongue out, completely sassing him. "Why you" he growled. "Prince Zuko, let's go" Iroh saved me again. I grinned, knowing full well I had gotten away with it. We stepped onto the docks, and I stretched. I felt good to be on solid ground again.
"Let's hurry Uncle. I don't want to be here for long, in case we lose his trail" Zuko muttered, storming towards the repair shop. "You mean the Avatar?" Iroh inquired. Zuko turned on his heel to quickly face his uncle, shoving me behind Iroh in the process. "Do not mention his name on these docks. Once word gets out that he's alive, every fire bender will be after him. I don't want anyone to get in the way" he snarled.
"Get in the way of what, Prince Zuko?" I recognized that voice instantly. I cursed Koh silently as I tried to hide behind Iroh even more, going so far as to turn my back completely. "Captain Zhao." Zuko greeted. The disdain in his voice clear as day.
"It's Commander now." Zhao shot back. "And General Iroh" he bowed. "Retired General" Iroh murmured, bowing back. 'Don't mention me, don't mention me' I thought over and over in my head, hoping that by some miracle he wouldn't notice me. But alas, I wasn't so lucky. "And who might this be?" I cursed again in my head, turning around. I watched Zhao's eyes widen slightly.
"Why, it's the Young Lady Anae. You certainly have grown since the last time I saw you" He smirked. Ugh, what I wouldn't give to smack that off his face. "Thank you Commander, it's good to see you again" I replied coolly. "But I certainly haven't grown in 3 months, that's almost impossible" I saw Zuko's body stiffen at that.
"I suppose you're right, but much has changed since you left my fleet. Your father was a bit, upset by it but what can you do if you've made up your mind." Zhao hid his sneer very well, but I could still see it, causing the urge to hit him rise up again. He turned his attention onto our ship, then back to Iroh and Zuko. "And what brings you to my harbor?"
'That's kind of obvious you twit' I thought, gritting my teeth so that I wouldn't speak out of line. "We're repairing our ship" Iroh motioned towards it. "My my, that's an extensive of damage. Pray tell, how that happened?" Zhao was up to something, I could feel it. "Yes, it is. And you wouldn't believe the story of how it happened. Uncle! Tell Commander Zhao how it happened" Zuko almost stuttered. I sighed, gently hitting my palm to my face. Poor Iroh was left on the spot.
"uhh, well you see" he started off nervously. "It was a training accident. Master Iroh was trying to teach me a new technique and I lost control of it. Ended up melting an iceberg" I cut in, shrugging sheepishly. I was very good at lying. A little too good sometimes. I watched Zhao raise an eyebrow. "Well you must tell me all the thrilling details. Join me for a drink?" he asked, staring directly at Zuko.
"Sorry, but we got to go" Zuko replied, about to walk off until Iroh placed a hand on his shoulder. "Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect" I stared at Iroh. Was he serious? Did he not see that this was clearly a trap? I placed my hands on my temples and rubbed them. I loved my master, I really do but sometimes, he was just so... just so gullible.
Pretty soon we all found ourselves in Zhao's tent. Zhao was going on about something I really couldn't care less about anymore. I sighed, pacing behind Zuko. I was clearing getting agitated, and it was annoying everyone in that tent but Iroh. "You may leave, Lady Anae" I never thought that I'd love anything that came out of Zhao's mouth but right then, I did. I bowed slightly, and darted out the door.
I darted out that door only to be yanked to the side harshly. I was slammed up against a pole that was holding another tent up. I stared up at the person holding me, ready to deliver a good hard punch right on the nose. "Listen here girl. You must tell us all that you know that happened on the ship by orders of the Commander." the soldier spoke.
I stared incredulously at him. "Are you stupid? I've already told what's happened. Now if you don't let me go within the next few moments, you're going to solely regret being born" My voice's tone never really changed. It just had a more sinister side to it. The soldier did not budge. He opened his mouth to speak again but was cut off by my fist flying to his face.
Of course the two connected, and I felt a satisfying crunch under my fist. The soldier yelped in pain, stumbling backwards trying to hold his injured nose while tying maintain his balance. A bunch of other guards came up to me, angry that I hurt their friend. "Psh, I gave him fair warning." I said, defending myself.
Suddenly Zhao and Zuko stormed out of the tent, Iroh following as usual. I wondered what got Zuko so worked up, before turning to the approaching Commander. "Lady Anae, I believe you owe me a meeting." he said. It wasn't a request, it was an order. I hated orders, but I followed him anyways, knowing full well that my father would be beyond angry if I didn't.
"I have much to discuss with you, mainly regarding your father's...wishes."
I froze in my spot, realizing what he was going to bring up.
Author's Notes:
*Anae : Pronounced as Ah-neigh or Ah-nhay