Chapter 5: Herding Black Sheep

Dear Diary,

Today marks a week since I was nearly crushed to death by a mini avalanche and saved by the biggest douche bag of the century.

I know, I know. I probably should be grateful Prince Zuko saved my ass, but every time I look at him I can't help but feel I want to crush him. I know it sounds childish but even so, he barely shows any gratitude for anything anyone does so why should I give him the same respect. Besides, I know the loathing is mutual since he makes it a point to glare at me every time I'm in the same room as him.

It's a good thing I usually have so many chores to do about the ship because otherwise I don't think I'd be able to ignore him otherwise. Seriously it's like being in the same room as a grouchy armadillo lion.

But enough about the prince. I swear my ranting about him has probably taken up almost a third of this journal already and like my brother says, jerks are not worth any of my time.

So I guess I'll just give a report on what's been going on around the ship. The bow is still very much damaged but all the snow has been cleared even in the lower decks. Another piece of good news for us is that the kitchens are actually fairly unscathed. None of the major equipment like the pots or stoves were damaged and we've only lost a couple of counter tops, which is fine for us since both Dango and I can cook well enough with just those.

The only real problem is the supplies. Our food stocks are beginning to run very low and our meal rations are beginning to get smaller. Of course this means the crew's fuses are growing shorter by the day. It doesn't help that we can't shower as regularly as we would all like to.

Of course everyone tries to do their best to put up with it, but even so I can start to see the cracks showing. Only yesterday one of the guards, Akan, roughed up Shen just for a joke about how everyone (including Akan) stank so much without soap.

Alright so my brother is an idiot sometimes, but he didn't mean to offend anyone in a bad way. He just horses around to get people to laugh when they're feeling down.

Not that Akan would know a joke even if it slapped him in the face.

Oh hold on a second I think someone's at the door.

"Jade!"

"Yes?"

"It's time for morning service"

"Ok. I'll be right up"

That was Dango. It's now time to start prepping the breakfast. Let's just hope that everyone woke up on the right side of their beds this morning.

The mess hall was full to bursting as usual with all the younger guards and engineers groaning, stretching and griping as they crammed themselves together around the small tables.

Even Lord Iroh and Prince Zuko were there in a small corner of the room, though it was very clear that the latter was not happy about the arrangement even as he made to plonk his head down tiredly on the table.

Iroh sighed and shook his head fondly.

"Wake up prince Zuko. Your breakfast will come soon"

"Uncle" Zuko groaned not looking up at the older man "why do we have to keep coming down here when we can get served upstairs?"

"Because we agreed that it was better to cut down on certain luxuries until we resupply, especially since the crew is so-"

"Alright! Alright I get it."

It took all the old general had in him not to chuckle as his nephew pushed himself back up with a small pout. In his tiredness he looked less of the angry banished prince and more like a drowsy child.

He wasn't the only one.

Jade herself was doing her best to stifle the yawn even as she made to place down a bowl of gruel before a sour faced guard nearby.

"What's this?" he spat, his nose wrinkling at the slightly watery rice porridge.

"Your breakfast Akan." Jade grunted. "and before you ask, it's the same as everyone else's"

Akan's amber eyes narrowed hard down into the contents of his dish.

"I'm not eating it"

"And why not"

"Because it's mud that's what it is" he scoffed

"Then don't eat it"

"But I'm hungry" Akan growled.

There was silence all round as Jade stilled mid step, her hands tensing on the food trolley before her.

"Then go to the kitchens and make your own breakfast"

But even as Jade made to turn her back the guard pushed the bowl away with a sneer and grabbed onto her arm.

"What did you say to me brat?"

Jade kept her mouth shut as she tried to struggle against the stronger grip on her arm, which only tightened as Akan jumped to his feet.

"what did you just say to me?"

"Akan enough-" another guard timidly piped up from another table but Akan only raised his voice louder.

"Shut up Lee! And you" he growled down at Jade who glared up at him defiantly even though her wrist was really hurting. "You really should learn some respect. Maybe that stupid prince allows you to talk back to him, but don't think I'll let a little brat like you get away with your insubordination."

"Insubordination to who?" Jade hissed "I'm not in your ranks. I answer only to the head cook and my father, not to the likes of you, now let go of me."

"Apologise first"

"No! let me go!"

"Why you little-"

"Stop" a voice growled and everyone looked up just in time to see Prince Zuko yank off the older guards hand off the young kitchen maid.

Akan's face paled as the younger man made to give him such a scathing glower before reaching down and snatching the bowl of congee from the table.

Jade's eyes widened in astonishment as in a smooth quick swipe he swiped a spoonful of the food down, pausing for a moment as he chewed.

Oh no…maybe it is a bad batch today…

She bit her lip as the prince peeked sidelong at her with his usual scowl, which darkened as he made to turn to Akan who stiffened.

"It tastes just fine! I don't see what you're complaining about. And you" Zuko snapped at Jade who jumped a little as he made to snatch another bowl "Keep serving. If any of them don't want to eat then don't feed them, now get a move on and get back to work!"

Jade nodded mutely, still rather dumbfounded at the turn of events. Quickly she turned back to her food trolley ignoring the murmurs of surprise and the intrigued glances that followed her progress.

Once she was a few tables away Zuko rounded on Akan who sighed heavily.

"Your highness I can explain-" he began but Zuko snarled over him.

"Don't bother lying Lieutenant, I saw and heard everything. And if you dare mistreat anyone else aboard my ship I won't hesitate to have you shipped off to the coal mines. Are we clear?"

Zuko watched, his body tensing as he saw Akan's fists clench as he muttered softly:

"Yes sir"

But even as the young prince turned his back, he could still feel the glare of seething amber eyes on the back of his neck.

He sighed softly as he seated himself back at his table where Iroh was sitting patiently.

"Well done Prince Zuko" the old general smiled, his voice warm with pride "that was a very noble thing to do"

"I was just tired of waiting for my food" Zuko grumbled, as he made to eat from his own bowl, doing his best to ignore the knowing twinkle in his uncle's eyes.

"Nonetheless, I'm sure Jade will be grateful for your chivalry"

"yeah right" Zuko snorted into his bowl "Like that would ever happen"

Iroh's smile widened even as he took a sip of his tea "You never know prince Zuko…you never know"

Zuko rolled his eyes as he began to wolf down his food quickly.

His uncle could be so weird sometimes.

Dear Diary,

Sorry about clocking out this morning but everything has been pretty hectic down my neck of the woods…or seas in my case. Or actually I should probably say harbour.

Yeah we finally managed to reach Earth Kingdom Harbour with the ship and the crew in one piece. Since the vessel belongs to Prince Zuko, most of our repairs were carried out as top priority when we landed which is great because now I now have a brand new gleaming kitchen to work in.

One that hopefully won't get crushed by any more destructive avatar related avalanches.

Speaking of avalanches you are not going to believe the giant bombshell that my father decided to land on me and my brother when we came in to port…

"Land ho!" Quan yelled, his aged voice carrying down from the command tower to echo over the deck.

Jade could've hugged the old man as she caught sight of the brown earthy line rapidly approaching them.

Instead she squealed softly to herself with delight even as her brother's voice called out to her from the deck below.

"Hey Lucky! Get down here! Father wants a word!"

"Coming Shen!" she called, a big grin plastered over her face.

Earth…Earth! Her natural element! Oh how her feet tingled and buzzed with such energy even as she bounded down all the metal stairs and onto the deck.

The rest of the crew just smiled and shook their heads with fond exasperation.

From their recent interactions over the past week, it seemed as if their young kitchen maid's new found spunk and rebelliousness was here to stay, and Zuko was just going to have to bear with it. Not that he would enjoy it a lot.

Indeed he pouted grumpily as he and Iroh came up from below deck only to jump back to avoid a collision.

"Hey! Watch where you're going!" The prince scowled as the excitable girl poked her tongue childishly back at him.

"Make me princess"

"Stop calling me that!"

"Ha-ha! I see you two are still getting along swimmingly" Iroh chuckled loudly as Zuko literally puffed out steam from his nostrils in an attempt to calm his temper.

Jade however was relishing in her new found confidence and it was with a little bounce in her step that she strutted over to her father as the bow of the ship lowered down as a ramp for the crew to get off.

"Jade…" he murmured softly as she came level with him.

"Yeah?"

But even as she looked up into his face her smile faltered. He looked very troubled.

"Jade…I know you're excited to go onto land again…but um…"

"but what? Father what's going on?" Jade's brow furrowed.

Ruishi sighed heavily, and forced a smile onto his face.

"It's nothing. Just an old man's worries. You go out and have some fun. But stick close to your brother I don't want you wandering off on your own." he added sternly and Jade rolled her eyes.

"I'll be fine father. I'll just be stretching my legs at the market stalls. Not moving a mountain"

"hmm can you even do that-ow!" Shen winced as he received a sharp elbow to the ribs. "Lucky that hurt!"

Jade laughed, the sound carrying down to a certain Prince's ears as he strode down onto the docks in front of them.

Agh! One minute she's snappy the next she's happy?! What is with that girl?!

But then he shook his head. No he had more important issues to deal with than figuring out what was the deal with a kitchen maid's attitude.

"Uncle" he snapped at Iroh "I want the repairs made quickly as possible. I don't want to risk losing his trail"

"You mean the Avatar?" Iroh muttered only for Zuko to hiss to him softly:

"Don't mention his name on these docks. Once word gets out that he's alive every firebender will be out looking for him and I don't want anyone getting in the way"

"Getting in the way of what Prince Zuko?" a voice sneered.

Zuko wheeled about in alarm as the figure of a man strode forwards. He was tall, with brown hair tied back in the traditional topknot. His eyes brown and sharp glinted with cold intrigue as he strode over to the prince and his uncle.

"Captain Zhao" Zuko greeted coldly.

"It's Commander now" Zhao snorted at the younger man before bowing politely to Iroh "And General Iroh, great hero of our nation"

"Retired General" Iroh smiled genially, but already Zhao was looking beyond the top of his head where Jade, Shen and their father Ruishi were walking the final steps down the bow-ramp.

The commander's eyes glinted as the lattermost caught sight of him and stopped dead in his tracks.

"Zhao"

"Hello Brother. It's been a long time. And Shen and Jade, my how you've grown. Especially you Jade" he added. "Why the last time I saw you, you were barely up to your father's knee and now look. You are almost a woman."

"Yes it has been a long time uncle." Jade mumbled doing her best to avoid looking into those sharp eyes "Though I still have a fair way to go."

"Ha! So modest. Zhao chuckled, but the sound was strangely hollow even as he looked up at Ruishi, his eyes glinting coldly. "And beautiful…Just like her dear mother Lien"

There was no mistaking it now. Ruishi's face had turned absolutely stone cold even as he made to quietly reply.

"Yes… just like Lien…"

There was a small uncomfortable pause as Zhao straightened up to look back at Zuko and Iroh.

"My family and the Fire Lord's brother and son are welcomed guests any time. What brings you to my harbour?"

"Our ship is being repaired" Iroh gestured to the battered up ship behind them.

"That is quite a bit of damage" Zhao observed cooly, his eyes fixed on Zuko who averted his gaze awkwardly.

"Yes…you wouldn't believe what happened. Uncle tell Commander Zhao what happened"

"Uh yes…of course" Iroh spluttered quickly catching onto his nephew's rather dismal attempt at calmness. "It was incredible. What did we crash or something?"

"Yes" Zuko gulped, a bead of sweat appearing on his brow "Right into an Earth Kingdom ship"

It took all Jade had in her to keep a straight face. Shen on the other hand wasn't as successful and had to clap a hand over his mouth to stifle the loud snort that escaped it.

At a glare from Zuko and his father he quickly morphed the sound into a small fit of coughs

"Really?" Zhao raised his eyebrows at the prince "You must regale me with all the thrilling details. Join me for a drink?"

"Sorry but we have to go" Zuko turned away but Iroh quickly put a hand on his shoulder his face stern.

"Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect. We would be honoured to join you. Do you have any Ginseng tea? It's my favourite?" he added with a small smile.

"Of course." Zhao smiled politely back before looking back up to Ruishi "and how about you brother? Would you and your charming family like to join us?"

"I will join you" Ruishi nodded once though his tone was terse "But I'm afraid Jade and Shen have chores to complete."

"Oh brother," Zhao's smirk widened "I'm sure their superiors could spare them a couple of hours for a break."

His tone was light, but Jade couldn't help but shudder a little even as her uncle's eyes roved over her face as he spoke.

She felt Shen's elbow in her side and quick as lightning recovered herself with a small cough.

"I'm sorry Uncle. But cook Dango has insisted that my brother and I accompany him to the markets to help him restock the ships galley. I am afraid that we will be busy the entire day"

"The entire day?" Zhao tutted "And after of you have been at sea for months? I am sure you all must be feeling exhausted. Why don't I send some of my guards to help your cook. I'm sure that would that be alright? Excellent."

Tch! Pompous Ass. Just because he's a commander he thinks he's sooo much better than father!

Jade scowled after the back of her uncle, who promptly turned on his heel before anyone could object to his offer.

It did not help her mood when she heard a soft snort from beside her and she turned to see Zuko smirking smugly at her.

"You do know you're trapped with me for the entire day as well" she clipped, privately pleased when the prince's face fell into its usual scowl.

"Don't remind me"

"Now, now, Play nicely you two" Iroh chuckled softly as both young teenagers made to glower at one another behind Zhao's back as they made their way through the port and towards a small but official looking large red tent.

Once inside Jade looked about sharply.

There was a large map stretched out in a frame behind a table with a couple of chairs. Along the walls were fire nation memorabilia as well as a rack of finely crafted weapons.

But even as she made to sidle closer to Shen as he examined the weapons on the wall with Iroh (who was babbling away with him jovially), Zhao's voice almost purred.

"Jade, why don't you take a seat?"

"Thank you…sir…" Jade mumbled as she made her way over to where Zhao was holding out a chair for her. She sat down, her hands twisting as she did her best to avoid her uncle's sharp stare as he left her side.

It freakishly reminded her of the look the lion-vultures would give their prey before they dove in for the kill. That pitiless yet ferocious gaze, the sneering curl of the lips, the body poised as if rearing to pounce.

Even Zuko hadn't given her such a contemptuous look, even now as he came to sit on the chair opposite her at the table, he averted his gaze his body stiffening even as he looked about them both.

Jade followed his gaze.

It seemed just a normal commanding officer's meeting room, however the two guards that were standing guard at the door, seemed to be alert and twitchy, almost as if they were ready to spring into action.

But even as she mulled over her thoughts, what felt like warm fingers grazed at her arm.

Holy Monkey-feathers!

Jade almost jumped out of her chair as she caught sight of Zuko's pale hand carefully lifting up her long red robe sleeves to reveal her wrist. It was still red and bruised from where Akan's hand had been, but thankfully no other damage seemed to be inflicted.

But that didn't stop her from jerking her arm back with a wince, even as the prince's fingers ghosted over the mark.

"does it still hurt?" he murmured softly so that only she could hear.

"Yeah. What's it to you?" she muttered darkly her cheeks flushing as red as her sleeve that she tugged over the bruise.

Zuko looked rather taken aback by her brusqueness. They had barely even spoken a word to one another since the avalanche and even then their contact was just the bare minimum as they only insulted one another in passing.

He had hoped that following the events of this morning she might've been a bit less hostile. But then again, he reasoned in his head, he should've guessed it wouldn't have made much of a difference.

So it was with an irritable huff that he crossed his arms and turned his head to glare at Zhao's back even as the man began to ramble on about the Fire Nation's grand plans at his grand world map.

So yeah diary. There I was stuck in a tent with my creepy uncle Zhao.

I'm still not quite sure what to make of the whole situation. I know my father's never been comfortable about telling us about his own family life. In fact whenever the topic comes up he almost always changes the subject, which is irritating because I really hate being kept in the dark.

I mean I get that siblings can be irritating. Shen and I can scrap with one another like a pair of armadillo lions at the worst of times. But the hostility between him and Uncle Zhao is something else altogether.

Apart from their first greeting neither of them ever spoke in front of any of us and whenever they looked at one another it was as if they wanted to rip one another's throats out. It' was pretty scary, especially since Father's not the kind of man that is easily angered.

Just what happened between the two of them to make them like this?

I guess I'll have to wait and find out.

"-And by years end, the Earth Kingdom Capital will be under our rule" Zhao declared proudly to the room at large. "The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war"

"Well he's pretty confident in himself" Shen muttered into his sister's ear and Jade snorted softly into her teacup.

"No. He's just overcompensating"

Zuko meanwhile was scowling in his seat.

"If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly then he is a fool"

"Two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue" Zhao sneered at the prince. "So, how is your search for the Avatar?"

There was a loud clattering sound and everyone turned at once to see Lord Iroh standing by a collapsed heap of weapons that were scattered over the floor.

"M-my fault entirely" he stuttered with a sheepish grin as he made to pick up a spear.

He was relieved when Jade quickly ran over to help him and smiled at her. Jade however did not smile in return. She could still feel her uncle's shrewd gaze on the back of her neck even as Zuko spoke quietly and evenly.

"We haven't found him yet"

"Did you really expect to?" Zhao snorted "the Avatar died a hundred years ago. Along with the rest of the Air Nomads. Unless you've found some evidence the Avatar is alive?" he added his eyes glinting as Zuko quickly averted his gaze.

"No. nothing."

Zhao's eyes narrowed.

"Prince Zuko, the Avatar is the only one who can stop the Fire Lord from winning this war. If you have an ounce of loyalty left, you'll tell me what you've found."

"I haven't found anything. Its like you said the Avatar probably died a long time ago. Come on Uncle we're going."

But even as the Fire prince stood up the guards at the tent entrance crossed their spears to block his path, just as another one came up quickly behind them holding a paper scroll in his hands

"Commander Zhao, we've interrogated the crew as ordered. They confirmed prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody, but let him escape"

There was an unpleasant silence as Zhao smirked victoriously at the back of the prince's head as he took the scroll from the guard.

After a couple of moments he looked up from it, his eyes glinting with malicious victory.

"Now remind me again, how exactly was your ship damaged?"

Zuko did not answer, he only turned his face down to the floor eyes shut with dismay.

"No answer? Such a pity." Zhao tutted as he turned round to the room at large. There was no mistaking the glare from Ruishi now, as well as from Shen. Iroh was calm though his face was grim.

But Zhao did not pay them any heed. Jade's green eyes were wide even as her uncle stalked to tower over her.

"Jade, perhaps you might be so kind to tell me what happened?"

"I-I" she stuttered doing her best to gulp down the roaring dragons that were swirling in her gut. "I don't know sir…I just work in the kitchens and make the tea-"

"and apparently assist in giving the Avatar directions to the command tower" Zhao smirked as he glanced down at the report in his hands.

"I-I can't firebend" Jade mumbled though even as she said this she gripped her hands tightly behind her back. "I wouldn't have stood a chance at apprehending him"

"And yet the crew say here that you have quite a gift with weapons-"

"Commander Zhao let us not be hasty in our conclusions." Iroh interjected swooping in suddenly to stand by Jade's side "Jade may be a good fighter but the Avatar is not a force for anyone to trifle with. Not you nor I-"

"Or Prince Zuko?" Zhao quickly turned his back on Jade to narrow his eyes at Zuko who was glaring hard at him.

"He is more powerful than he looks, even if he is just a kid" Zuko admitted quietly.

That was all Zhao needed to hear.

"So a twelve year old boy bested you and your firebenders." he snorted at the younger man before him "You're more pathetic than I thought"

"I underestimated him once" Zuko clipped. "but it will not happen again"

"No it will not" Zhao hissed "because you won't have a second chance"

"Commander Zhao, I've been hunting the Avatar for two years and-"

"And you've failed!" Zhao snapped a string of fire slicing the air before him "Hunting the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenagers hands. He's mine now. Keep them here." He added to the guards. But as the commander turned his back Zuko lunged.

Oh crap he's done it now

Jade squeaked as Zuko growled angrily, amber eyes flashing dangerously even as his foot slammed down onto the ornate wooden table, sending the entire tea set crashing down in a loud smash.

"More tea please"

Iroh called out as Ruishi and Shen both grabbed his nephew securely by the arms. But Zuko continued to struggle, and it wasn't until the silhouette of Zhao had disappeared behind the entrance to the tent that he stopped, raggedly panting for breath.

"Argh that-that-"

"Prince Zuko" Iroh clipped sternly "Sit down and compose yourself"

In spite of his still bubbling anger Zuko took a deep shuddering breath.

Feeling their charge relax somewhat, Ruishi and Shen both let go of the prince, who was quick to storm away to brood in a dark corner. He wasn't the only one whose nerves were strained.

Jade was also doing her best to keep her emotions under control, though for a very different reason.

Not good not good…

She shut her eyes and sucked in sharply through her nose. Even through her shoes, she could feel the earth beneath the mats on the floor, shift and tremble ever so slightly.

It was so close. Barely a couple of inches of material separated her element from her skin.

She shut her eyes as her body began to tingle all over.

I can't hold onto it much longer…

Iroh turned to put a gentle hand on Jade's shoulder.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes I am" Jade nodded before quickly looking up at the two guards at the entrance of the tent.

"Um…excuse me but where is the bathroom?"

Both guards looked at one another, quickly before one of them shrugged.

It was he that made to speak.

"Just two tents down to your right with a sign, you can't miss it."

"Right thanks" she called out as she made to run past them, her brother yelling after her.

"Hey Jade wait up!"

But before the boy could take one step, Ruishi grabbed his sons shoulder and hissed into his ear:

"As soon as you're out get take Jade back to the ship and stay there. Make sure no one spots you"

"Right" Shen nodded though he gulped a little as he spotted Zuko eyeing him suspiciously from his corner.

What the hell was that all about?

It was a good thing I got out of that room when I did. I don't think my body could take anymore of the energy that was pent up inside of me.

Even as I snuck away to a small secluded area of dirt behind a couple of tents, cracks appeared in the ground.

It's a miracle no-one seemed to notice the sounds, but then again with the construction noise from the docks who would.

Eventually I managed to calm down enough to sit on the ground and just breathe calmly…or so I thought until Shen found me. By the spirits, I almost threw a rock at him when he put his hand on my shoulder because for a moment I thought it was Zhao. It doesn't help that they both wear those red army uniforms.

Goodness how I hate those.

If anyone here were to find out about my Earthbending I'd be locked away faster than someone could say noodles, and father and Shen would…no I can't say it. It would be too horrible.

Either way I'm glad to be back aboard this ship, even if I'm stuck in my room.

I can only hope father's doing alright back with Zhao…boy he must be furious with him.

It was a couple of hours by the time Zhao came back and when he saw that two of his guests were missing his face turned livid.

"I told you to keep them all here" he snarled to a guard who flinched away as he spluttered.

"S-Sir I-I-"

"There's no need to apologise" Ruishi spoke up calmly from where he stood by the wall "I ordered them to let them go. Jade was feeling unwell"

Zhao glared at his brother, but upon finding no plausible response chose instead to straighten up and approach Lord Iroh and Prince Zuko, who were both sitting down in the chairs.

"My search party is ready, once I'm out to sea my guards will escort you back to your ship and you'll be free to go"

"Why?" Zuko spat "Are you worried I'm going to try and stop you?"

"You? Stop me? Ha!" Zhao chuckled scathingly "impossible"

"Don't underestimate me Zhao" Zuko sprang to his feet both his eyes slits. "I will capture the Avatar before you"

"Prince Zuko, that's enough" Iroh tried to butt in but Zhao steamrolled over him.

"You can't compete with me. I have hundreds of warships at my command. And you, you're just a banished prince. No home, no allies. Your own father doesn't even want you"

"You're wrong" Zuko's fists clenched "Once I have delivered the Avatar to my father, he will welcome me back with honour and restore my rightful place on the throne"

"If your father really wanted you home, he'd have let you return by now. Avatar or no Avatar. But in his eyes you are a failure and a disgrace to the Fire Nation"

"That's not true"

Zhao's lips quirked upwards ever so slightly.

"you have the scar to prove it"

"THEN MAYBE YOU'D LIKE ONE TO MATCH!" Zuko roared at the older commander who stood his ground with a glower.

"Is that a challenge?"

"An Agni Kai" Zuko demanded "At sunset"

"Very well" Zhao straightened up haughtily.

He turned to Ruishi, ignoring the hot headed prince and his uncle who had come up to console him.

The commander's brother however only narrowed his eyes as he muttered.

"Brother…a word if I may?" he opened the front flap of the tent.

Zhao nodded and began walking towards him but not before quickly calling out to a still fuming Zuko.

"it's a shame your father won't be here to watch me humiliate you. I guess your uncle will have to do."

Zuko didn't respond, not because he was trying to ignore the comment, but because his fury was beyond words.

He would make Zhao pay for that comment, with interest.

Yeah…the prince just loves to challenge people to duels. Seriously diary he's such a drama queen, its no wonder he and my uncle clashed…

Not that I can blame him. Zhao is such a creep, and whilst his royal jerkness irritates the hell out of me, I hope he really beats him right into next week.

"So Ruishi, you seem to be well" Zhao's voice cut through the air like a knife as he turned towards his brother.

They were now standing on the grass outside the back of the tent, in the cold air. In spite of being Earth Kingdom Territory the harbour was still very far south and even in the autumn afternoon, there was a small dusting of frost over the grass.

Frost that seemed to have edged its way into Ruishi's voice as he replied:

"As well as can be."

Zhao's eyes narrowed.

"I see your time at sea has not softened your heart to family"

"Family?" Ruishi snorted softly, his brown eyes flashing even as he held his brothers gaze "last I checked my name was still burnt off the family registry and everyone was happy about it"

"Oh I wouldn't say all of us were happy to see you go" Zhao bristled uncomfortably much to Ruishi's derisive amusement.

"Don't try to hide it brother. We both know you were glad I was out of the picture. Tell me how much easier was it for you to worm your way up the greasy pole once I was gone?"

"If I remember correctly" Zhao muttered darkly. "You chose to leave everything behind for that little mud-wench of yours. And for your information brother, I would have made my way through just fine even if you were in my way"

"But of course" Ruishi smirked "with our father's whisperings how could you possibly fail?"

There was a small blast of fire as Zhao stormed right up to be toe to toe with his brother.

"what would you know-" he hissed softly and venomously "-about earning my ranks, you-you-"

"Black sheep" Ruishi suggested coolly barely even flinching as Zhao's hot breath fanned his face "Like I haven't heard that before. Seriously brother, I'd have thought that after ten years your mental capabilities would have grown along with your firebending. Though I see even now you still have barely much control."

There was a heavy silence as Ruishi's eyes flickered down to his brother's now clenched fists which were beginning to steam. When the commander spoke, his voice was almost shaking with the effort to hold back a snarl:

"Perhaps you would like to test that statement out in the sparring ring. Stretch out those muscles. I daresay you've not managed to get much training in since raising two kids and I could use a warm up before I thrash that prince"

"Oh on the contrary" Ruishi smirked "I have had plenty of training, both as a teacher and student, and I have no doubt that if we were to practice together, my children could teach you a thing or two"

"Don't you dare, mock me Ruishi. I'm warning you" Zhao's hands were now balls of hot fire but Ruishi was not deterred. Indeed his gaze turned icy as he reached down to his brother's wrist and twisted it hard.

Zhao struggled as his elbow locked painfully but Ruishi only twisted harder his voice as sharp as a blade as he muttered.

"and I am warning you Zhao. If you dare assault my daughter like that ever again, verbally or otherwise, I won't hesitate to burn your face off. And believe me when I say that your scars will be far worse than anything that prince has on his face"

In spite of his attempt to remain stony, Zhao's face paled at the glimmer in his brother's brown eyes, which whilst so much like his own, held their own blend of furious flame that could burn through the planet.

Even as he was let go he averted his gaze, not daring to meet Ruishi's eye even as he brushed himself off.

"Fine then…have it your way. But do not expect any favours from me in future. I had hoped that your time away would've changed your views, but I was mistaken."

"I thought that much was obvious" Ruishi murmured his eyes watchful even as Zhao warily backed away.

"Oh and speaking of the prince, good luck in that duel. You'll need it."

TADAA! there is chapter five

So yeah, the agni-kai will have to wait till next time but i hope its worth the wait ;)

keep R&Ring and i hope you enjoyed