I awoke and yawned, refusing to move. I shifted slightly and froze as I noticed the heavy weight on my torso. The back of my head was overly warm. My eyes flew open as warm air ghosted over my ear. I rolled over and startled gold eyes snapped open to meet mine. In unison, Zuko and I yelped and leapt apart.
"Oh good, you're both awake." Iroh said, coming back from a walk. "Let's go."
~{~}~
"I'm devastated to hear about Prince Zuko. Just... devastated." Zhao said as he poured us tea. I bowed my head and covered my mouth.
"The Fire Lord will not be pleased when he learns who was responsible." Iroh said.
"You know who was behind the attack?" Zhao said with fake interest. Bastard.
"Yes. Nyla told me last night. Pirates. We had a run-in with them a while back. They wanted revenge." Iroh said.
"Ah, Nyla. He sacrificed himself to save you. I'm sorry for your loss. So soon in a relationship too." Zhao said with fake sympathy. I mentally kicked my wounded leg for agreeing to go with that alibi. "So, have you reconsidered my offer?"
"Yes, I accept. It will be an honor to serve as your general. To the Fire Nation!"
"To victory!" Zhao toasted. I hugged myself.
"Nyla, are you alright? You haven't touched your tea." Zhao said.
"She's refused to speak, eat, or drink since... the incident." Iroh said. I sniffled for effect.
"Oh... I'm sorry." He said. He seemed genuine about that. Good, let him feel guilt and regret. He deserves it. I stood and nodded to Iroh. He stood with me.
"Leaving so soon?" Zhao asked.
"Nyla has seeing difficulties. She needs me to get around easier." Iroh said.
"Would you like an assigned man to be your seeing-eye person?" Zhao asked. I locked eyes with Iroh and he looked back to Zhao.
"That would make her uncomfortable." Iroh said.
"How?"
"It's a matter of trust." Iroh said. Zhao nodded.
"I see. Very well. Go on. Ryuu, show them to Nyla's room." He said. We walked out of the tent, my arm looped through his, and followed the man to the ship. We headed inside and walked through the halls. We came to a halt in front of my assigned room.
"This is your room. General, your room is there." Ryuu pointed to the room next to my. "Good day."
"To you as well." Iroh said. He walked me inside and let go, closing the door.
"Why so eager to leave?" Iroh asked.
"The pervert was staring." I said, crossing my arms and sitting on the edge of my bed.
"I hadn't noticed." Iroh said.
"You didn't stare too." I said. He smirked. There was a knock on the door and Iroh stepped back.
"Who is it?" Iroh called.
"Uh, Tatsuo." They said.
"Let him in." I said.
"You know him?"
"You do too, Iroh. Let him in." I said. He did, and 'Tatsuo' stepped in, closing the door after him. He pulled the grating off his mask and Iroh smiled.
"Oh, Zu-"
"Tatsuo!" I said. "It's a code name. For safety. I have one for every place I go, I figured you and Tatsuo should have a few too."
"You never did tell me yours." Zuko said.
"Water Tribe : Ran, Earth Kingdom : Nyla, Fire Nation : Kaida, and if the Air Temples were still there : Haya." I said.
"What are all of mine?" Zuko asked.
"We've gone over Tatsuo, Earth Kingdom : Lee, Water Tribe : Kano, and Air Temples : Kikaru." I said.
"And mine?" Iroh asked.
"Hmm... Fire Nation : Tatsuya, Earth Kingdom : Mushi, Water Tribes : Reney, and Air Nomads : Jomei." I said.
"How do you remember all of that?" Zuko asked.
"It's a shirshu thing." I strained my ears. "Someone's coming. Tatsuo, go." I said. Zuko slipped on his mask grate and slipped out the door.
"General Iroh, Zhao requests your presence on deck." Ryuu said after knocking. Iroh nodded.
"Go on, I'm going to bed. It's been a long day." I said. They left and, true to my word, I went to bed.