I didn't see father for some time after the Avatar's escape.
He tasked me with gathering a fleet necessary to besiege the Northern Water Tribe. When I asked why, he told me that I had failed to capture the Avatar too many times, and that he would do it himself.
While I was in the process of acquiring ships, I heard that he had a run in with his old master, Jeong Jeong, while hunting the Avatar; apparently, he was no better at it than I was.
When the two of us finally saw each other again, he was just as furious as when we had parted. I learned from the men who had accompanied him that he had faced his old master and the Avatar, only to lose them both when he had allowed his anger to take control in the middle of the battle.
Among the many differences we shared, one of the chief ones was our emotions. For some time now, I had endeavoured to keep my emotions in check and not allow them to dictate my actions.
My father, on the other hand, had never bothered with such a disciplined mindset. Even though I had just been born when he studied under Jeong Jeong, I had certainly heard all the stories. He was a Firebending master, one of the greatest living, and he was just as famous for his restrained approach to Firebending as he was for his prowess. Given that, I could easily understand why he and my father had experienced a falling out.
Also, my relationship with Takara was no better off.
Technically speaking, she did escape from my ship and help the Avatar escape. But, she did escape in order to warn me of someone she thought to be an assassin.
For the first few days, what happened at Pohuai Stronghold had been very fresh in my mind, and the two of us saw very little of each other. My father's assignment was beneficial, in that she never had to risk being seen by him. No matter my feelings towards her, I didn't want the Kyoshi Warrior to potentially suffer my father's wrath.
Eventually, after a week passed, I found myself playing a game of Pai Sho with her.
I slid a tile on the Pai Sho board, initiating a counter-attack against my opponent. "How has your training with Corporal Qin been progressing?"
Takara looked up at me, looking slightly surprised. "How did you…?"
I shrugged. "Just because I've been very busy doesn't mean that I haven't been paying attention to what goes on in my ship".
The Kyoshi Warrior glanced back down at her tiles, moving one. "It hasn't" she said at last. "No matter how much I train, no matter how much I try, I'm never good enough. Whether it's back on Kyoshi Island or here, it doesn't matter".
"I think you merely lack faith in yourself" I said, staring into her green and blue eyes. "Everyone needs a certain drive in order to succeed. For Benders, our drive is what allows us to manipulate the elements, but it applies just as well to non-Benders in everyday life".
"And what's your drive?" Takara asked.
I looked down at the Pai Sho board, eventually moving one of my tiles. "To end the war and protect my family".
For a moment, the Kyoshi Warrior stayed silent. "Even your father?"
The question caught me off-guard, and I involuntarily flinched in the middle of moving my tile. I glanced up at Jin and Li before sighing. "We have our differences, my father and I". I then looked into Takara's eyes. "But he is still my father. He is still my family".
"He seems more concerned with his own glory than with you".
I glanced out the window of my quarters, gazing out at the setting sun. "He wasn't always like this, you know" I said quietly. "There was a time when he was different, happy". Turning back to Takara, I said "I want to show you something".
I then stood up and walked over to a portrait hanging on a wall that faced my bed. I took it down, holding it with gentle reverence as I showed it to the Kyoshi Warrior. It showed a family of three: a man who looked exactly like me, a woman with striking features, and a little boy with a wide grin on his face. All of them were smiling and happy.
"This is a portrait of my family when I was little" I explained.
Takara pointed at the man in the portrait, saying "He looks exactly like you".
"That's my father. He was about my age when this was made".
"He looks almost… happy". As we spoke, Jin and Li came to stand beside me, and I smiled down at the two of them.
"He was" I agreed. "Back then, he was the best man I ever knew. Of course, that was while my mother had been alive".
"Is that her?" Takara asked, pointing at the woman in the photo. I nodded. "She's beautiful".
"She really was" I said, gently stroking two of my fingers over my mother's face. "She made our family whole. I can remember her teaching me the basics of Firebending. At first, I was afraid of my power, and one time, I clung to her and cried when I accidentally summoned flames.
She held me in her arms and said "Don't be afraid, my love. Fire can be dangerous, but it is also life. It is warmth, and if you respect it, then you can do great things with it. I know you will do great things, my little Firebender". After that, I started to treat fire with respect, and I wasn't afraid of it anymore".
Takara looked at the portrait for a moment before asking "What happened to her?"
I took a deep breath, placing the portrait back on the wall. "Shortly after this was made, she contracted a fever, and died two weeks later. I was seven years old".
The Kyoshi Warrior placed a hand on my shoulder, and I gazed at her green and blue eyes. "I'm so sorry" she said, her voice sounding sincere. "I lost my own mother when I was twelve. She was killed by Firebenders while helping treat wounded soldiers in the Earth Kingdom".
I looked back at the portrait, feeling ashamed of my people in that moment. "I'm sorry" I said at last, placing a hand on top of hers. I gazed at the image of my father, at the reflection of my own face. "My father and I were never the same after that. She was his rock; without her, he allowed his lust for power and glory consume him, while I turned to other pursuits".
"Like what?"
"Knowledge and understanding" I replied. "I endeavoured to learn everything I could from the Four Nations, and all the peoples of the world. Just because we live in separate countries doesn't mean that we shouldn't be learning from each other. Ever since my mother passed, and my father allowed his anger to consume him, I swore that I would keep my emotions in check and never give in to anger. My people have allowed themselves to be driven by hate and greed; I won't fall into the same trap".
I turned to look at Takara, and the two of us stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like an eternity.
Eventually, I turned to look out my window, and saw that the sun had set, making way for the dark of night. "You should get some sleep" I told her, gently taking her hand off my shoulder.
She smiled at me, and proceeded to walk out of my room. The Kyoshi Warrior gave me one last smile before she was escorted back to her own room.
Once she was gone, I turned to look at Jin and Li. The twins were smiling at me as well, and I crouched down so I was at eye level. I placed my hands on their cheeks, kissing their foreheads. I then wrapped my arms around them as the three of us embraced in a loving hug.
The following morning, I sat amongst the other ship captains and officers of the fleet I had assembled. My father stood in front of a map of the world, his hands clasped behind his back. "He's heading north" he said, turning to face us. "The Northern Water Tribe. The Avatar needs to master Waterbending; he's looking for a teacher".
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Captain Li spoke up. "Let's go get him!"
"Patience, Captain Li" my father replied. "This isn't some little Earth village we can just march into".
"The Northern Water Tribe is a mighty nation" I said. "There's a reason they've survived 100 years of war".
My father started walking around us, and after a moment, he added "Quite right, my son. The frozen tundra is treacherous, and the landscape itself is an icy fortress. We'll need a massive invasion force". He then turned to look down at me. "Shan We, have your efforts borne any fruit?"
"Yes, father" I replied. "I've managed to gather a significant naval force. The Northern Water Tribe won't be able to stand against us".
My father's lips curled into a wolfish grin. "Excellent" he said with obvious satisfaction. "Soon, the histories will tell that the great Admiral Zhao crushed the Northern Water Tribe. For victory!"
"For victory!" I and the various ship captains shouted in unison as we raised our fists in the air. I was filled with cautious hope; my father seemed to have forgiven me for my previous blunders, and with any luck, I would make him proud.
The twins and I escorted my father as he stepped onto Prince Zuko's ship. General Iroh was with several of the crew on the deck, singing in his throaty voice as they played their instruments around a fire.
Upon noticing us, the man playing the pipa broke a string, stopping the others cold.
"Admiral Zhao, Commander Shan We" General Iroh said, bowing to the two of us as the others hastily did the same.
"General Iroh" my father replied neutrally.
"To what do we owe the honour of this visit?" the squat, older man asked.
"We're preparing to conquer the Northern Water Tribe" I said. "We need this ship's crew to join our invasion force".
The comment made their eyes widen to the size of dinner bowls. After a moment, one of the officers cleared his throat before asking "But sirs, if you're forming an invasion force on this scale, then what difference could we make?"
Before I could reply, my father walked up to the man and said "Why Lieutenant Jee, you don't give yourself enough credit. You and the crew of this… ship have vast experience in hunting the Avatar. You would be invaluable to the war effort".
His voice was laden with false sincerity, and I could sense that they detected it as well.
"What about Prince Zuko?" a man covered in soot, who I assumed to be an engineer, asked.
My father's expression darkened. "Prince Zuko has failed to capture the Avatar too many times. If you stay with him, then you'll spend the rest of your lives wandering at sea, never to see your homes or your families again".
The crewmen glanced at each other, clearly thinking about the offer. Being away from the comfort of home and the warm embrace of one's family took a serious toll, and these soldiers, like so many others, were feeling the effects of that.
"If you join me, then after I've conquered the Northern Water Tribe, you can all go home… as heroes".
"I'll do it!" a bearded man said, raising his arm in the air. "I'm sick of cooking meals while traipsing all over the world!" The rest of the crew then joined in, and my father smiled deeply. This had nothing to do with the crew; it had everything to do with taking something else away from Prince Zuko.
"General Iroh, I would also be honoured if you joined us as my military advisor. Would you please take us to Prince Zuko, so that we may break the news to him?"
"Of course" the retired general replied, proceeding to lead us into the ship. Once we arrived at the Prince's quarters, General Iroh opened the door.
"For the last time, I'm not playing the Tsungi Horn!" the young man's voice growled from inside.
"No, it's about our plans" General Iroh replied. "There's a bit of a problem".
My father then strode into the Prince's quarters. "I'm taking your crew".
"What?!" Prince Zuko cried, standing and facing us.
"I've recruited them for a little expedition to the North Pole" he explained, and I saw the utter glee on his face from the corner of my eye.
"Uncle, is that true?" the scarred Prince asked.
"I'm afraid so" General Iroh replied. "He's taking everyone. Even the cook". He started to tear up at the last.
"Sorry you won't be there to watch me capture the Avatar", my father said, "but I can't have you getting in my way again".
The Prince then lunged for my father, but General Iroh held him back. The scarred young man glared at my father before turning his wrathful gaze on me. I stared back with my usual stoic expression as my father walked over to the far wall.
"I didn't know you were skilled with broadswords, Prince Zuko" he said. I turned to my left, and saw the sword mounted on the wall. My father had the other one in his hands, making a few testing slices. My eyes widened, recognizing the very familiar blades from the incident at the Pohuai Stronghold.
I then turned to look at Prince Zuko, who replied "I'm not. They're antiques; just decorative".
"Have you heard of the Blue Spirit, General Iroh?" my father asked, referring to the name given to the masked figure who had freed the Avatar.
"Just rumours" General Iroh replied. "I don't think he's real".
"He's real, alright" I said, staring at Prince Zuko. "He's a criminal; an enemy of the Fire Nation who freed the Avatar".
My father handed the sword to General Iroh, proceeding to walk out as he said "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".
I then followed my father out, closing the door behind me.
I soared through the air, feeling the wind caressing my body as I did so.
Looking down at the ocean, I saw that I was once again in the form of a purple Dragon, fangs and all. I then looked ahead, at the horizon, for the island I had seen last time. It wasn't there.
Suddenly, a massive shape fell down from the sky, stopping above the water in front of me. Despite its massive size, I could easily tell what it was: the Avatar. He still had his arrow tattoos, and they were glowing. The water below his feet began swirling in a circle, while the air around him slowly formed a typhoon of raw power.
"Kill him" my father's voice told me. Turning to my left, I saw the blue Dragon I had seen before. "Obey me" it said, its voice as smooth as silk as it stared into my eyes. "Kill him".
"No!" a second voice cried. Turning to my right, I saw a red Dragon, identical to the blue in every way except for colour. "The Avatar is the world's only hope for peace! The blue Dragon wants to deceive you!"
The crimson-coloured creature spoke in Takara's voice, and as I started to ponder her words, the blue Dragon said "Don't listen to her" in its silky-smooth voice. "She wants to lead you astray. I know the path you have to take".
"You can choose your own path!" the red Dragon shouted, drawing my gaze. "You've spent your whole life deciding your destiny; don't let others decide it for you now!"
"She lies!" the blue Dragon countered, its voice quickly rising. "Obey me, and kill the Avatar!"
"Don't kill the Avatar! Don't listen to the blue Dragon!"
They both continued shouting and denouncing each other for some time, all the while the Avatar hovered in front of me, doing nothing. I shook my head and closed my eyes, trying to block all the voices from my mind.
I awoke with a gasp, bolting upright in my bed. I felt out of breath, and my well-muscled body was covered in sweat.
As I took in several deep breaths, Jin and Li sat up in their beds; apparently, I had woken them up. "It's all right" I said, holding up a hand. "I'm fine".
They stared at me for a long moment before glancing at each other. I could tell that they weren't fully convinced, but they decided to let the matter drop.
I continued to stare at the wall in front of me, pondering the meaning of my dream. Once again, I had envisioned myself as a Dragon flying over the ocean. Only this time, instead of an island with a white tiger, I had seen the Avatar. The blue Dragon had been joined by a red Dragon, and I pondered their words.
The blue Dragon was the one who kept wanting me to kill whatever was in front of me, while the red Dragon wanted me to go against it. Both Dragons were trying to win me over, and they were almost as focused on ousting the other as they were on me.
Suddenly, there was a knock on my door. "Commander Shan We?" a voice asked.
I pulled the covers off, moving to rest my feet on the cold, metal floor. "Yes?"
"The fleet is ready to set sail" the other man said. "Admiral Zhao wishes you to join him on the command tower".
"Very good" I said, standing up. "Tell my father I will be there shortly". With that, the twins and I stood up and started to put our uniforms on. Once that was done, I walked out of the room I had taken on father's Emperor-class Battleship.
We walked through the halls, eventually making it to the platform overlooking my father's massive flagship. He was standing at the edge, his hands clasped behind his back, while General Iroh stood behind him.
"Father" I said as I moved to stand beside him. The twins stood guard on either side of the door.
"Ah, Shan We" my father said, glancing at me. "I wanted you to be here for this". He gazed out at the fleet; even though I had assembled this force, it was still a very impressive sight. "My fleet is ready. Set a course for the Northern Water Tribe".
I nodded before thrusting my arm upwards and sending a blue flame into the air. The flagship's smokestacks came alive, belching black smoke as the rest of the fleet did so.
The Northern Water Tribe would soon fall, and the Avatar would be back in our hands; this time, he would not escape.
Very soon, the great battle for the North will be fought. You might say it'll be very… chilling!
I'm sorry; I couldn't resist :)
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