The Firebending Warrior(A Prince Zuko Love Story)Chapter 2: The Southern Air Temple

The next morning the three of you were at a harbor. You went with Zuko and Iroh getting off the ship. “Uncle I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don’t want to stay too long and risk losing his trail.” Zuko said to him “You mean the Avatar?” Iroh said to his nephew. Zuko turned around to face the both of you “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.” Zuko said then being cut off “Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?” A man came up to you three. “Captain Zhao.” Zuko said with distaste in his voice.

"It's commander now.And General Iroh great hero of our nation.” Zhao said bowing to Iroh “Retired general.” Iroh said. “The Fire Lord’s brother and son are welcome guests anytime. What brings you to my harbor?” Zhao asked. “Our ship is being repaired.” Iroh said “That’s quite a bit of damage.” Zhao replies. “Yes you wouldn’t believe what happened. Uncle tell commander Zhao what happened.” Zuko said “Yes I will do that. It was incredible. What did we crash or something?” Iroh answered “Yes. right into an earth kingdom ship.” Zuko said again. “Really? You must regale me with all the thrilling details.” Zhao said as he looked over at you “Well...______...Never thought I’d see you traveling with these two.” Zhao said to you. Zuko looked at you in shock. “You two know each other?” Zuko asked still shocked.

“I met him when I had to work on his ship in the war. Ever since my father left to fight I’ve been traveling non stop. I was the one that finished one of the largest battles the Fire Nation had seen in a long time. Ever since that battle ended I’ve had only two nicknames from everyone else...the firebending warrior... Some others that hated me liked to call me the firebending assassin.” You explained to Zuko. He looked at you somewhat staring(he was staring at you the whole time) when Zhao said something "Join me for a drink?” He asked.

Zuko started to leave and said “Sorry, but we have to go.” Iroh put his hand on Zuko’s shoulder “Prince Zuko, show commander Zhao your respect.” He turns to Zhao “We would be honored to join you.” Iroh starts walking “Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favorite.” Iroh said to Zhao as they walk away. Zuko growls in frustration and releases fire from his fists angrily as he turns to follow Zhao and Iroh down the dock. You started walking with Zuko.

Once you and Zuko reached the tent he went in and sat down as you stood close by him. Zhao was already talking about the war “And by year's end, the Earth Kingdom capital will be under our rule.” Zhao turns to you and Zuko “The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war.” Zuko looked at you then looked ahead of him and said “If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly, then he is a fool.” Zuko said to Zhao as he sat down next to Zuko “Two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue. So how’s your search for the Avatar going” Zhao said to him.

Iroh tips over the stand of weapons he has been looking at. The commotion brings the conversation to a halt. Iroh cringes at the mess he has just made. “My fault entirely.” Iroh said embarrassed. “We haven't found him yet.” Zuko said “Did you really expect to? The Avatar died a hundred years ago... along with the rest of the airbenders.” Zhao paused “Unless you found some evidence that the Avatar is alive.” Zhao continued “No... Nothing.” Zuko said to him again “Prince Zuko, the Avatar is the only one who can stop the Fire Nation from winning this war. If you have an ounce of loyalty left, you'll tell me what you've found.” Zhao said to Zuko again “I haven't found anything. It's like you said. The Avatar probably died a long time ago. Come on, Uncle, _____, we're going.” Zuko gets up and tries to leave, but he is blocked by the guards as they cross their spears in front of him. Another guard approaches Zhao to deliver his report. You just stayed where you were and watched with a very angry look on your face.

“Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew as you instructed. They confirmed Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody, but let him escape.” A guard said to him. “Now, remind me...” Zhao turned to Zuko “... how exactly was your ship damaged?” Zuko looked down in defeat some guards escorted back to his chair and made him explain everything. You still stood where you were angry “So, a twelve-year-old boy bested you and your firebenders? You're more pathetic than I thought.” Zhao said “I underestimated him once, but it will not happen again.” Zuko replied. “No it will not, because you won’t have a second chance.” Zhao said to him again

“Commander Zhao, I've been hunting the Avatar for two years and I...” Zuko said alarmed but was cut off by Zhao “And you failed!” Zhao yelled at Zuko. Zhao turns on Zuko angrily, flames erupting from his hand as he sweeps it in an arc from left to right. “Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in two teenager's hands. He's mine now.” Zhao said one last time. Zuko launches himself at Zhao in frustration and anger, but he is restrained by the two guards next to you. “Keep them here.” Zhao said turning to leave when you had enough and shot a blast of fire at him and caused him to fall.

Zhao got up and walked away. Zuko looked at you confused. You smiled as you were in a firebending stance. He smiled slightly. Five minutes later Zhao came back in “Once I'm out to sea, my guards will escort you back to your ship and you'll be free to go.” Zhao said walking over to you, Zuko and Iroh. “Why? Are you worried I'm going to try and stop you?” Zhao laughed and said “You? Stop me? Impossible.” Zhao says “Don't underestimate me, Zhao. I will capture the Avatar before you.” Zuko says defiantly standing up. Iroh stood up “Prince Zuko, that's enough!” Iroh said to him. “You can't compete with me. I have hundreds of warships under my command, and you... you're just a banished prince. No home. No allies. Your own father doesn't even want you.” Zhao said to him. ‘great’ you said to yourself knowing what was to happen. “You're wrong. Once I deliver the Avatar to my father he will welcome me home with honor and restore my rightful place on the throne.” Zuko replied. “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.” Zhao said again. “That’s not true.” Zuko said yet again. You could tell he was getting angry. “You have the scar to prove it.” Zhao says to Zuko. With a cry of indignation, launches himself to his feet, bringing his face within inches of Zhao's. “Maybe you'd like one to match!” Zuko exclaims to Zhao. “Is that a challenge?” Zhao asks him.

“An Agni Kai at sunset.” Zuko said fiercely at Zhao “Very well. It's a shame your father won't be here to watch me humiliate you. I guess your uncle will do.” Zhao said walking away. “Prince Zuko, Have you forgotten what happened the last time you dueled a master?” Iroh asked him. “I will never forget.” he says. You walked with him and Iroh back to the ship for a few hours.

It was sunset the three of you went to the arena. Zhao and Zuko kneeled preparing for battle “Remember your firebending basics, Prince Zuko. They are your greatest weapons." Iroh said. “I refuse to let him win.” Zuko said standing up. “This will be over quickly.” Zhao said. Atop the gate a gong sounds. Both men face each other and go into their firebending stances. Zuko fires the first shot which passes harmlessly to Zhao's left. He fires again this time it passes Zhao's right. Zuko fires several more, the last of Zhao blocks. Frustrated and losing control of his breath, Zuko moves towards his opponent, unleashing more fire from both his hands and feet. Zhao dodges or blocks them all. Zhao then crouches forward and shoots flame at a point on the ground close in front of him. Iroh watches anxiously as you stand watching with a look of shock and anger in your eyes “Basics, Zuko! Break his root!" Iroh calls out to Zuko

Zhao fires many blasts of flame, alternating between his fists. Zuko blocks each, but is slowly forced back. On the last blast Zhao uses both hands, knocking Zuko over and sending him skidding backwards in the dirt. Zhao takes a flying jump at him. Zhao lands as Zuko tries to get up, but he isn't fast enough. Zhao fires right at him. Zuko rolls out of the way just in time, and as he is getting up sweeps Zhao's feet out from under him.
Zuko lands on his feet. Zuko is advancing towards Zhao, using his feet to produce small waves of flame that rush toward his opponent. Zhao is caught off balance and wobbles slowly backward. Zuko finally lays Zhao out flat on the ground with a blast of fire. Zuko rushes up to him, prepared to deal the final blow. A close up of Zuko's face emphasizes the decision he faces. “Do it!” Zhao calls out
Zuko releases a blast. He stands erect, dropping his fighting stance “That's it? Your father raised a coward.” Zhao told Zuko “Next time you get in my way, I promise I won't hold back.” Zuko replies to Zhao

Zuko turns his back and begins to walk away. Zhao gets up and, with a howl of anger, unleashes a whip of flame at Zuko. The flame is put out. Iroh has moved between them to stop the dishonorable attack. They remain frozen for a moment before Iroh hurls Zhao back into the dirt with little effort. Zuko rushes to avenge the insult, but is stopped by Iroh. “No, Prince Zuko. Do not taint your victory.” Iroh turns to face Zhao, a look of condescension on his face. “So this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat. Disgraceful.” Iroh continued. You, Zuko and Iroh left the arena back to Zuko’s ship “Did you really mean that, Uncle?” Zuko said quietly. “Of course. I told you ginseng tea is my favorite.” Iroh said slyly.

Once you got back to the ship Zuko got changed back into his outfit. You had been practicing your firebending out on the main deck. he walked out and watched you. You didn’t notice this until “_____.” you heard Zuko call your name. You saw him and smiled. You slept on the floor of his quarters that night since you let him have his bed.