[Word Count: 3,400 - Please read the Author's Note at the end of this chapter]

| chapter - eight |

\ familiar taste of poison /

I was forced to stay outside of the tent, as we were docked at a different cove. It was a Fire Nation one and I felt really uncomfortable here, but I had no other choice. Sure, I had lots of earth around me, but there were more Firebenders than I could ask for, so that wasn't happening anytime soon. Sadly.

But, there was a benefit though. I could slightly make out the voices inside. As Kaz was on my shoulder and I continued to hold onto my makeshift pillow. I had put Yoon's mask back inside this morning, for safe keeping. And also, a good place to hide it from Zhao.

I was sure he was suspicious of me after that night, when I had tried to escape, and I pretended to be sleeping.

"He's heading North. The Northern Water Tribe." Zhao's voice was loud and clear from inside. "The Avatar needs to master waterbending. He's looking for a teacher."

Another voice was impatient, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go get him!"

"Patience, Captain Li." Zhao shut him down right away. "This isn't some little Earth village we can march into." I stitched my eyebrows together at that, hugging my makeshift pillow more into my chest as I continued to listen. "The Water Tribe is a great nation. There's a reason they've survived a hundred years of war. The frozen tundra is treacherous, the landscape itself is an icy fortress. We'll need a massive invasion force."

His voice seems to pause, until finally, "And luckily for us, I have a particular someone, right outside, that's come along with me. Who might be able to give us a hand, if we can gather the resources on deck for a way of use." He coos. "That is, if she's willing, anyway. I have a feeling she will be." I could physically hear that smirk on his face, through the sneer in his voice.

My eyes squint at that. I very well knew he was talking about me, that much was obvious. But I didn't know what he meant by the final part.

And I didn't like the sound of it.

***

Night had fallen and we made port to another place, I had no idea where, as I never seem to be given many answers for locations. Which was very annoying. I was striding along with Zhao up the platform of another Fire Nation ship. I don't know which one.

Have I mentioned that they all, the ships, look the exact same? I probably have.

This felt weird, the fact that I was walking with Zhao as if I was some servant or whatever. But him and I both know that I was more than that. We both have some deep history.

History that I genuinely don't think I can forgive him for. Neither could Kaz as it seemed, by the way he's staying his distance from the man, on my other shoulder. Giving him a few hisses here and there.

By the thoughts of it all I noticed my bandaged hands and wrists tighten together, around my makeshift pillow. As if they started to hurt all over again, through my tattered and traumatized thoughts.

My mind snaps back as music begins to run through my ears, and the sound of Iroh's voice begins to sing.

"Winter, spring... Summer, and fall... Winter, spring... Summer, and fall... Four seasons... four loves... Four seasons... for love."

It was very lovely as a small smile danced on my lips.

The crew stopped their instruments and Iroh paused as they all looked over to the both of us, standing there, arriving on deck.

It wasn't long until Zhao explained to Iroh his plans, and we made our way to one of the many rooms below deck. The older man opened the door and entered inside.

The sounds of Zuko's voice were familiar, "For the last time, I'm not playing the sungi horn!"

"No, it's about our plans. There's a bit of a problem." Iroh goes.

Zhao enters the room, and Zuko was stunned to see the man. "I'm taking your crew."

I made myself known, by popping my head from the door, as Zuko made eye contact with me in recognition, because confused as to why I was there. Before Zhao was quick to push me back.

Zuko shakes his head from the slight distraction, "What?!"

"I've recruited them for a little expedition to the North Pole."

"Uncle," Zuko adverted his eyes. "is that true?"

"I'm afraid so. He's taking everyone..." His voice turned into woe, as he rubbed his eyes with his sleeve. "Even the cook."

"Sorry you won't be there to watch me capture the Avatar." Zhao felt high on his pedestal. "But I can't have you getting in my way again."

By the sounds of Zuko's growl, I knew he wasn't very happy about that news as Iroh held the boy back, "No!"

They both noticed Zhao going to the end of Zuko's room, and as did I - while still in the hall, but the door was open. It was a pair of dual swords hitched on the wall, as if they were an art piece. I didn't know why the man was so fixated on them, maybe he'd seem them before?

I've always hated being kept from secrets. But then again, I'm pretty sure I do the same with everyone else. So, I suppose it was fair game.

He took one of them off the rack and examined, "I didn't know you were skilled with broadswords, Prince Zuko."

"I'm not." Zuko was quick to claim. "They're antiques. Just decorative."

"Have you heard of the Blue Spirit, General Iroh?" Zhao wondered.

My eyes perked up at that name, as I suddenly remember the Wanted poster of said figure back at the festival, I had gone to with Aang and his friends.

He's heard of it too?

I tried not to think too far into it. Much, anyway.

"Just rumors." Iroh cleared it up, without hesitation. "I don't think he is real."

"He's real, all right." Zhao went closer to them with one of the swords, handing it to Iroh. "He's a criminal, and an enemy of the Fire Nation. But I have a feeling justice will catch up with him soon." He makes his way to the hallway, where I am. "General Iroh, the offer to join my mission still stands... if you change your mind."

He closes the door and provokes me to follow. And, of course, I do. I don't dare to defy right now, surrounded by many who can easily overturn only one of me.

***

I had managed to slip away, and it was a little later in the night. I wandered through the halls of Zuko's ship, very confused.

"Where do you suppose they keep the restroom?" I was lost, as you can tell.

Kaz squeaked, shaking his wings, causing the port that normally holds letters on his back to go side-to-side. I took that as him telling me he had not a clue, "Me neither."

Remember when I said that all of these ships look the exact same? Yeah, they're all confusing as well. I have no idea where I'm going, and I've not a clue on which hallway I've already been down. It just never changes; it's like an endless maze.

It got to the point where I had been searching for around an hour now. The thing was, I didn't even need to use the restroom, if I had to be honest, I was tired of someone barging into any room that I stay in because I wasn't trusted to 'behave' myself and not pull anything. I want a moment to just relax, and the restroom was the perfect place for that.

I sigh as I turn another corner, "Honestly, Kaz, I'm tempted to write a letter to the Fire Lord himself, asking him if he even has restrooms on his darn fleets." I chuckle quietly. "And then have you deliver it."

Kaz curls in on himself, on my shoulder, "Kidding." I reassured.

I found another metal door down another seemingly endless hallway, "It's gonna have to do, I'm tired of searching." I whispered, Kaz agreed with a nod. "Alright, let's see what's behind door number one."

Opening it, I stood in the frame and looked around. But... "Okay, definitely not a restroom..."... It was someone's quarters.

I saw a bed on one side, Fire Nation tapestries, a set of candles along a desk, and... My eyes squint and I tilted my head... Broadswords?

Realization settles upon me when remembered the conversation that Zhao had with the prince and his uncle, earlier. Where did he go? He was in here two hours ago, he must've had Firebender duties to attend to.

"Um..." I nervously cooed. "... Maybe we should go..." Kaz squawked in agreement.

I swiftly turn myself around, only to suck in my breath as I run into the chest of a person. After having collided with him, I was quick to take a step back. I craned my head up to meet the familiar scowl on his face, along with the scar to match.

"What're you doing in my room?" He crossed his arms now.

I never realized how short I really was, until just now, "I, uh... I was looking for the restroom." I answered, cautiously.

"Does this look like a restroom to you, Earthbender?"

I rapidly shook my head, as Kaz copied me.

"Then I'd suggest you get out of my space." Zuko walked forward, as I was quick to not disturb his bubble, moving to the side of the door frame so he could walk inside.

I could've left, but I couldn't help my mind from ongoing wandering thoughts and plans. He would probably wonder why I'm still here, if I continued to linger any longer.

"This is going to sound a bit crazy..." I began, fiddling with my fingers. "... But would it be possible if I went with you and your uncle? It's not that I don't want to go home... But..." I now rubbed the back of my neck, thinking of bad memories. "Zhao and I don't exactly get along, and I'd rather be with anyone else but him..."

Zuko paused for a moment after having set some things down on his wooden desk, I couldn't tell what was going on in that mind of his. Until he finally made his way over to his bedroom door.

"You're right," He grabs his door. "That is crazy." He begins to close it.

But before he could close it all the way, "If you let me join, I promise to help you capture the Avatar."

He pauses from closing the door, as he peeps out of the crack with a squint of his good eye. Now it was my turn to cross my arms, "And I'll have you know, I've never broken a promise."

I don't know about this one though... I know I'd never betray Aang like that, but I had to say something to get through to this boy.

Zuko looked off to the side for a moment, as if to really think about it. Before he gave a small sigh, "Fine." He opened his door fully, again. "But there will be no talking, I want silence."

"I've lived on a lonely mountain with an herbalist great grandmother for half my entire life." I lightly chuckled. "I can do silence."

"Shh."

I pursed my lips and held my hands together, bringing my head low as I scooted further into his room. He closed his door. He shrugged and motioned towards the chair at his desk, luckily, I figured out what he was trying to tell me, and I sat in it.

I looked around, as I did just moments before I collided with him. It was weird being in here, I mean... All of it is weird... But still. This whole experience away from home is weird. I've never felt so much tension and weirdness, and a bit of stuffiness in the mix, in one room, in my life.

"Look away." Zuko's voice bounced off the metal walls of his room.

My gaze met him, only to see he was reaching into a wardrobe and pulled out silky robes in the same color as his Fire Nation armor. My eyebrows rose in realization of what he was doing, as I did what he had asked, and turned away. I brought my eyes more towards Kaz, who had decided to hop off of my shoulder and onto the desk.

I listened to the sounds of unbuckling and material shifting, not know what else to do, besides just sit there, listen and wait.

Unfortunately for Zuko, my mind was too curious for its own good. Living on top of a lonely mountain with a crazy great grandmother will do that to you, I haven't interacted with anyone else other than Oka, Miyuki and Kaz, in a very long time.

And so, I end up finding myself turning my head and taking a small peak, seeing as he was shirtless, turning to grab the top part of his armor and placing it into his wardrobe, as he then turned back to his bed and straightened out his robe, getting ready to put it on.

And I had stared for an unnecessary amount of time...

But it was like his golden eyes could feel my gaze, as he looked up towards me. I was quick to turn my head back and stare back at Kaz, with a face full of embarrassment.

I could feel it in Kaz's gaze that he had second-hand embarrassment, for me. And I didn't blame him.

This is so awkward, I don't know why I did that... Was this considered treason? This is the Prince of the Fire Nation, and I'm an herbalist that lives on top of a mountain, who is a nobody. Nothing more than a swamp girl. What in the world was I thinking?

I began to fiddle with the red ribbon that was attached to the letter pouch that Kaz always held, which also happened to match my own that held up my hair all of the time. We had the same type of ribbon. I did it out of nerves, hoping Zuko didn't see that. Or, if he did, he'd forgotten it immediately, somehow.

Acting all innocent. Distracting myself.

Whether he did see me look or not no longer mattered, as he seemed to completely ignore it, "How'd you get that messenger hawk?"

I paused my thoughts As I let Kaz's ribbons go, and turned back towards the firebender who now, officially, had his robe on, and sat on his bed. I had an uncertain look to my features, because he had told me to stay silent, not even that long ago.

And I already felt like I committed some unlawful crime by almost being caught staring for a bit too long, so Yoon knows what speaking when he said not to, would do.

And yes, I did just decide to say 'Yoon' instead of 'Spirits'. It weirdly felt fitting.

Zuko seemed to notice as he sighed and laid back in his bed and stared at the ceiling, "You can speak now, it's fine."

"Um..."I was still cautious, but he's letting me so nothing should happen. "... Kaz was a gift from my mother."

"Is she from the Fire Nation?"

I shook my head, "No, Earth Kingdom."

I could tell Zuko was in deep thought, as the air was quiet for a moment, "Well, she had to get him somehow... So?" He looked towards me.

"Well..." I didn't know if I should say, I didn't know how he'd react. Everything was complex right now, especially within the past week.

But... I guess it wouldn't be too bad if I told him...

"My-"

Before I could, the metal door opened and in came Iroh. His eyes perked when meeting mine first, before his nephew, "Oh, hello Midori, I didn't expect to see you in here."

I opened my mouth to respond, only for Zuko to do it for me, "She's going to be with us, she promised to help me capture the Avatar." I closed my mouth, since it was useless to leave it hanging open.

I couldn't tell what Iroh was thinking, whether he was happy or not about it. But to be fair, I've noticed that about him. Sometimes I can tell what's on his mind by looking at his expressions, and sometimes I can't.

This just so happened to be one of the times that I wasn't able to, unfortunately. But I guess I'd go with him being neutral about it... Maybe...?

The older man nods, "How lovely it is for you to join us, again, Midori. I'm sure Zuko will treat you better, this time." He looks to his nephew who was sulking in his bed, arms crossed, scowl towards the ceiling. "I would hope." His smile was big, that his teeth practically covered his whole face.

Iroh then gets back to what he came in for, "The crew wanted me to wish you safe travels."

"Good riddance to those traitors." Zuko's temper never wavered, as expected.

Iroh walked a bit further into the room, with a smile, "It's a lovely night for a walk. Why don't you join me? It would clear your head." He looked back to me at the desk. "And you as well, I'm sure since you're an Earthbender, you're tired of being in such a stuffy place, for so long."

But no answer came from the boy, I gave a low sigh as that told us his answer. Iroh's smile fades awhile, "Or just stay in your room and sit in the dark." He shrugs. "Whatever makes you happy."

He looks over to me one last time, "My apologies, Midori, I tried. Looks like you'll have to wait a little longer to have fresh air."

I gave a small smile up to him, "It's okay, thanks for trying."

And the older man leaves, closing the door behind him.

***

All of our heads perked up at the sound if a distant screeching, almost as if someone was opening one of the metal doors somewhere on the ship.

"Uncle?" Zuko wondered as he stood from his bed, which by the way, looks very uncomfortable. He opens his door, "Uncle, is that you?"

To my surprise, he turned to me and motioned me to follow, but to also be quiet. I would've thought he'd have me stay behind. But then again, there was a chance that he thought I'd sneak away and break my promise.

I guess I answered my own question, because that makes the most sense in this situation.

We quietly went down the corridors of the ship, I followed Zuko as he had his arms out ready to strike any intruders. Kaz was cuddling further into my shoulder, unsure of the unknown.

But there was nobody, it was just us three. Zuko gave a quizzical look as he brought his arms back down and proceeded to walk, I continued to follow from behind.

We eventually made it to, what I could assume to be, the Captain's Quarters. The place of a ship where you would have control over the steering mechanism. At least, that's what I think it was. Once again, I've never been on one, so what do I know?

We looked around, it was eerily quiet. But that was until I noticed Kaz hopped off of my shoulder and on one of the windowsills, one that was tilted partly open. I brought my attention to my messenger hawk, wondering what he had seen. His crimson feathers were ruffled as he gave a low shriek, which is what he normally did if there was another creature that he didn't like. He could be very territorial at times.

Zuko and I both stared at what made Kaz so riled up, only to see another bird, outside, but green with a blue head and large spikes on the top of its head, riding down its back. It squawked at us.

Seeing as Zuko's eyes widen in what appeared to be sudden realization, told me that he knew exactly what was about to happen in the next few seconds. Whilst I remained unaware, I've never seen that bird in my life, and I didn't know if I wanted to ever see it again, it was kind of creepy. But the firebender seemed to recognize it very well.

My emerald pupils filled with fire as the metal ship erupted and shook out of nowhere around us, horrible traumatic memories filled my mind as everything happened so fast, while the air all over, turned into an inferno.

I couldn't even fully react when I felt Zuko grab onto me and swiftly bended us into a ball, as yelps escaped the throats of the both of us.

---------

Here's chapter eight!

What was your favorite part of this chapter? :)

Also, just in case you're reading this, and you didn't get to see my most recent Author's Note, I'll explain it here really quick.

So, I disappeared from this story for quite some time. Due to multiple reasons. I had writer's block, I moved house, I lost my grandpa and went to his funeral, and I was LITERALLY sick for a whole entire year, and no, it wasn't Covid.

It was a LOT to deal with, it was like shit was being thrown at me back-to-back.

BUT EITHER WAY, I'm back now and so is Midori and Co. I love ATLA far too much to abandon this story and I have many plans for this series.

So, I hope y'all can forgive me and let's have fun with this story. :>

But anywho, enjoy!

xoxo <3

BONUS:

Here's a meme I decided to make because it's just too funny to me. LMFAOOOOO.