>>5980021A rather despicable comment, but not one you're unused to hear in Father's war room. Iroh sighs and Zuko merely ignores it. Tea is served by the quartermaster. Ginseng. This one is as bitter as it gets, with a strong flavor, but Uncle relishes every single drop of it and has a few cups while the rest hangs on to the first one.
“Anyhow.” Zhao says. “Any leads on the whereabouts of the Avatar, Prince Zuko?”
“None.” Zuko replies.
“Not a single one?” Zhao continues. “What a fool’s errand.”
“The Avatar is the Fire Nation’s greatest threat.”
Zhao laughs. “And what about the rumors of a strange sighting in the Southern Water Tribe’s territory?” He asks.
Zuko’s eyes widen only for a moment. “A false lead.”
“Was it?” Zhao doubts as he starts swirling his tea. A soldier enters the room and gets to Zhao’s ear, whispering something to him. “Thank you, you may leave.” He waves off the soldier. “Strange, our engineers report that the damage suffered by your ships is not the usual caused by earthbenders. The hull’s bumps and the rust all indicate waterbending.”
Zuko clenches his fist.
“Then there’s some strange scratches on the hull, nothing we’ve ever seen. It’s like a hundred blades were whipping it.” He looks at his nails. “I’ve read some old military books. powerful airbenders were known to form great spheres of rushing air to protect themselves, strong enough to cut anything that’d touch it.”
He looks straight at Zuko. “If an airbender still lives, that can only mean one thing.”
Zuko replies with defiance. “If you would call me a liar and challenge my honor, I am more than prepared to defend it.”
Iroh raises a hand towards Zuko. “Prince Zuko, please.”
Zhao chuckles. “You? Defend your honor? Oh please.” His chuckle turns into a slight laugh. “That scar on your face proves you have no honor. I thought you were only a coward, but you also dare lie to a fellow soldier of the Fire Nation. You are a disgrace to our nation.”
Zuko raises a fist to the air from which a few sparks fly. He’s clearly about to challenge Zhao to an Agni Kai, a duel over honor.
>Intervene and stop Zuko from challenging him. You have more important things to do.>Let it happen. Zuzu needs a good Agni Kai.>A challenge to your brother is a challenge to you. Challenge Zhao yourself.>Write-in. 