Chapter two (APC)

Uncle and I were finally leaving the ship, having rehearsed our parts and we both agreed to not let anyone know of the Avatar's return. He mainly agreed to spare Zhao a lot of pain and humiliation. I agreed, because uncle pressured me into agreeing, and because fighting Zhao wouldn't be a challenge. We reached the bottom of the walkway.

"Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and waste time." I said, to uncle's agreement.

"Of course, nephew." Uncle replied.

We began walking further into the base and had the misfortune of encountering Zhao. I bowed respectfully, though I had no respect for him whatsoever.

"Captain Choi." I said, with a straight face and successfully managed to irritate him.

"It's Commander Zhao." He said, angrily and I feigned embarrassment.

"My apologies. I'm bad with names." I said, and the idiot actually believes me.

Zhao bowed slightly to uncle.

"General Iroh. Great hero of our nation."

"Retired general." Uncle said, bowing back.

"The Fire Lord's brother and son are welcome guests anytime. What brings you to my harbor?" Zhao asked.

"Our ship is being repaired." Uncle said, gesturing toward the ship.

"That's quite a bit of damage." Zhao said, already suspecting something.

"Yes. I'm afraid that's my fault." I said, drawing Zhao's attention. "I thought learning to pilot an actual ship would be a valuable skill. Though, next time I think I'll learn cooking or engineering instead. I was offered my favorite tea by uncle and left the helm for a few moments and we hit an iceberg. Needless to say, the crew is not happy with me." I said, to Zhao's amusement and disbelief.

"Really?" He said in disbelief. "You must regale me with all of the thrilling details." He smirked while he getting in my face. "Join me for a drink?"

I averted my gaze and began to walk away. "Sorry, but we have to go," as I started to walk away, but after a few steps, uncle placed his hand on my shoulder to hold me back.

"Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect." He said, before removing his hand from my shoulder as he faced Zhao while I just slanted my eyes. "We would be honored to join you. Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favorite." I
followed uncle and Zhao, while dreading what was coming. I was gonna have to fight this idiot again. I just wanted a challenge, and sadly a waste of bending like Zhao would never be one.

One hour later...

I had used my mastery of Siddi's to confirm that Zhao ordered the interrogation of my crew.

"... And by the year's end, the Earth Kingdom capital will be under our rule. The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war." Zhao said, wasting time and stalling me.

"It won't work. The Fire Nation would have to occupy the world for decades or even centuries and we lack the numbers." I said, in a bored tone. "Even if he did succeed, the world would never follow him."

"Two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue. So, how is your search for the Avatar going?" Zhao asked,
I feigned anger and annoyance. It really wasn't that hard.

"The Avatar is most likely dead. The only reason I'm searching is because I have no other path back to the throne." I said, before behaving sullenly.

Zhao seemed to realize I wasn't going to give him any useful information.

"Come on, uncle, we're going." I said, rising.

As I approached the door, the guards stopped me from leaving by crossing their spears while a third soldier entered the room. The soldier that entered was walking up to Zhao.

"Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew as you instructed. They confirmed Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody, but let him escape."

"Careful. Slander is a serious crime." I said, menacingly. "He escaped without my aid, after I beat him while he was in the Avatar State." I said, to their shock. Though Zhao's soldier omitted that. I suspected that he wanted Zhao humiliated so that he could take his place. Zhao didn't believe it, thankfully.

"Now remind me, how, exactly, was your ship damaged?" He asked, smiling evilly.

"It was damaged," I paused, before continuing. "While I was plowing your whore mother. I got too rough." I said, to his outrage. "Did you know that members of the Fire Navy get a discount?" I asked the soldiers in the room, a few of which
were fighting smirks. "His mother really loves see men." I said, causing them to bite their lips; some even drawing blood.

"So a twelve-year-old boy bested you and your firebenders. You're more pathetic than I thought." Zhao said, pacing in front of me.

"No. The brat got a lucky shot in and escaped. But I fought the Avatar, in the Avatar State and won. I did what no other being in history has ever done before. I did all this and you just insulted me by calling me pathetic. I, who did
more against the Avatar more than the entire Fire Nation. Most of all; you insulted a member of the royal family. I challenge you to an Agni Kai!" I finished dramatically.

"I accept." Zhao said arrogantly; no doubt wanting to humiliate me. The idiot didn't even realize that I had manipulated him. He couldn't order me be detained if he couldn't speak.

"At sunset then." I said, while sneering at him; enraging him further. Zhao and his minions exited the tent, not realizing It was their tent. "I can't believe the idiot fell for that." I said, when only uncle can hear.

"You are incredible at manipulation. If I ever try opposing you, remind me of that." Uncle said, in amusement. "I'm beginning to see how you defeat enemies without fighting them. Originally I thought it was just bragging." He said,
referencing a prior claim of mine.

"It wasn't." I said, with a smirk. "I suppose I should prepare for this Agni Kai. Fortunately it involves taking my shirt off, which I was really good at in the future. That and getting dressed really quick and leaving even faster." I said, to uncle's disapproval. "Don't worry, uncle. I plan to settle down and get married." I said, to his relief. "With a harem." I said, to his shock. "Just kidding." I said, to his relief. "Or am I?" I asked, with a teasing smile. I really enjoyed messing with him.

"Careful, Zuko. I'm an old man." Uncle said, implying he could die from surprise.

Scene break-remove text and replace.
Sunset- Agni Kai.

I was currently squatting bare-chested and barefoot, wearing a cape over my shoulders. Zhao on the opposite side of the arena, an arena that was packed with an audience. I may have suggested it would be entertaining to everyone, that, and I needed an audience for my plan.

"Remember your firebending basics, Prince Zuko. They are your greatest weapons." Uncle says.

"I will. I plan to make him remember the consequences of crossing me, forever." I said, coldly; unnerving uncle, who seemed to notice some similarities between father and I. And we are quite alike, but also different. I see no logic in
trying to conquer the world through war, It's impractical and idiotic. I stand up and turn around, letting the cape fall from my shoulders.

"This will be over quickly." I heard Zhao whisper confidently from across the arena.

"Yes, it will, for you." I said, smugly. Surprising him with my hearing.

The Fire Nation soldier overseeing the duel saw that we had readied ourselves for battle, so he rang a large gong.

Zhao and I stood in the middle of the arena, both taking on a firebending stance.

I had my hands stretched out in front of me, glaring at Zhao. Zhao stood the same way as me.

I began to start lowering my arms, leaving a trail of fire behind. I gave Zhao a bored look.

"Your move old man." I said, loudly enough for everyone to hear, causing several people snicker.

Zhao ferociously attacked me with a reasonably strong fire blast. I let it hit me in the chest, absorbing the energy from the attack and receiving no damage.

Zhao took a step forward, as he directed another powerful blast at the me, using both of his arms this time. I repeated the absorption and received no damage. Zhao took another step forward and fired again with the same result. Zhao firmly
planted his foot down and he held both of his wrists together and fired another strong blast. I gave Zhao a look of boredom.

"Pathetic!" I yelled, shocking him into stopping his attack. "You are a complete waste of life and firebending! I'm not even burned after all that." I said, before beginning my counter-attack.

I unleashed a barrage of fire jabs, quickly overwhelming the idiot. He jumped up; attempting to dodge my attack and I generated a fire whip and hit him in the side, knocking him into the ground and causing him to scream in agony. I restrained him with rope like strands of fire and walked forward.

"I don't like you Zhao. You have more pride and ego than you do bending ability." I said, to the amusement of many people. "I will make sure you never forget this! Every time you look into the mirror, you will remember this humiliation." I said, before burning the left side of his face." He screamed. "You will remember this every time you take a breath." I said, before burning his torso and he screamed again. "With every step you take." I said, before burning the soles of his feet, by this time he was unconscious from pain. "How pathetic. I had so many reminders to give you. But what can I expect from the son of a peasant whore, who sold herself for a mere piece of silver?" I walked away, having succeeded in my goal. Everybody was giving me looks either of respect, fear, or admiration; all of which were desired responses.

"Was that necessary, Zuko?" Uncle asked in disapproval; as we walked to my ship.

"Yes, it was. It was designed to make him look weak and remove his support and powerbase. Furthermore; I proved my power to many people here and those who hear about it. This also instills fear into the more rebellious citizens who resisted in the future. They even tried to reinstate father or Azula's tyrannical type of rule." I explain.

"Very well, nephew. I just dislike such things."

"I know, uncle." I say, as we reach the ramp to the ship.

When we're abroad the ship, uncle gives the order to get the ship moving and we go to my cabin to continue our conversation.

"So, where to next?" Uncle asks, after we're both comfortably seated.

"Eventually; Kyoshi Island to run Aang off, so he'll quit being so lazy. Hopefully he'll leave as soon as he see's us. I doubt he will, he's an idiot and so is most of his group and the Kyoshi Warriors." I say, to uncle's interest.

"I take it you didn't get along with them?" He asks, in amusement.

"I eventually became friends with them, a friendship that lasted several years. But we grew apart and were divided on many issues, the legality of Bloodbending being one of them." I say, to uncle's shock. "Yes, It's an interesting story."

*Flashback*

Everyone is finally here for our meeting; to debate legalizing the usage bloodbending. Sokka clears his throat.

"This meeting will now begin. We are here to discuss the legalization of bloodbending for trained medical professionals; such as healers and other waterbenders with medical training. We will begin with my sister, and world renowned master waterbender, Katara." Sokka says. Katara rises from her seat with a smile and walks to the podium.

"Thank you, councilman Sokka. As most of you no doubt know, there has been a recent upsurge in the popularity of bloodbending. Bloodbending is perhaps the darkest and most powerful technique in all of bending. It has a corrupting nature and drives the user to madness, I personally consider it a dark art. I don't believe anyone should risk corruption and madness by practicing it. The potential for misuse is far too great." Katara pauses.

"That is why I recommend the banning of the art, along with all known bloodbenders being placed under watch, and suppression of all knowledge relating to the art." Katara says, to outrage. "Please understand, bloodbenders can
control you like puppets, even making you hurt the people you love. They can force you to hand over valuables and theoretically with training can even make you rob banks." Katara says, winning a lot of support. "Thank you, for your time." She says, before walking off stage.

"Thank you, next, we'll have a brief statement from Avatar Aang." Sokka says, with a smile toward Aang, who walks toward the podium.

"Thank you, Sokka. I have personally experienced the effects of bloodbending. I was forced to walk to my possible death at Sokka's hands. This is why I oppose the legalization of bloodbending, and fully agree with my wives ideas to contain this issue. Thank you." Aang says, walking off stage to applause.

"Next. We'll have a brief statement from our esteemed chief of police, and renowned inventor of metalbending: Toph Beifong." Sokka says, to more applause. Toph walks to the podium and I wait with interest; her public speaking is usually funny.

"I just want to say that I agree with Katara. Being controlled is a terrifying and traumatic experience, one I had the misfortune of experiencing. Bloodbenders are hard to combat, when working alone on the streets." Toph says, before walking off stage.

"Next, Fire Lord Zuko will be speaking in favor of legalization." Sokka says, finally giving me a chance to speak; after he greatly reduces my chance of success. I walk to podium with purpose.

I reach the podium moments later.

"Thank you, councilman Sokka and citizens Republic City." I say, before pausing. "They have offered plenty of condemnation for bloodbending, but have failed to list the positives and benefits. It used to be; If you had your jugular, or other vital arteries or veins cut, you quickly died. But bloodbending offers hope and the chance to save thousands and eventually; many, many years from now millions of lives." I have everyone's attention.

"This could save countless victims of mugging, robbery, and assult reducing fatalies relating to crime. This 'dark art', as Katara called it; has many light capabilities." I say, putting dark art in air quotes. "I'm not saying there shouldn't be precautions. I'm in favor of registering known bloodbenders and recruiting some as trainers for medical use. The bloodbenders who use the skill for criminal purposes should be arrested and given an appropriate punishment. Not because they use some so-called dark art, but, because they committed a crime."

"Now, as for the corrupting nature, for proof that it can be resisted look no further than Katara herself." I say, to the shock of many and outrage of many of her friends. "I personally witnessed her use it on a quest for revenge. She quickly overcame the allure of power. This is proof that this corrupting nature is more a choice like most evil acts."

"Bloodbending is simply a skill, like most bending it can be used for good and evil. In theory earthbenders can bend bone, but none have. Airbenders can pull the air from anothers lungs and kill them, but none have. Sadly, everyone is well aware of how firebending can be used. But for every positive there is a negative. Let's use this skill to save countless lives, register bloodbenders and possibly have them use these powerful capabilities for good. Isn't it worth saving the lives of mothers, fathers, and possibly innocent children?"

"Why is that ash maker getting more time than the others?" The Earth Kingdom representative asks loudly enough for everyone to hear, which is obviously intentional. Many people of Fire Nation descent are offended.

"Because I'm providing a counter-argument against three others, among which are people who are loved by literally the entire world. Also, your behavior is shameful and unbecoming of a council member." I say, angering him, but the other council members prevent further misbehavior.

"Now, as I was saying. I hope you'll realize that the measures I've listed should be more than enough to contain bloodbenders, while offering them a more noble path to prosperity. There are good and evil benders of every element. I suggest we invite the good bloodbenders into the light, where they can show us that they're not all evil. Thank you, for your time." I say, before walking off stage.

"The council will now adjourn to discuss our decision with our advisors." Sokka says, before everyone exits.

I mentally evaluate my chances of victory. Sokka has the southern vote, most likely against me. That idiot Earth Kingdom representative hates the Fire Nation, obviously against me. Air Acolyte, an Aang fanboy who'll obviously
support him. So a loss. Unless I convince one of them to side with me, which is unlikely. I could incite a national vote, thereby neutralizing the biased council.

"You look like your scheming Zuko." Aang says, in concern.

"I'm mentally evaluating my chances of victory, and not liking the odds. The Earth Kingdom representative obviously despises my nation and me. Katara's brother has one vote, most likely in support of Katara. The Air Acolyte will
support you. I knew the odds were slim, but wow." I say, verbalizing my concerns. "I think we should call a national vote, let every person register their opinion. Which ever is the most commonly held opinion wins, while far
from perfect it gives every citizen a say in the matter." I say, persuading Aang, but not the others.

"It sounds like your trying to control the result to me." Toph says, bluntly.

"I suppose I am, though with good intent. I'm saying voting is biased and the best way to resolve things fairly is by delegating the voting to the people who's opinions actually matter, the people."

"No. I think this is for the best." Katara says, when Aang looks like he's about to disagree, Katara whispers to him and he stops. Toph remains silent, but gives them a look of disapproval. I heard what Katara said too.

"I'm disappointed Katara, but, I see old self-righteous habits die hard." I say, offending her. "You'll do anything to enforce your own beliefs, even manipulate your husband with promises of what he wants most; an airbender child." I turn to Toph. "I care and they care enough to remain friends, even after a disagreement." I simply give Aang a disappointed look, before I find a seat somewhere else.

Sokka and the rest of the council return moments later.

"The council will now deliver their votes. For a vote in favor of legalization, raise your hand." Sokka says.

The representatives for the Northern Water Tribe, and Fire Nation raise their hands.

"Those in favor of outlawing the practice of bloodbending?" Sokka asks.

The representatives for the Earth Kingdom, Air Nation, and Southern Water Tribe raise their hands.

"This meeting is adjourned, bloodbending is hereby illegal to practice." Sokka says. I exit City Hall in a bad mood.

As I'm getting in my carriage, I'm distracted by Toph.

"Your right, Katara went to far. I'm planning on leaving the police force in protest and travelling. It's time to make my art more well known." Toph says, seemingly trying to get it all out before I leave.

"You know, I still consider you a friend. I just no longer consider Katara and Aang one." I say, with a smile and get into my carriage.

"Bye Toph." The carriage begins moving.

"Bye Sparky." Toph yells as the carriage moves down the road.

End Flashback

"In the end our friendship was destroyed. I even refused to train the next Avatar when Aang died. I essentially refused
to even associate with her ever again." I say, to uncle's interest.

"What about your disdain for the Kyoshi Warriors?" Uncle inquires.

"They acted as bodyguards for me post war and were informing the Earth King of my actions. Thankfully they didn't have much information to give, but still that is a major though understandable betrayal." I say, angrily. I'm not happy that they showed loyalty to a failed king over me; even if he was their ruler. Uncle doesn't seem to realize I've omitted some information.

"Ah. Well, I'm going to go retire for the night. I suggest you do the same. I'll be sure to give orders to the crew, omitting the plans to go to Kyoshi Island." Uncle says, walking to the door.

"Good night, uncle." I say, as he exits the door, eager to go to sleep.

I prepare for bed too, getting in bed ten minutes later and instantly falling to sleep.