Avatar: The Last Airbender
The Rules of the Library
by Inmognito (madmogs)
There's an owl. It's not a cat-owl or a badger-owl or even an owl-deer. It's an owl, it's huge, and it's not pleased to see them."Humans. What are you doing in my library?"Zhao bows deeply to it. "Honoured spirit, I am a humble seeker of knowledge. I had heard of the wonders of your library and wished to see it for myself."What follows is the most nauseating combination of flattery and lies Zuko has heard for a long time. Not that Zuko has the right to accuse an honourable Fire Nation citizen of lying. And he should want the spirit to believe Zhao. Right?Right. Anyway. Something something knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Honoring the spirits that keep our sailors safe and bear us where we need to go."And your companion?" the owl asks. Wan Shi Tong, whose name literally means the guy who knows everything. And he can't hear what utter moosebullshit Zhao is spouting? Really?"Him?" Zhao says. He pats Zuko's shoulder, and Zuko grits his teeth. "He's my assistant. A bit simple, but he can follow orders. I'll ensure he doesn't trouble you."Or,Zuko goes to the library. He ends up staying for three years.