Chapter 1: Awaken
(Note: If you want this to make more sense see The Familiar of Zero Crossover Story or My profile for details)
Cue the Avatar Theme
Water
Earth
Fire
Air
Long ago the four nations lived together in harmony, then everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked.
Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, could stop them.
But when the world needed him most he vanished.
100 years have passed and the Fire Nation is nearing victory in the war.
Two years ago, my father and the men of my tribe journeyed to the Earth Kingdom to help fight against the Fire Nation, leaving me and my brother to look after our tribe.
Some people believe that the Avatar was never reborn into the Air Nomads, and that the cycle is broken. But I haven't lost hope. I still believe that somehow, the Avatar will return to save the world.
In the ice berg...
As he lays in an unconscious state a boy in an iceberg begins to wake from his slumber.
His eyes open to see a clear blue sky and an ice cold feeling.
He wakes up alone but begins to notice something in the distance.
A small metal ship with a flag symbolizing a flame.
As he tries to stand his body collapses since he lacks any strength to stand.
He can only watch as the ship begins to dock on to the iceberg that he finds himself on.
As something begins coming out of the ship his vision blurs until he slips back into unconsciousness.
Inside the ship...
He awakens to see himself restrained by chains apparently these people believe him to be an enemy. He looks around and see's the person in charge.
He looked like a teenager only slightly younger than him, with a scar on his eye.
"So, the Avatar finally comes out of hiding. I have finally found you, but you are much younger than I imagined. However it doesn't matter since now the Fire Nation has at last captured you ounce and for all.", he stated.
The captive finally awoken and addressed himself, "You must have me confused for someone else. I am not this, Avatar, I am Itsuki Uchiha!"
" Perhaps that was your name the monks gave you before you went into hiding but you don't have me fooled. I saw that beam of light and you were right in the middle of it! You are the Avatar!", he said.
Soon an old man entered the room interrupting the boy's anger, "Prince Zuko! Perhaps this young man is right. I do not believe him to be an air nomad let alone the Avatar. Look at how he's dressed.", he said.
Itsuki's clothing was all white and with a symbol of an iron fist at the chest. Looking further Itsuki was greatly injured and was very weak, couldn't escape if he wanted.
" Uncle this IS the Avatar! We found him right there where that beam came from. Nobody else could have been there except him!", Zuko interjected.
" Perhaps he can tell us how he wound up there. Nothing is as it seems Prince Zuko.", the Uncle stated.
" Fine, explain yourself!", Zuko demanded.
" My name is Itsuki Uchiha, I am part of The Order! It controls balance through the entire multi-verse. I was in a heated battle to protect that balance until I was flown into exile by...someone. I have no idea how I wound up here but you must let me go! I am not this, Avatar you keep referring.", he exclaimed.
The Uncle stroked his beard thinking that while it was a wild story he seemed to believe that he wasn't the Avatar, "I think I agree with him saying he isn't the Avatar Prince Zuko. This young man is far to aggressive...and rude to be him.", the Uncle said.
" Well where is he then! He couldn't have gotten far! We should go back and see if he's hiding-", Zuko was interrupted by his Uncle yet again.
" Prince Zuko! There is nothing we can do, the Avatar is long gone by now. Even if we went back we have no idea where to find him. I'm afraid your search has not landed you your desired results.", he said.
Itsuki then came up with an idea in order to bargain for his freedom. It seemed this teenager was desperate to find this Avatar and decided to earn his favor.
" Perhaps I could help you then?", Zuko looked at Itsuki with a hint of desperation though masked it with intimidation, "I need to find a way back to the Mobius strip, it seems you might have the resources to help me find a way back. I'll help you find the Avatar, in exchange you help me. Deal?", Itsuki bargained.
Zuko looked at him dead in the eyes and reluctantly held out the key to Itsuki's shackles. "I do this you'll help me capture him?", Zuko asked specifying the terms of the deal.
Itsuki noted his sense of understanding but wouldn't do anything to compromise the balance of the world, just yet. "I'll help you find him, but that is all. You seem like you can take him yourself, or do you doubt your own abilities?", Itsuki said mocking him.
" Fine! But if you don't find him, I'll lock you up here and hand you over to the Fire Nation authorities. Got it?!", Zuko said.
Itsuki agreed nodding his head and Zuko released Itsuki.
Hours later...
Itsuki starred out in to the night with Zuko scouting for the Avatar. Itsuki was wondering just exactly what kind of unique world he found himself in. It seemed so unfamiliar that he questioned if this world was even touched by The Order's presence.
It didn't matter though whatever the case may be, there is always a means to enter the Mobius Strip. But in a world unfamiliar to him and having no way of making contact with The Order, Itsuki had to survive on his own for now.
However the company of these people would prove beneficial for now. But he would need to learn more about this world and it's history before causing any further distortion to it.
Soon the Uncle came out to say something, "Yawwn, if I were you two I would take some time to rest. A man needs his rest. Even if my nephew is right and the Avatar has returned it is doubtful you will find him.", he said.
" You underestimate me. I am an expert at these sort of things, it's just a matter of where to begin. Where is the nearest settlement from here?", Itsuki asked Zuko.
" There's the southern Water Tribe, but they are just a small campsite. The Fire Nation wiped out all of the southern water benders years ago.", Zuko explained.
" Then that's where were headed. It's the most likely place for him to seek shelter, and If my instincts are correct he will come when we arrive.", Itsuki said.
" Very impressive strategy. Well I'm turning in, if your tired yourself I've taken the liberty of preparing a room for you. Mr. Uchiha was it?", Uncle asked.
" You can call me Itsuki, and your name is?", Itsuki asked in response.
" Iroh. Retired general of the Fire Nation thank you. I hope we get to be great friends during your stay here.", Iroh said cheerfully.
" I don't plan on my stay here being long, but I appreciate the generosity.", Itsuki thanked.
A few hours later...
Itsuki began to grow tired and his body seemed to feel the same feeling. "Zuko, when we reach the settlement wake me. I need to recuperate.", Itsuki said.
" Fine. I can keep watch all night if I have to.", Zuko said.
Itsuki then entered the vessel and tried to find his room. Since he never saw exactly where his quarters were he asked one of the crew where Iroh set it. After a couple direction questioning he managed to find it.
As he saw the the inside of it, it was a decent set up. A mattress, a Fire Nation flag and a few minor essentials. It was quite a kind gesture of Iroh to go the extra mile for a complete stranger.
Itsuki just hit the hay and slept. During which he experienced a terrible nightmare.
Flashes of his memory played before him, his life on fast forward. A second it was him with his brother, the next joining The Order and then a second of his greatest mistake. In the form of a monster.
He awoke gasping in fear, like he was under the frozen sea he sailed on for over ten minutes.
Morning...
As Itsuki rested he grew only more restless being away from his real home.
The fear of not being able to return made him feels uneasy to the bone.
Then as luck would have it something to focus his mind on finally took his attention. "Sir! Prince Zuko has located the Avatar!", said the guard.
Itsuki arose ready as ever to be sure that Zuko captured him in order to receive the help he requires. However going out in the cold with just his usual Order clothing proved unusual. Instead he said, "Guard prepare for me some of your armor. I need to be properly ready for this."
The guard escorted Itsuki to the armory and went to suit up for whatever was awaiting him.
A few guards outfitted Itsuki with real plated metal. It was mildly heavy yet still light enough to move quite well in, it wasn't his preferred type he would use but it would certainly not hinder his movements. Lastly the helmet, it was lighter than expected and the vision was barley hindered. Indeed he was prepared for the battle ahead.
To be continued...