(A/N) Hey Guys, Nexus here! So I was reading through my reviews and I realized- I ONLY HAVE FOUR OF THEM! Granted, that's three more than the last time I checked on them, but still! I have become an ADDICT for people judging my story and now crave it along with Ty Lee (although not on the same level ;p). So, if you liked what I have written so far, please review or PM me what you think. That really gets my creative juices flowing and helps me squeeze out chapters faster, so you help me and I will do my best to reciprocate :) Anywho, on with the story!
Disclaimer: I regrettably do not own any characters, places or situations canon to Avatar: The Last Airbender. HOWEVER, I reserve the right to let my imagination play with them:)
From The Ashes
Chapter 2: A Visit From the Fire Lord
"Okay, men, when I say three, lift! One, two, three!" The men of the Southern Water Tribe strained against the heavy mammoth-shark tusk, their muscle popping as they did their best to heave the dense white pole on top of two blue-white columns of ice. The leader, a man named Hakoda, seemed to push hardest, giving his all for the men that he led. With a great heave, the deed was done; the giant piece of ivory topped the doorway into the newly-built Southern Water Palace. The men cheered loudly and clapped each other on the back, reveling in their small victory. Hakoda grinned at his men, meeting each of their proud stares. "Okay, men, we did a good job here. You have all earned a short break. Meet back here in an hour and we will get started on the next building!" The men didn't grumble at the promise of more work; instead they bolted off to do whatever they wanted to do during their brief respite. He saw men duck into huts and lodges constructed of ice and compacted snow, probably to beg their wives and mothers for something to eat, while others talked amongst themselves and flirted with passing women. Looking around, Hakoda even saw a couple disappear behind a snowdrift, one dressed in green ceremonial armor while the other wore a loose blue tunic. Rolling his eyes, Hakoda beckoned over one of his men, a man named Endu, and signaled to tip the drift over. With a grin on his face, Endu complied and was rewarded with the yelps of the couple as the freezing snow came into contact with bare skin. Hakoda laughed, a big broad sound straight from his belly and called over to the flailing figures.
"Ok there, Sokka? Thought you and your lady friend might need some cooling down," he chortled as the disgruntled young man shook the snow out of his hair. "Oh, ha ha, Dad. Very funny," grumbled Sokka, his teeth clacking together. Looking to the Kyoshi warrior next to him, he asked in a tender sappy voice, "You ok, Suki-wooky?"
Laughing as she wiped the snow off of her face, Suki gave her boyfriend a gentle shove back into the snow. "Don't call me that, Sokka, you only talk like that to your boomerang. Anyway, we kind of deserved it. Behind a snowdrift isn't really the best place for spending time together, anyway. What we need-" -she sent a glare in Hakoda's direction- "-is our own hut."
At this an ancient-looking old woman limped over to the couple, a disapproving look on her face but a twinkle in her eye,"And what, allow you two to dishonor this tribe even more than you already are? Great Spirits, boy, you aren't even engaged!"
Sokka turned an interesting shade of maroon. "Gran-gran! I asked Suki to marry me weeks ago, it isn't my fault that her village won't recognize the engagement! Besides, I-" he puffed out his chest "am a grown man now, a hero of the 100 Year War! I have statues and poems glorifying my great deeds all over the world, and my own tribe won't let me build a stinking ice hut!"
Suki doubled over in laughter. "Really, Sokka?" She snorted. "Statues all over the world? Last I checked there was only that sculpture of you getting the crap kicked out of you by Ty Lee in Ba Sing Se." Sokka deflated. "You said you wouldn't tell anybody about that," he grumbled as his father and grandmother roared with mirth. Calming down, Hakoda spoke to his son. "Relax, boy, you will get your hut soon. We just have to figure out your marital troubles first." Chuckling to himself, he continued, "I remember when Kya and I- eaurgh!" Hakoda was cut off by a large bird alighting on his shoulder.
"Hawky!" cried Sokka, rushing toward his pet and immediately forgetting his grumpiness. "Where have you been, buddy? I sent you to Zuko ages ago!" Hawky let out a loud screech, causing Hakoda to wince. "Uh, son, do you know this chicken?" Both Hawky and Sokka immediately turned and glared at him. "Dad," Sokka said through clenched teeth, "Hawky is not a chicken. He is, as his name implies, a HAWK, and a pretty darn good one!" The proud-looking bird of prey uttered a low caw, seemingly affirming Sokka's claim. Taking Hawky from his father's shoulder, he continued. "Hawky brought a letter to Zuko for me asking for some more messenger hawks so we could reaffirm contacts with the outside world." No sooner had the words left Sokka's mouth than a flock of hawks began landing on Hakoda's head and shoulders, causing the older chief to lose his balance and fall to the ground in a bundle of cursing and feathers. Oblivious to his father's problem, Sokka noticed instead a scroll attached to his pet's leg. "Hey, it looks like Zuko sent me a letter!" he said, unattaching a scroll from Hawky's outstretched leg. Turning to his girlfriend, Sokka asked, "Hey Suki, you wanna take a look at- this?" he trailed off, noticing his girlfriend holding her stomach in laughter as she stood next to an equally amused Gran-Gran, watching Hakoda be mobbed by messenger hawks. "Sorry Dad!" Sokka called sheepishly. "They probably smell seal jerky!"
"Damn birds!" came a muffled voice from Hakoda, hiding his head in his jerkin. "Will the Fire Nation never leave me alone?!"
Laughing to himself, Sokka turned back to his scroll and unrolled it, his focused blue eyes narrowing as they scanned the silk paper. A grin spread across his face. "I guess not, dad!" he shouted out, whooping for joy. "This humble Water Tribe village is going to be visited by the Fire Lord himself!"
Zuko leaned against the iron railing of the Imperial Escort Ship, watching the horizon move and change like the currents they were crossing. It had been years since he had last visited the South Pole, and he hadn't exactly left it on the best of terms. Inwardly cringing, Zuko remembered how he had destroyed half of the village. Hopefully the Water Tribe wouldn't hold a grudge.
"It would appear that you are thinking deep thoughts, my lord," a voice behind him rumbled. "Is there anything I can do to advise you, the great hero and ruler?"
Zuko turned, a look of annoyance spreading itself across his scarred face. "Uncle, I've already told you, I don't want you to act like I am better or wiser than you. Even if I am Fire Lord now, that's no reason to-" he broke, realizing that he was being teased. "Very humourous," he said in a monotone, a grin playing over his mouth. "I see you still amuse yourself with tormenting your poor nephew."
Iroh chuckled. "There is nothing wrong with poking a little fun at one another now and again. It keeps us human. Besides, how many times have you called me a stupid old man?" he grunted as he sat on the metal deck of the ship, holding a cup of steaming tea. Zuko looked as if he was going to say something, but bit it back and just grinned at his oldest companion. "I guess you have a point there. I was quite disrespectful to you. My most sincere apologies." He bowed his head, doing his best not to break his serious facade with a broad grin.
"Forgiven and forgiven again, Zuko. I hold no grudges." Iroh waved a careless hand, spraying sparks from his fingertips into the air like deviant fireflies. "How could you not be repentant of offending a distinguished old gentleman like me?" he said sagely as he brought his cup to his mouth. Iroh took a small sip, and almost immediately spit it out, his eyes bulging as he wiped at his tongue. "HOT, HOT, HOT!"
Zuko couldn't maintain his poker face at this and a laugh escaped from his lips like a bird from a cage. "You should have seen your face, Uncle!" he howled, clutching his stomach. "You looked like a moose-lion who got his tail stepped on!"
Iroh's eyes narrowed. "That was a cruel trick, Zuko. However, I am curious to know how you superheated my tea without an open flame," he said, a grudging smile upon his face.
Zuko wiped his eyes as he explained. "Aang taught me that flame is just the esscence of heat. So, I took some heat from the engine with firebending and put it in your tea without you even noticing. Pretty cool, huh?"
"Indeed, nephew, that was impressive," Iroh said, his brown eyes glinting, "But it will not be without retaliation! The Dragon of the West will have his petty vengeance!" The old portly firebender through back his head and laughed maniacally as Zuko sweatdropped. He opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by a deep bass rumbling.
"Southern Water Tribe village, dead ahead!" crowed the helmsman from his post as he once again sounded his horn. Zuko could barely keep the happiness from his voice: "Uncle, hold that thought," he said, his amber eyes glowing. "We have other priorities!"
(A/N) Ok, hopefully I managed to stay in character with the dialogue. Haven't really done much before, so it probably isn't the best; feel free to give me pointers if you want!
Anywho, I know that Zuko was slightly out of character; in the show he isn't really portrayed as happy, but I'd like to think that he would relax after the war ended. I also like the idea of a prank war between Iroh and Zuko; they are both devious and I think it could lead to some funny scenes. Anyway, to those who have reviewed so far, thank you so much! To those who haven't, shame on you! Lol, just kidding :) Seriously, though, I need reviews!
Nexus
R&R
