FINALLY! After weeks of hard work, coupled with schoolwork, illness, social obligations and the dreaded holidays, I finished my 4th chapter ^o^ and boy is it a doosy. Taking note of the complaints from the last chapter, Ive spent extra time coming up with my own lyrics :) hope you all enjoy
Chapter 4: Just can't wait to be Fire Lord
Back at the palace, Ozai was walking through the garden till he came upon a large willow tree and sat beneath it. Taking out a book, he began to read when he heard loud obnoxious laughter. He looked to the right to see Sokka walking down the hallway while chatting with Zuko who looked very annoyed.
"Ooh, ooh, listen to this joke. What do you call an earth bender with an attitude problem?…stubborn as a rock!" Sokka then laughed loudly at his own joke while Zuko simply rolled his eyes. He then noticed his Uncle Ozai sitting outside in the garden reading a book and got an idea.
"Why don't you go ahead Sokka?" Zuko said. "I'm gonna go say hi to my uncle."
"Alright but be quick. I got more jokes I wanna try out." Sokka said eagerly before he continued down the hall.
Zuko let out a relived sigh and then proceeded toward the garden. Although Zuko didn't spend much time with his uncle, as Ozai was very reclusive, Zuko had a certain fondness for him and always enjoyed their conversations.
"Hi Uncle Ozai!" Zuko waved at him.
Ozai looked up from his book and sighed in annoyance. "Hello Zuko…"
"Uncle Ozai guess what?" Zuko said appearing in front of him.
Ozai kept his eyes glued to the book. "I despise guessing games."
"I'm going to be Fire Lord one day." Zuko said proudly.
"Oh goody…" Ozai said sarcastically.
"Yep. My dad showed me around the nation today. He said one day I'm going to rule it all!" Zuko explained excitedly sitting beside Ozai.
Ozai narrowed his eyes but kept an emotionless expression as he closed his book. "Yes…well forgive me for not leaping for joy. Bad back you know." He then got up and started walking back through the gardens. Zuko then followed beside him, ignoring Ozai's obvious desire to be alone.
"Hey Uncle Ozai, when I become Fire Lord, what will that make you?" Zuko asked.
"A HogMonkey's Uncle." Ozai replied sarcastically.
Zuko couldn't help but laugh. "You're so weird."
Ozai stopped and glared at Zuko who immediately stopped laughing and recoiled slightly in fear. But rather then intimidate the boy, Ozai decided to use the opportunity to his advantage and allowed a small smile to form on his face. "You have no idea…so, your father showed you around the kingdom did he?"
Zuko then relaxed a bit, believing he was started to grow on his uncle, and nodded. "Yep, everything around the palace and in the valley."
"I see. Did he take you to that one town that sits between the lake and the volcano?"
"Well, no..." Zuko said sounding a little disappointed. "Dad told me I shouldn't go there."
"And he's absolutely right of course, it's far too dangerous." Ozai said. "Only the bravest and most skilled fire benders go there."
Zuko then looked curiously at his uncle. "But I am brave. And a really good bender too. What exactly is over there?"
"I'm sorry Zuko but I simply can't tell you." Ozai said shaking his head.
"But why not?" Zuko asked.
"Zuko, my dear boy, try to understand. I'm only looking out for well being of my favorite nephew." he said patting the boys head.
"Yeah right, I'm your only nephew." Zuko said looking at him skeptically.
"All the more reason for me to protect you." Ozai said simply. "Besides, a pirate graveyard is way too dangerous for a young prince-Oops!" Ozai then quickly covered his mouth.
"A pirate graveyard!" Zuko asked, his curiosity peaked. "Really? Wow that sounds so cool!"
"Oh dear, I've said too much…" Ozaid said pretending to rub the side of his temple in shame. "Well I suppose you would've figured it out eventually. What with you being so clever and all."
"You really think so?" Zuko asked.
"Of course." Ozai said kneeling down to face him. "Just do me a favor Zuko would you? Promise me you will never venture out to that dreadful place?"
Zuko thought it over and nodded. "No problem." He then kept his fingers crossed behind his back.
"There's a good lad." Ozai said patting his shoulder. "Now you run along and have fun. I believe your water tribe friend is in the courtyard with your mother."
"Thanks!" Zuko said as he turned and ran toward the palace.
"Oh and Zuko," Ozai called out. "Try to keep this our little secret?"
"I will Uncle Ozai!" Zuko said giving a thumbs up as he ran inside.
An evil grin then formed Ozai face. He knew the young prince would not be able to resist visiting the graveyard, and with a town full of pirates and criminals, as well of a few of his own personal contacts, Zuko was sure to meet his end.
xXx
Out in the courtyard, Ursa and Hakoda were sitting by the water fountain watching Sokka and Katara spar with two wooden swords.
"I'm gonna get you this time Sokka!" Katara shouted as she took a swipe at him.
"In your dreams!" Sokka responded as blocked her attack.
"Sokka sure has gotten better at sword fighting." Ursa said as she watched Sokka parry Katara back toward the wall. "He's improved a lot from last year."
"Of course he has. He's been working with me after all, and one day he'll be a master swordsman just like all the other great chiefs of our tribe." Hakoda said confidently. "I just wish I could do the same for Katara…"
Unlike Sokka, Katara was a water bender and the only one in her tribe. But despite not having a teacher, Katara managed to hold her own in battle fairly well through her own self taught skills.
"Ha! Gotcha!" Sokka asked as he whacked Katara's sword away from her and pinned her to the wall. "Any last words?"
"Yes." Katara said as she looked over his shoulder. "Dad! Ursa! Move!"
"Move?" Hakoda asked.
Ursa stood up and quickly pulled Hakoda out of the way as Katara raised her arm high. Suddenly all the water in the fountain swirled around and rose high up into the air towards Sokka.
Hearing the rush of water, Sokka barely had time to turn as a large wave crash down upon at him. Katara casually stepped to the side as Sokka came crashing into the wall, soaked from head to toe. He let out a gargled groan and spit out a large amount of water.
"No fair!" Sokka said getting up, dripping wet. "We agreed on no bending!"
Katara shrugged. "Sorry. It was my reflexes."
"More like a cheap shot." Sokka grimaced wiping off his face.
"I'll show you a cheap shot!" She then raised her arms and summoned up a water whip. She attempted to use it, but hit the whip swirled frantically before hitting the wall.
"Missed." Sokka pointed out.
"Not this time." Katara then tried doing it again but the whip flew in the opposite direction, nailing her father right in the face.
"Oops! Sorry dad!" Katara called out, blushing in embarrassment as Sokka simply shook his head.
"It's alright Katara, I'm okay." Hakoda said tenderly rubbing his forehead. "Ow…"
"Seems to me Katara is doing just fine." Ursa chuckled as she handed him a towel. "Her bending may not be that of a masters, but she seems to be learning quickly."
"She is improving, that is true." Hakoda said wiping his face. "But I know she can do so much more. In fact, I was thinking about sending her to the Northern tribe next summer so she can train with other water benders."
"The North? Next summer?" Ursa asked, a note of concern in her voice. "Have you talked to Katara about this?"
"Not yet." Hakoda said wringing his shirt dry. "But I'm sure she'll go for the idea. I know she eager to improve her skills."
"What about Zuko?" Ursa asked. "You know she's one of his only friends and the whole reason he looks forward to the summer."
"It's only for a year or so. Just until she's able to continue training on her own." Hakoda said optimistically. "I'm sure Zuko can wait that long."
"Shut up and stand still!" Katara yelled as she tried once again to use the whip. However, she ended up whipping herself instead. "Ouch! Darn it!"
"Yeah well, while your working on that." Sokka said putting away his sword. "I'm gonna go dry off." He then grabbed a towel and walked off.
"Ugh! Why can't I get this?" Katara said in a frustrating tone.
"Relax sweetheart." Hakoda said walking towards her. "You're doing well, you just need to work on your aim a bit more."
"But dad I've been at this for weeks and I still cant make a basic water whip! I'm never gonna get this right…" Katara said disappointingly.
Hakoda looked sympathetically at his daughter. "Yes you will. You just need more training. In fact, I was thinking maybe-"
"Hey Katara!"
Katara then turned and smiled widely as she watched Zuko rush into the courtyard. "Zuko!"
"Why if it isn't Prince Zuko back from his world tour." Hakoda greeted warmly. "So good to see you again."
"It's great to see you too Chief Hakoda." Zuko said bowing respectively to him. "May I borrow Katara for a minute?"
"Sure thing." Hakoda then turned to Katara. "We'll talk more later."
Katara nodded and followed Zuko off to the side. "What is it Zuko?"
"I'm glad you're here. I just found out about this really cool place we just have to see. It's a bit far but if we leave now we can see it and be back before dark." he then grabbed her hand. "Come on lets go!"
"Zuko I can't." Katara said pulling back. "I need to practice my bending. You know how hard I've been training all year."
"But you got the whole summer to do that!" Zuko complained. "You need to see this place with me! It'll be fun!"
Katara looked uncertainly at Zuko as she began thinking it over. As much she wanted to practice her bending, the lure of adventure and fun was too good to pass up.
"Alright fine, I'll come." Katara nodded. "But it better not be any place dumb!"
"Trust me, it's really cool." Zuko said.
"So where is this really cool place?" Ursa asked as she appeared behind Zuko.
"Oh uh, uh…" Zuko stuttered nervously and thought quickly on the spot. "At the royal zoo!"
"The zoo?" Katara exclaimed. "That's where we're going? What's so great about the zoo?"
"I'll show you when we get there!" Zuko muttered through his teeth, looking intently at her.
"Oh…Oh! Gotcha." Katara said winking at him. "Hey dad, can I go to the zoo with Zuko?"
"Hmm, I don't see why not." Hakoda said. "What do you think Ursa?"
"Well…" Ursa began.
"Please?" they both begged, their eyes big with pleading.
Ursa smiled "It's alright with me-"
"Yes!" they high fived each other and started running off.
"-as long as Sokka goes with you." Ursa finished.
Zuko and Katara stopped in their tracks "What? No not Sokka!"
"You rang?" Sokka asked stepping between them.
"I want you to escort Zuko and Katara to the zoo." Ursa instructed. "You two will stay with Sokka and behave yourselves. Understood?"
"Yes…" They both grumbled.
"Can do your majesty!" Sokka said confidently, putting him arms around the two. "Looks like we're gonna have a full day of fun together huh guys?"
Zuko smacked his forehead and groaned as Katara merely shook her head in frustration.
xXx
A short while later, the palanquin dropped the three kids off at the entrance to the royal zoo which lay nestled between the mountains and valley. It was by far the largest zoo in the Fire Nation and featured the most exotic animals which were kept in wide open enclosures. But while the other visitors watched the animals with excitement, Zuko and Katara had other thought on their mind.
"Come on guys, step lively now. The sooner we see everything, the sooner we can leave." Sokka then got out his big gigantic map of zoo and began scanning over it. "Now I was thinking first we go see the platapusbears, followed by the tigerdillos and then- "
As Sokka read on, Katara lingered back with Zuko till they were out of ear shot.
"So where are we REALLY going?" Katara asked.
"A pirate graveyard." Zuko whispered.
"WOW!" Katara exclaimed.
"Shh! Sokka." Zuko whispered fiercely pointing at him.
"Oh right." Katara quieting herself. "So how do we ditch the loudmouth?"
"Knock him out with club and run?" Zuko asked hopefully.
"Zuko." Katara said, looking at him sternly.
"Well he's your brother. How do you propose we get rid of him?" Zuko asked.
Katara thought briefly "I know!"
As she began whispering her plan to him, they came upon the Sabertooth MooseLion enclosure.
"Now look at these magnificent beasts." Sokka said admirably. "You don't see creatures like this in the water tribe right Katara?" He then looked up but saw that Katara was no longer behind him. Instead she was off to side with Zuko whispering something in his ear. He then watched curiously as Zuko's face lit up and he quietly whispered something back to her, making the both of them laugh out loud.
Even though Sokka didn't exactly approve of Zuko hanging out with Katara, as he considered him a bad influence on her, he had to admit their close friendship was rather sweet. And for their families, it was even better.
"Well just look at you two…" Sokka said walking over to them. "Two little HummingDoves fluttering about together in the breeze. I gotta tell ya, our parents will defiantly be thrilled."
"What are you talking about?" Zuko asked.
"Well I'm no fan of the idea, but with you two being betrothed and all-"
"Be-what?" Zuko asked.
"You know, betrothed. Intended? Affianced?" Sokka said listing off more complicated words.
Zuko and Katara looked at each other in confusion before looking back at Sokka. "Meaning…?"
"Meaning, that one day you two are going to be married." Sokka explained.
"EWW!" Zuko and Katara shouted in disgust before looking at one other "YUCK!" both exclaimed quickly backing away from each other.
"Are you nuts? I can't marry her! She's my friend!" Zuko stated.
"Yeah! It's be way too weird!" Katara added.
"Well sorry to burst your bubble, but you two love birds have no choice. Our parent's and the sages have decided this a long time ago and there's no arguing with tradition." Sokka explained.
"We'll see about that." Zuko stated. "When I become Fire Lord, I'll make sure that's the first thing to go."
Sokka scoffed "Please, like the water and fire sages will let you break a thousand year old tradition."
"Then I'll just banish them next time I see them." Zuko said simply. "And then I'll travel to the water tribe and do the same to your sages."
Sokka laughed sarcastically "Nice try, but only the Fire Lord and Chief have the power to do that."
"Well he is the future Fire Lord." Katara stated.
"Yeah, which means they all have to do what I tell them." Zuko nodded.
"You wish!" Sokka said. "As future Chief, I'll make sure to pass a law that says you don't set foot in my country."
"No you won't." Zuko said shaking his head defiantly. "Cause then I'll make a law that says everyone everywhere has to do what I say or I'll have my soldiers pelt them with stink bombs."
"Let heck you will!" Sokka snapped back. "And if you ask me, if you're going to rule with that type of attitude, you're going to make one pretty pathetic Fire Lord!"
"Oh yeah? That's not the way I see it!" Zuko said as he jumped onto a rock so that he towered above Sokka. "I'm gonna be a mighty lord. So enemies watch out!"
"Well I've never seen a king of fire with such a wimpy shout." Sokka said crossing his arms as Katara climbed onto the rock with Zuko.
"The servants will cheer as I walk by. They'll bow and call me sire." Zuko then jumped onto the stone wall and began balancing on it. "I'll greet them graciously and with poise, while showing off my FIRE!" he then raised his fist high, unleashing a wave of fire around him.
"So far this ego trip has been an incredible bore." Sokka said pretending to yawn before realizing his sleeve was on fire.
"Oh, I can't wait to be Fire Lord!" Zuko then grabbed Katara's hand and together they jumped over the stone wall into the next animal exhibit.
As he hastily put out the fire on his sleeve, Sokka realized they had disappeared. Panicking, he looked quickly around before spotting them running through the GiraffeOstrich enclosure.
"AHH! Katara hold on! I'm coming!" Sokka then jumped over the wall and into the GiraffeOstrich enclosure. Seeing them run into the pond area, Sokka waded into the water and began looking among the tall grass and weeds.
"Katara! Zuko! Get out here right now before we all get in trouble!" Sokka said pulling back the reeds.
"No one saying 'Do this!' " Zuko said poking his head out of the reeds and prodding Sokka with a stick.
"Hey don't poke me!" Sokka shouted as he turned to grab him.
"No one saying 'Be there!' " Katara piped up as she used a bamboo stick to shoot rocks at Sokka.
"Knock it off!" Sokka said holding his cheek as he turned again to grab Katara.
"No one saying 'Stop that!' " Zuko said poking him again with the stick.
"You guys are so dead when I get a hold of you!" Sokka threatened.
"No one saying see here" They said together as they disappeared back behind the reeds.
"Now see here!" Sokka tried following after them but was thrown back into the water as Zuko and Katara suddenly emerged riding on the back of two GiraffeOstrich.
"Free to run around all day!" they chanted as they raced each other.
"Get back here you!" Sokka yelled.
"Free to do it all my way!" Zuko shouted, throwing his hands up as he rode free style.
Wanting to catch up, Sokka jumped onto another nearby GiraffeOstrich and followed after them. They had raced over the large hills and through a small thicket by the time Sokka finally caught up.
"I think it's time for you and I to have a little chat!" he yelled to them before a branch smacked him in the head, sending him falling backwards.
"Kings don't need advice from such a loudmouth pompous brat." Zuko said snidely.
"If this is where the monarchy is headed, count me out!" Sokka shouted as he got up. "Out of the palace, out of the Fire Nation! I wouldn't hang about- Ouch!" Sokka flinched as the OstrichGiraffe nipped him hard on the shoulder "This kid is totally completely out of his gourd!"
"Oh, I can't wait to be Fire Lord!" Zuko yelled out.
He then pulled his OstrichGiraffe toward the nearest gate and made it jump over into the next enclosure which contained a group of HogMonkeys. Katara then lead her OstrichGiraffe into the opposite enclosure with contained a herd of Zebralope. The animals immediately got riled up and a few managed to brake out of their enclosures. They instantly ran amok and soon reached the petting area. All the visitors immediately became frightened and began running around in a panic while the frantic zookeepers tried desperately to round up the animals. Amidst the chaos, the gate to the HippoCow cage was knocked open and the large HippoCow let out a loud moo before slowly trotting after the herd.
Sokka meanwhile managed to climb out of the enclosure and was horrified to see all the animals running about causing havoc. He spotted Zuko and Katara running playfully among the animals and tried following after them but immediately lost sight. The kids then stopped by the snack stand and grabbed all the fruit snacks before climbing onto the roof.
"Everybody look left!" Zuko yelled as he threw a bunch of bananas to the left, causing the HogMonkeys to chase after it as they jump over Sokka.
"Everybody look right!" Katara yelled as she tossed a bushel of strawberries to right, causing the Zebralope to chase after it and run over Sokka in the process .
"Everywhere you look I'm standing in the spotlight!" Zuko then tossed a banana down to Sokka.
"Not yet!" Sokka said as he got up just in time for the banana to hit him in the head. Instantly all HogMonkeys jumped on him again.
Let every bender go for broke and soar
Let's hear it in the zoo and all the hordes
Prince Zuko will be the greatest and more
"Oh I can't wait to be Fire Lord!" Zuko said as he climbed back on his OstrichGiraffe
"Oh he can't wait to be Fire Lord!" Katara repeated as she also climbed on her OstrichGiraffe.
"Oh I just can't wait!" Zuko snapped his reigns.
"Just can't wait!" Katara also snapped her reigns.
To be Fire Lord!
The OstrichGiraffes then reared back and ran past the frenzy of animals, past the zookeepers and straight out of the zoo.
Once the dust cleared, the animals dispersed and the zookeepers were finally able to get them back in their enclosures. All that was left was the HippoCow which was sitting firmly on top of Sokka's legs.
"Will you get off me already!" Sokka cried out from under the HippoCow. "Zuko? Katara? Anyone!" Sokka then heard a squawk and looked upward to see Hawky flying over head.
"Oh thank the spirits! Hawky go get help!" Sokka called up him. Instead Hawky flew down and landed on the HippoCow's back where it started pecking at bugs.
"Ugh you stupid bird!" Sokka yelled out. Just then he spotted a red and blue dots moving quickly in the distance and realized with horror that Zuko and Katara had escaped on the OstrichGirrafes. Not only that, but they were heading straight toward the volcano.
"Oh no..." Sokka said, a panic racing through him. As he tried again to wrench himself free, the HippoCow let out a content moo and promptly farted right next to Sokka's head. Sokka let out a horrible gasp and started gagging for air before collapsing face first onto the ground in what he hoped was mud.
xXxXx
Poor Sokka lol Next stop, the pirate graveyard! OoooOoooooOooohhhh!
