Chapter 4: Anger and Apprehension

Aang stood in the middle of the village square, gazing around at the broken and splintered buildings the spirit had destroyed. The sight was depressing and he could only hope he'd be able to reach the angry spirit. Behind him, inside the Great House, Sokka and Baojia waited with the rest of the village. The spirit Hei Bai always appeared after sundown and the sun was sinking past the western horizon with a red glow.

The airbender shifted restlessly as the sun finally disappeared beneath the horizon with a last brilliant flare of color. They only had to wait a few heartbeats more before the air reverberated with an anguished roar. Hei Bai appeared in a burst of plasmatic light, churning up clouds of dirt and leaves. The spirit's hulking figure towered over Aang, its energy pressing angrily down on the young boy.

Aang stepped in front of Hei Bai, reaching up and placing his hand on the spirit's head. Hei Bai paused and the airbender held his breath as he was closely examined. When the spirit remained still and didn't attack further, Aang took a deep breath, saying, "I know you're upset. Your forest was a beautiful place and it was destroyed. It upset me too, but look."

Aang shifted, holding out the seedling Baojia had given him in the razed swarth of land. Hei Bai's attention shifted to it and Aang smiled. "It'll come back. It's trying. It'll take many years before it's back to what it was, but it'll be just as beautiful. The villagers would like to help."

He held his breath as the black and white spirit seemed to consider the seedling. The minutes passed slowly and Aang felt his nervousness grow, but gradually the spirit seemed to shrink and the grotesque appendages disappeared. In its place stood a panda. Aang smiled and the panda bobbed its head and turned to amble into the trees. As the spirit faded from the world, a crowd of villagers stumbled out of the darkened forest, rubbing their eyes and blinking in confusion.

Shouts erupted from the Great House and a door slammed open. Several people rushed past Aang and threw themselves tearfully into the arms of the confused villagers that emerged from the forest. A touch on his shoulder made Aang look up. Huang smiled down at him. "Thank you. Hei Bai has returned those that were lost to us. That was something we did not expect."

"Huang!"

The headman turned in surprise. A woman pulled away from the returned villagers and ran to him, her arms out stretched and reaching for him. Huang stepped toward her, opening his arms with a choked laugh. She leapt into his arms and he hugged her close, burying his face in her hair. Aang watched with a feeling of bemusement.

"Headman Huang's wife was among the first to be taken," Baojia said, coming to a stop by his side and Aang looked up at him.

"I didn't know the headman was married."

The old man smiled, head tilting to gaze at the joyful expressions on the faces of every villager as they greeted those they'd thought lost. Tears shimmered in his eyes and he spoke softly, "It happened back when Hei Bai first appeared, she was taken shortly after they married. It's been hard on him. To lose your wife so soon…"

Baojia trailed off, shaking his head sadly. Sokka clapped the airbender on the shoulder, jarring him. "Good job. Now we just have to find the Fire Temple so you can spirit talk with Roku."

"Fire Temple?" Baojia asked, turning to look at them in surprise. "What reason do you have to go there? The Fire Sages won't look favorably on your presence, Avatar Aang."

Sokka looked worried, which did nothing to encourage Aang. "But the Sages are supposed to help the Avatar."

Baojia's expression saddened. "Much has changed since the war started, young Avatar. I'm afraid the Sages' loyalty may not be what it once was. I would encourage you to approach them with great caution."

"Nevertheless," Sokka broke in, "we need to go to the Fire Temple."

Huang approached the group with a broad smile, his hand clasped firmly around a woman's. "Thank you, Avatar," he intoned, bowing formally. "If only there were a way to repay you for what you've done."

Aang shrugged, smiling with embarrassment. "I don't—"

Sokka elbowed him sharply in the side, speaking over him, "You could give us some supplies…and money." Sokka caught Aang's frown of disapproval and shrugged. "What? We need stuff."

Aang sighed, shaking his head. "That won't be necessary, Headman Huang."

"It would be an honor to help you prepare for your journey," Huang insisted. "We will have the things you need prepared and ready for you tomorrow before you leave. Tonight we will celebrate!"

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

"It's a long journey to the Crescent Island. Good luck."

Sokka gazed blearily at the fog shrouded village. The sun was barely above the horizon. He couldn't believe he was willingly awake. Stretching exhausted muscles, Sokka turned to make a comment about missing recognizable food only remember that Katara wasn't there. His stomach twisted and he wished he hadn't eaten so much for breakfast. Momo landed on his shoulder, chattering nonsense, and Sokka reached up to run a hand over the lemur's head. Momo pushed his head into Sokka's hand, eyes slitting in pleasure.

"Thank you for your help," Aang said with a bow farewell before he leapt to his spot behind Appa's head with a gust of air.

Sokka took a step to pull himself into the saddle when Huang touched his shoulder. Solemn brown eyes regarded him for a moment. "You will grow stronger, Sokka. Your sister will need you again so you must be ready, until then, it's your job to help the Avatar. He will need all the allies he can gather before this war is ended."

Sokka firmed his jaw and nodded. Huang stepped away and Sokka hauled himself into the saddle. The villagers had gathered to wave goodbye and Huang lifted a hand. "Our hopes and prayers go with you."

With a last nod, Aang took the reins and gave them a light snap. "Yip, yip!"

Sokka braced himself as Appa's muscles bunched before the sky bison sprang into the air. Aang let out a shout of joy as the wind rushed past them. Once Appa leveled out and was heading in the right direction, Aang turned to the saddle and folded his arms across the pommel. Momo scurried across the saddle and perched next to Aang's elbow. The airbender grinned slightly and scratched the lemur behind its large ears. Momo leaned into the touch before he bound over Aang's shoulder with a chatter and sat on Appa's head.

Aang's expression fell and gray eyes turned to Sokka, determined. "I'm going to learn all the other elements. I'm going to make her proud. I'm going to end this war."

Sokka nodded and pushed himself to the front of the saddle, holding out his hand. Aang reached for it and Sokka took his arm in a warrior's embrace, swearing, "I will help you as best I can."

A watery smile came to Aang's lips and Sokka looked away toward the horizon, releasing the airbender's arm. Maybe, after the war was over, they could find Katara again. As much as he wanted to go after her now, there were other people who needed rescuing just as much. Sokka swallowed thickly. As much as he spouted words about women's work, his sister was tough. He had to believe she could protect herself. She would want him to help Aang.

"We'll find her," Aang said softly, breaking through his thoughts. When Sokka shifted, Aang smiled weakly at him. "We'll save her if she hasn't saved herself yet."

He nodded. He would believe that and it would get him through the days to come.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

Zuko stared at the plain metal ceiling of his cabin aboard his ship. There was nothing. They'd asked all up and down the coast, at every harbor and town they came across, and no one had seen a giant flying monster. No one even believed there was an Avatar anymore and there was even greater doubt that that Avatar was an airbender. It was like the Avatar had just vanished from the Prison Rig. Someone had to have seen the beast. How could you miss a giant, flying monster in the sky? Zuko scowled. They were probably all lying, honor-less barbarians that they were. He ignored the stab of guilt the thought produced and pushed himself to his feet to pace the small space in his cabin. There had to be some way to find the Avatar.

"Prince Zuko, are you still angry about the Earth Kingdom soldiers?"

Zuko paused his restless steps, turning to glare at his uncle. "I'm not angry about that! There's been no sign of the Avatar for days. The longer it takes to find his trail, the more likely it is that we lose him!"

Iroh nodded wisely, tucking his hands out of sight. "Yes, he is as elusive as he's ever been. You need to relax some, Prince Zuko. All this tension cannot be good for you."

Zuko's scowl darkened and he pushed past his uncle and into the ship's corridor. "I need to practice my bending."

"Good. Good," Iroh agreed easily, rising to follow him. "We will try to move past the basics this time."

"I don't need to review the basics!" Zuko shouted back indignantly. He needed more advanced bending. It wasn't fair that his sister had mastered the basics before he'd been banished. Zuko's hands fisted and it took everything in him not to stomp across the deck. She had probably already mastered firebending and he was still working on the basics! It wasn't fair at all!

Iroh appeared on deck at a much more relaxed pace, smiling genially at the crew that paused to watch the angry young man. Several of the sailors returned to their tasks without word, hurrying to leave the area as quickly as possible. Iroh lifted a hand in greeting to a small group. "Good afternoon, gentlemen, would any of you be available to assist my nephew with his firebending?"

They exchanged looks, an unspoken argument passing between them, until one of them nudged his neighbor. He was the youngest of the group and he stepped forward, stifling a resigned sigh. "It would be an honor, General Iroh."

"Thank you, Hyo," Iroh said brightly.

Zuko's eyes narrowed at their approach, Iroh oblivious to Hyo's reluctance and Zuko's disgruntlement. Iroh took up a place on the side while the two younger benders took positions opposite each other. The young sailor gazed blandly back at the banished prince, occasionally casting glares back at his fellow sailors who had retreated a safe distance but still lingered to watch. Iroh cleared his throat, looking pointedly at Zuko. "This is practice. Please don't try to kill each other."

Hyo nodded. "Yes, General."

Zuko nodded silently, expression dark, and readied himself for the warmup movements.

The bending practice was not improving Zuko's mood. The fourth time Zuko had his feet taken out from under him by Hyo, his temper snapped. He managed to fire-blast the surprised sailor off his feet before Iroh interfered. "That is enough, Prince Zuko." He turned to Hyo who was stumbling to his feet and grimacing while favoring his left arm. "Thank you for your assistance. I'm sure you have other tasks that need to be completed. And you should probably see the physician."

Hyo bowed and quickly left the deck. Zuko stood silent, his eyes fixed over his uncle's right shoulder. The flexing of his hands was the only indication of his inner turmoil. He could already hear the ringing reprimand. It was worse than any disappointed looks he'd ever received from his father. Not that Uncle Iroh yelled. That almost made it worse. Heat burned the back of his neck and he was grateful for the high collar of his tunics and waistcoats.

Iroh watched his nephew for a few minutes, taking in the stiff posture and twist of the boy's lips. Iroh stroked his beard and sighed. "Zuko, you cannot keep this anger bottled up inside of you. Uncontrolled rage leads to destruction. The path you are on will destroy you."

His eyes burned and he blinked. It was the sun that hurt his eyes and made them sting, he told himself. Zuko turned his face away, swallowing thickly. "I'm sorry, Uncle."

They stood quietly for several moments until Iroh shook his head, musing, "Perhaps it's all this open sea. We should dock and see what the local villages have to offer. This close to the solstice there must be festivals!"

Zuko bit back his immediate reaction to groan at his uncle's suggestion. Festivals meant that Uncle would want to see the shops or visit the tea houses. Zuko hated the tea houses where the girls simpered and giggled behind veils and fans. Iroh took his silence for assent and turned. "I will inform Captain Jee to make for port. And Zuko," he paused, turning to look back at his nephew with a grim expression, "don't allow your temper to lead you into dishonorable actions."

Heat rushed to his cheeks. "Yes, Uncle."

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

Late that afternoon, Zuko stared out at the port village in which they'd made berth. Like most of the coastal Earth Kingdom villages, this one was just as run down and dreary as countless others he'd seen. And just as muddy and stinking of fish. The obvious Fire Nation ship drew attention from the dockhands and Zuko's teeth clenched when they looked away with obvious fear. He would never get used to the apprehension that greeted him every time he docked. It set his teeth on edge. He pulled his gaze away from the people and focused on the port town. The paint was peeling on most of the buildings and the dock was splintering; the only sign of cheer were the colored paper lanterns that lined the streets and the jaunty sound of a stringed instrument of some kind coming from a nearby tavern. Iroh stepped next to him, grinning with excitement. "It's good thing we're stopping. I've lost my lotus tile!"

Zuko scowled, jerking is gaze from the port. "You want to look for a stupid lotus tile?"

Iroh raised an eyebrow at him, though the words he spoke were seemingly unperturbed, "See, you, like most people, underestimate it's value. It is essential for the unusual strategy that I employ. And my set is incomplete without it so I must acquire a new tile."

Zuko groaned, rubbing a hand down his face. "Is that the reason you wanted to make port?"

The gangplank dropped down to the dock with a bang and Iroh started down the ramp. "Nonsense, Prince Zuko. We are here to enjoy the cultural festivities as well. It would be a complete waste to spend all your time outside the Fire Nation looking at the ocean. You must see there is a great deal the world can offer you and there is joy to be found in new experiences. You might find that your destiny is not what you think it is."

Zuko trailed after his uncle with a groan. The marketplace was a bustling hive of activity and Iroh's eyes lit up with delight and he seized Zuko's arm, dragging him over to a stall. The merchant suddenly looked nervous. He hovered behind his wares, warily watching them with eyes the color of mud. Iroh gazed raptly at the merchandise, poking one of the object closest to him. "What are you selling?"

The merchant swallowed thickly, darting anxious glances around the street. "Pinwheels, sir. And paper lanterns."

"Fascinating," Iroh announced over Zuko's scoff. The merchant looked like he couldn't decide whether he should be terrified or insulted over the younger man's disrespect. Iroh leveled his nephew with a disapproving look and Zuko pretended not to see it. The retired general turned a cheerful smile back to the merchant. "They are beautiful. Thank you for letting us look."

Iroh moved away from the stall and farther into the market, Zuko trailing morosely behind him. The crowd parted uneasily before them, though the older firebender didn't seem to notice. "You will catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, nephew."

"I don't want to catch flies," Zuko grumbled.

Iroh's head turned to gently reprimand his nephew when Zuko saw something on the other side of the pier catch the man's eye. Zuko nearly groaned. Without a word, Iroh changed course. Any hope Zuko had of quietly slipping away was dashed when his uncle's strong grip closed around his wrist. Left with no choice, Zuko followed his uncle until they stopped in front of a stall that was tucked away at the very edge of the bazaar. The sour-faced merchant appeared as surprised at their sudden interest in his wares as Iroh seemed enthusiastic to find such merchandise. The merchant's lips parted in surprise when Iroh reached out and hefted an instrument from the table. "Look at this, nephew!"

Dread rushed through him as he stared at the instrument. His throat suddenly felt dry and he wet his lips. "A tsungi horn?"

"Oh, yes," Iroh said proudly, unaware of the distress his nephew was currently feeling. "After our last one was…mysteriously lost at sea all those months ago, I've been meaning to get a new one. Music night just isn't the same without it."

Zuko pointedly looked away, mumbling, "I don't like music night."

"But the men love it," Iroh countered and passed a handful of coins to the delighted merchant despite Zuko's sputtering. "Music is good for the soul. You did quite well on the tsungi horn and continual practice makes perfect."

The merchant's brown eyes widened when he turned to look at the younger man. Zuko's stomach squirmed with embarrassment. Iroh held the horn out for Zuko and he snapped his arms across his chest defensively, snapping hotly, "I'm not playing the tsungi horn!"

Iroh looked at him pityingly and even the merchant seemed disappointed in him. With a sad shake of his head, Iroh said, "That's such a shame, Prince Zuko. They say that the man who can play the tsungi horn well is the most accomplished of lovers."

To Zuko's mortification, the merchant nodded knowingly in agreement. "Uncle!" he yelped, his face flushing a brilliant red.

The retired general blinked innocently at his nephew. "A woman appreciates a man with many talents. Music is an excellent way to woo a young woman." Iroh brightened suddenly as an idea occurred to him. "Verse is also an excellent tool. I will add it to your lessons. You could use some eloquence and diction in your voice."

Zuko groaned, turning on his heel and marching away. Iroh chortled and let him go, speaking to the merchant, "Do you have any woodwinds?"

He didn't hear the merchant's reply and didn't really care what the response was. Zuko stalked down the pier, grumbling under his breath when a man standing at the bottom of a ramp suddenly called out, "Earth Nation! Fire Nation! Water Nation! So long as bargains are your inclination, you're welcome here! Don't be shy, stop on by!"

Zuko's steps slowed. The man was thin and bent, his hair hang in dark, greasy strings about his weathered face. Green eyes glinted at him beneath heavy brows and his smile revealed craggy yellowed teeth. Zuko cringed when the man shuffled closer, looping a wiry arm over his shoulders and tugging him toward the ramp.

"We have many things that would interest a young man," the man wheedled. "Exotic prints of far off places, women of all nationalities, weapons, whatever you desire we can acquire."

Zuko was unable to resist the surprisingly tenacious arm across his shoulder and his bewildered protests were ignored. He was propelled up the ramp and into the cargo hold with surprisingly little effort on the part of the man. The greasy-haired man pushed him to one corner of the hold, pointing a dirty, crooked finger. "We've got the finest gems, my lad. Perhaps something for your lass? Or perhaps your lad? "

The firebender finally managed to pull free and he jerked his clothing back into place, patting his pockets to make sure he still had everything, and squared his shoulders, "I don't know who you are—"

"We be enterprising merchants, lad," a voice boomed from behind him. "And I be Captain of this fine vessel."

He spun to face the voice, craning his neck to look up at the towering hulk of a man. Sharp eyes swept over him, but Zuko kept his ground, glaring. The man was barrel-chested, had dark hair and a squinting expression. The iguana parrot on his shoulder wasn't any less intimidating. Zuko glanced around the cargo hold, sneering, "It all looks like junk. Did you raid a garbage heap? Your jewels are probably paste."

The captain's expression hardened and his hand fell to the hilt of the sword at his side. Zuko tensed, suddenly realizing that rest of the enterprising merchants had lost their friendly smiles and were now fingering their weapons.

"Oh," Iroh suddenly exclaimed, breaking the tension, "this place looks promising!"

They turned. The former Fire Nation general strolled up the gangway, eyes wide as he gazed around at the knickknacks lining the cargo. Suddenly, Iroh stopped, his eyes growing even larger with delight. He moved unerringly to a display shelf, reaching out to pick up a large golden statue of a monkey, its eyes large rubies. "Oh, isn't that is handsome! Wouldn't it look magnificent in the galley?"

The mens' friendly expressions returned, smiles smarmy. A few greedily rubbed their hands together. Zuko stormed across the cargo hold, snatching the monkey statue from his uncle's hands. Iroh immediately protested, but Zuko ignored him, sneering at the statue. "This is complete junk! It's not even real gold. I bet even the eyes are glass."

Zuko tossed it away, uncaring that it crashed into the shelving and knocked down an entire set of porcelain dishes. The dishes shattered to pieces against the floor of the cargo hold. The men protested. The captain stepped forward, seizing Zuko's shoulder and roughly hauling him around. "You be breaking my things, boy. You ain't leavin' till it's paid for or its yer neck in chains."

Zuko jerked angrily away, batting at the grasping hand and snarling, "It's all junk anyway. You and your entire crew are blind to true wealth!"

The captain drew his cutlass. "You be dancing on me last nerve, boy, and I stand betwixt you and yon door."

Zuko scoffed. "You and your crew are the sorriest looking pirates I could even imagine."

"Prince Zuko," Uncle Iroh chastised, "that is no way to speak to these nice voyagers."

He was ignored.

"Yer a fool, boy," the captain sneered. "There be eight of me and only two of you. Yer out of yer league."

Zuko knew he was making things even worse, but weeks of frustration had taken their toll and now he was looking for a fight. "You couldn't tell real gold from fool's gold even if you had both eyes. No wonder this tub looks ready to fall apart in one good gale. And that sword looks like a rusted kitchen knife."

AN: I'm attempting to reach a point where I can truly deviate from the show... almost there. I tried this upload a day or so ago... crazy thing updated, but didn't... It's difficult to explain so I've uploaded again.