Sup peeps yo? Haha, welcome to another chapter of Fire and Water! :D Sorry, I'm in a really weird mood. So, I'm pretty much slacking in school AND my hours have been cut at work so I have EXTRA time to write in this story for all you beautiful people. Happy? I sure am.
P.S. I really have no idea how much time elapses in the avatar story, I'm sorry if it seems kind of weird. I'm doing the best I can to try and make it as realistic as possible!
I really don't have a song for this chapter, ha-ha sorry. :D
That night after we had finally returned to the ship I fell asleep right after reaching the room, too tired to think about anything else. My sleep wasn't by any means peaceful. I dreamt that night about the earth bender soldiers, taking me from the ship and crushing my hands in legs. When I awoke I was covered in a thin layer of sweat. I could tell by the sounds around me that the ship was moving fast. Wiping my forehead, I threw off my covers and changed my outfit, and left for the deck of the ship.
"Sailing into fire nation waters." I heard Iroh growl at Zuko. We're in fire nation waters? I asked myself in my head, suddenly feeling extremely uneasy. "Of all the foolish things you've done in your 16 years, Prince Zuko, this is the most foolish!" Iroh was angry, that much was evident.
"We're in fire nation waters?" I questioned, joining them up on the metal deck. Zuko's back was turned from Uncle and myself, his eyes fixed on a large scope he had at the bow of the ship.
"I have no choice, Uncle." He continued to look into the machine, not acknowledging my question.
"Have you completely forgotten that the Fire Lord banished you!" My stomach twisted uneasily at Uncle's words. Would we be arrested for coming into their territory? "What if you're caught?" Iroh's face looked extremely uneasy. I placed a hand on Iroh's shoulder to try to comfort the man.
"I'm chasing the Avatar; my father will understand why I'm returning home!" Zuko had finally turned and looked at us; his face was twisted with a mix of determination and fear. His eyes were narrowed and intense.
"You give him too much credit." I agreed with Iroh's words completely. Zuko had far too much faith in his father, who had burned and banished him. "My brother is not the understanding type." Without a word, Zuko turned around and continued looking into the large scope in front of him.
"Maybe he's right, Zuko." I had finally spoken. "You should listen to him."
"Stay out of this Sienna." Zuko barked, not bothering to turn around again to look at me. I growled, annoyed, but said nothing else. He adjusted the scope and stared in one spot for a few moments. "There they are! Helmsman, full steam ahead!" The ship jolted forward and we raced on faster, finally I could spot the bison in the sky above us. Katara and Sokka were on Aang's bison. I felt my stomach turn yet again. We continued on their tail for a few moments before we were close enough that Zuko rose up the catapult from below the ship's deck, intending to shoot the bison down. I had to say something now. One soldier was pouring what looked like black tar or something nasty like that on top of the large ball. I wrinkled my noise in disgust.
"Ah, really Prince Zuko, couldn't you shoot them down with something more fragrant?" Iroh took the words right out of my mouth.
"You can't shoot the bison down, my cousins are up there!" I reached out and grabbed Zuko's arm, forcing him to spin around and meet my eyes. "They're my family, you can't!" He met my gaze for just a moment and all at once, I forgot what I was talking to him about. The Prince's eyes were shimmering in the sunlight, reflecting in a way that made his eyes look like something I'd never seen before.
"I'm sorry." He whispered, before turning back around and snapping me out of my gaze. He made a fist and shot out fire, lighting the stinky sphere that sat on the catapult. "On my mark." He held up his hand, watching the bison for the perfect opportunity to strike. My breath caught in my throat as Zuko waved his hand down, shouting "Fire!" I knew there was nothing I could do. The bison along with the three on him, obviously seeing the fireball, got out of the way just in time.
My temper flared at I let out a sigh in relief, facing Zuko with eyes burning with anger. "How could you?" My voice sounded more like an animals' snarl. "They're my family!" Feeling a few unwanted tears form in my eyes and rush down my cheeks, I bushed them away hastily. Zuko, who had noticed the tears, turned away from me and started out at the open sea in front of us.
That's when I noticed it, a large line of fire nation navy ships floating in front of us. A gasp escaped my lips, my eyes widened visibly.
"A blockade!" Zuko's voice ran out as clear as day above the rushing water around us and the sound of the engine roaring and forcing us towards them. Most of us were frozen in place.
"Technically you're still in Earth Kingdom waters." Iroh stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Turn around now and they cannot arrest you." Zuko glared over at his Uncle
Zuko responded after a few moments. "He's not turning around."
"Please, Prince Zuko-"Iroh pleaded with him. "-if the Fire Nation captures you, there's nothing I can do! Do not follow the Avatar."
"Zuko" I murmured softly. "Please turn around." I could feel my blood pumping in my wrists. Knowing that if we were captured it would be very bad news for Zuko and myself, my head spun a little.
"I'm sorry." I barely heard him whisper with his head hung. Turning towards the helmsman, he pointed forward. "Run the blockade!" The engines on the ship speed up and lunged the entire vessel forward. I yelped, stumbling backwards and bumped into the lieutenant behind me. He caught me by the waist in order to keep me from falling. My head fell against his chest and I was secure on my feet. He kept his hands on my hips and I stood, stunned for a moment before I looked up to see Zuko staring at us.
Flushing, I pushed myself up and away from the lieutenant, crossing my arms over my chest. Zuko scowled before looking ahead. Fire balls fly into the air on to both sides of Zhao. Zuko, Iroh and I stood on the deck of the ship and watched the approaching barrage of fire balls. I felt my heart squeeze in fear as I saw fire balls headed our way. A soldier tries to keep his balance as the ship gets rocked by waves created by the fireballs hitting the water close to the ship. One fireball landed extremely close to the ship and generated a wave that broke across the deck. Another fireball hit the back part of the ship. Prince Zuko braced himself against the catapult. He turned towards the front of the ship as one of the engine master stumbles out.
"Prince Zuko, the engines are damaged! We need to stop and make repairs!" The engineer shouted at the stubborn fire bender.
Turning back towards the front of the ship Zuko ordered, "Do not stop this ship." I felt a tremor under my feet and smelled smoke in the air. How would we continue with a damaged ship?
As the ship got closer, the ships of the blockade moved towards each other in order to bar his way. I grew more frightened. We were going to get caught.
"We're on a collision course!" Iroh shouted at Zuko, trying to make the young, impulsive teen realize that we weren't going to get through. I grabbed Iroh's hand in an attempt to comfort him and myself.
"We can make it!" Zuko shouted at us, turning his head towards the front of the ship. The ships get closer and closer until I was sure that we were done for. I clutched Iroh's hand tighter as I watched Zhao's smirk from his ship. Then, without any warning at all, Zhao's ship stopped completely and we slid through easily.
Stunned, I turned around and dropped Iroh's hand, my mouth hanging open. I saw Zuko and Zhao staring at each other with such intensity that I'd never seen before.
As we clear away from the blockade, Iroh looks back to the fading ships in the distance, stroking his beard pensively. I myself am not sure what to think of Zhao's move.
"That was… odd." I muttered with my eyes still on the line of ships that is now getting fairly far away. "I wonder what that was about." I felt like I was talking to myself more than anyone else.
"Does it matter?" Zuko snapped. "We got through, just like I said." I bit the inside of my cheek, my eyes narrowing but said nothing.
We continued for about another half hour before Zuko finally finished inspecting the damage to the engine. "What's he up to, Uncle? Why didn't Commander Zhao arrest me?" He questioned, his hand clenching the bar on the side railing.
"Because he wants to follow you. He knows you'll lead him to the prize you're both after… the Avatar."
"If Zhao wants to follow our trail of smoke, then that's exactly what I'll let him do." He turned; his face was filled with determination. I was confused at what he meant as he sauntered away. Quickly, I ran after him into the ship.
"Zuko wait!" He turned and faced me, his eyes still blazing. "I'm coming with you."
A noise that sounded like a growl escaped his throat. "No, you're not." He turned to walk away again but I caught his arm and spun him around, reaching up on my tip toes and pressed my lips forcefully against his. He responded almost immediately, his lips blazing against mine. Reaching out and pressing his hand on my hips he ran his tongue on my lower lip, almost demanding entrance. I obliged, opening my mouth and allowing him in. He slithered his tongue in, pressing my body tightly against his. A moan escaped his lips as our tongues danced in each others' mouth. Then, abruptly, I pulled away breathlessly.
"I'm coming with you." I breathed, my face was probably flushed. He nodded, not saying anything. We walked together down the passage way, not touching and not uttering a word to each other. As we approached a small vessel on the back of the ship, I realized Zuko's plan. He ordered the hatch down and we boarded the smaller ship, preparing it to lower into the ocean.
"Uncle, keep heading north. Zhao will follow the smoke trail while I use it as a cover." Zuko ordered.
Iroh grunted, stroking his beard and shook his head disapprovingly. "Hmm…" He muttered quietly. The crew launched the smaller ship. We landed safely in the water and disappeared into the smoke.
"Do you think they'll be alright?" I questioned quietly as we pulled out of eye sight from our ship. All I could see was a pillar of black smoke rising into the sky.
"They'll be fine." Zuko never took his eyes off the horizon. Gently, I took his hand in mine and stared out in the late afternoon sky. Zuko flexed his fingers under my and then relaxed into my grip. I knew then that everything would be okay.
An hour later or so later we arrived at the temple. Zuko and I sunk our way in, avoiding diction from anyone because the whole place seemed deserted. I knew that of course wasn't true. Turning a wrong way, I ended up at the stair case opposite the one I was supposed to be at.
"Aang!" I heard Katara shout. "Now's your chance!"
"The Avatar's coming with me!" Zuko snarled, pushing the struggling Aang towards the opening in the floor that leads to Avatar Roku's secret tunnels. "Close the doors! Quickly!" I opened my mouth to speak but Zuko cut me off. "Don't start, Sienna." I closed my mouth again surprised. Aang looked over his shoulder at Sokka and Katara. As he and Zuko reached the opening, he made several swift moves and knocked Prince Zuko off balance. Aang kicked Zuko down the stairs and turns around quickly. As Zuko tumbled down the stairs with a grunt, Aang ran towards the doors of the sanctuary which were beginning to close.
"Go!" Katara shouted at Aang. Aang banked left and leapt into the air to avoid a fire blast, doing several turns in mid-air. Aang used the heads of two of the Fire Sages as stepping stones on his way, sailing through the doors just as they are closing. The doors shut and the locks grind closed, sealing the air bender inside. "He made it!" Katara shouted happily, saying exactly what I was thinking.
A blast of bright white light came from behind the sanctuary doors. Four of the Fire Sages and Prince Zuko assumed firebending poses. They shot five simultaneous fire blasts at the doors. This time, however, the lock mechanism does not respond.
"Why isn't it working? It's sealed shut!" I sniggered at how frustrated Zuko sounded.
"It must have been the light. Avatar Roku doesn't want us inside." One of the Sages considered. Zuko angrily turned to the one Sage who helped the Avatar.
"Why did you help the Avatar?" Zuko snarled in the man's face. I took a step closer to the pair, deciding to speak up as Zuko grabbed onto the front of the man's clothes.
"Zuko, don't!" I warned. He looked at me and dropped his grip from the old Sage, his face still showing signs of annoyance.
"Because it was once the Sages' duty. It is still our duty." I admired the man's dedication to what he believed in. Suddenly, from behind Zuko, a clapping noise echoed through the large room. Startled, everyone looked over and saw Zhao standing with some fire benders.
"What a moving and heartfelt performance. I'm certain the Fire Lord will understand when you explain why you betrayed him." He sneered with a teasing smirk.
One of the Fire Sages bowed to him. "Commander Zhao" Well at least he was respectful.
Zhao paid no attention to the Sage. "And Prince Zuko, it was a noble effort. But your little smoke screen didn't work. Two traitors, in one day, the Fire Lord will be pleased." Fire benders moved forward and grabbed onto Zuko, who immediately began to struggle.
"You're too late, Zhao." Zuko barked. "The Avatar's inside and the doors are sealed."
I didn't like the way Zhao smirked again. "No matter. Sooner or later, he has to come out." Within moments, Katara, Sokka and I were all grabbed by fire benders and tied to columns. Zuko and I stood shoulder to shoulder, chained up and unable to move. Katara and Sokka were tied to one across from us.
"When the Avatar comes out, I'll figure out a way to free us then I want you to run." Zuko ordered me. I scowled at the fire bender angrily, hating the fact that he was treating me like a child who couldn't care for themselves.
"Not until you're safe." I wasn't going to back down from this.
"Sienna" He sigh my name irritably. "Please just listen to me. I'll be in a better position to escape if I don't have to worry that you're in trouble." I considered this. "Please just listen to me."
"Fine" I grumbled, looking away from him and towards the door. I could almost see him smirk without even looking. "Don't be too please with yourself." I mumbled, rolling my eyes.
The light from the sanctuary began to continue to grow all of a sudden. All four of us turned our heads away to shield our eyes from the blinding light. Zhao and his men stood before the large doors in striking position in order to hit Aang right when the doors opened. Slowly, they began to move.
"Ready" Zhao called to his men, who focused all their attention on the large doors in front of them. The light faded as the doors began to fully open, two large glowing eyes are visible in the dark of the sanctuary and smoke continued to emanate.
"No! Aang!" Katara shouted, struggling against her chains. I felt a tug as Zuko began to wriggle also.
"Fire!" Zhao shouted. All of the fire benders unleashed an unbelievable amount of power at the doors, completely engulfing it in flames. In total, nine soldiers, including Zhao, were concentrating all their fire power at the entrance to the sanctuary. The fire blasts did not enter the sanctuary. They were being held at the door and manipulated into a gigantic ball of swirling fire. The giant orb of flames slowly began to open and at the heart of the fire ball was Avatar Roku, his eyes glowing.
"Avatar Roku!" The Sage who helped the Avatar shouted in disbelief. Avatar Roku drew the fire ball back towards him and shot it out into the room. Zhao and his soldiers were knocked to the floor. The heat of the blast melted the chains holding Sokka, Katara, the "traitor" Sage, Zuko and me. Zuko and I, now free, ran like hell out of there. Avatar Roku's blast had breached the temple walls making it easier to escape. Running down the stairs, we followed the path we took in and made it fast. The dormant volcano that practically covered the island had begun to erupt.
By the time we reached our ship, molten lava is pouring from the volcano's mouth. I began to fear for my cousins but then realized they had Aapa, they could fly away from the island. Hurriedly, Zuko grabbed his spy glass and lifted to his eye so he could see through it. The bison flew next to the window and the three companions jumped onto his saddle and flew away.
It was then I realized we were back to square one.
Thanks for reading. Phew! That was a long one. Pleaseee review and it may not take me so long to update next time! XP Or maybe it will, who knows. Next chapter should be good, it's the episode with the pirates! I'm really looking forward to writing that one!
Oh, I need your guys' opinion. Do you want me to keep writing in Sienna's perspective or do you want me to switch to 3rd person? Let me know in your review, if you leave one.
Until next time! :P