Sky Shanties, an avatar: last airbender fanfic

Been a while since I wrote anything, especially for ATLA, but I've been getting back into the show.

I saw a YouTube video of those TikTok shanties that came out recently. I thought this would be a good fluff piece, and good way to get back into writing stuff.

Singing Guide:

One person singing.

Multiple people singing.

...

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar The Last Airbender. It is the property of its creators and Nickelodeon.

Sky Shanties by Animegamer89

Zuko and Chit Sang both shot fire into the engine of the air ship they had commandeered from Azula after busting out of the Boiling Rock.

"That should keep us in the air for a while," said Zuko.

"Wow, things have changed since I was in jail. Who'da thought we'd be able to take to the skies," remarked Chit Sang.

"I didn't, that's for sure," said Zuko as he exited the engine room of the dirigible.

It was bigger than the one he and Sokka used. Grander, he should say. Then again, it was Azula's; only the best for royalty. And unlike the models used for war, this one had a fully enclosed cabin for travel, including the passageways for the staff. On the one hand, it was great to have all the extra space. There was no way five people would have been able to fit comfortably on the one Zuko took from the Fire Nation. On the other hand, due to the size of their new ride, there was a lot more complex machinery that went into making it functional. That meant that there was a lot more that could go wrong. Zuko figured he had at least five to ten minutes before he and Chit Sang had to reignite the engines again. And that was after he inspected the other areas of the areas of the air ship.

"So, how's the engine looking?" asked a voice to the left of him.

Zuko turned to see Sokka. Behind the Water Tribe boy was his girlfriend, Suki, and his father, Chief Hakoda.

"It's bigger than the one on our last air ship," began Zuko, "The engine room can easily accommodate four benders, and a chief engineer. Me, and Chit Sang will probably be spending a lot of time here on the trip back to keep the ship airborne. How does the bridge look?"

"Took a while to figure out the controls, but I got it," said Sokka.

"More like he pulled every lever, freaked out a little, and then got it," said Suki sweetly.

"That's explains the spinning from earlier," said Chit Sang as he got out of the room to wipe his brow.

"Yes, well, Sokka always learned best by experimentation," chuckled Hakoda as his son sputtered.

"Hey, it's just different from the one I worked on with the Mechanist. There's a whole bunch of levers that didn't exist in the schematics," said Sokka.

That got out a laugh from everyone… then there was quiet.

Hakoda looked at the two firebenders in front of him.

Zuko looked at Hakoda, and Suki.

Sokka, and Chit Sang looked at the two sides.

Now that they were free from the prison, away from mutual danger…

"So… pretty clouds," said Zuko.

"Yeah," said Suki.

"…Fluffy," said Hakoda.

"No, no!" said Sokka.

"I don't know, they do look fluffy," said Chit Sang as he looked at a cloud.

"They are indeed fluffy," said Sokka sagely, "But this is the exact same awkward conversation I had with Zuko on the way to the prison. We cannot go down this road."

"We can't?" asked Zuko.

"It is kind of awkward," pointed out Suki.

"He is the Fire Prince," added Hakoda.

"Two opposing factions with no common enemy anymore… awkward," threw in Chit Sang.

"But we all just busted out of prison. Together. That's got to count for something. Plus it's a long trip back to the Western Air Temple, and I kind of don't want to talk about clouds for a few hours," said Sokka.

"So, what do you suggest? We talk about our feelings, and 'hug it out' as Aang put it?" asked Zuko.

"When did he say that?" asked Sokka, horrified.

"When he noticed your sister trying to kill me with her eyes. I told him he was nuts for suggesting I approach Katara when she's that mad," said Zuko.

"True, very true…" agreed Sokka.

"Katara wanted to kill you with her eyes?" asked Hakoda, with a curious glint in his eyes.

"She tried…" said Zuko with a sad, solemn look on his face.

Hakoda was about to press the issue, but Sokka's eye lit up with an idea.

"…Wait, I got it! Shanties!" declared Sokka.

"Shanties?" asked Zuko.

"It's an old Water Tribe tradition. When young men get together on ship for the first time, they sing shanties to help build up bonds with one another. One guy starts off a song, then the others build upon it," explained Sokka.

"A teamwork exercise," said Hakoda.

"Is that what shanties are for in the Water Tribe?" asked Chit Sang, "In the Fire Navy, they were mostly to pass the time, complain about the captain, the work, or all three at once."

"Didn't you get in trouble?" asked Suki.

"Nah, the captains got it. The good ones, at least. They worked their way up, and sang similar songs when they were the deckhands themselves. Hell, they'd even join in. It made the crew feel like the captain got the struggle," laughed Chit Sang.

"That will definitely reinforce their bonds," nodded Hakoda.

"Sounds cool," said Sokka, "Hey Zuko, you know any shanties?"

"Not really," asked Zuko.

"Really? You said you were on a ship for two and a half years," said Sokka.

"My uncle would know more than me. He participated in Music Night, while I was busy looking for information on the Avatar," said Zuko.

"You avoided Music Night, eh?" asked Chit Sang, "That was a weekly tradition back when I was in the navy, and we firebenders are pretty loud singers. I doubt you couldn't hear two years' worth of songs."

"Well, I didn't pay attention," said Zuko.

"Is that right?" asked Chit Sang with a grin, "So, if I were to sing one now, you would not be able to recognize it at all?"

"…I'm going to check on the engine," said Zuko.

"That's not a 'no,' you know?" said Suki.

"Fine, try it, if you're so confident," shrugged Zuko.

As Zuko entered the door to the engine room, everyone noticed he didn't close the door behind him. Chit Sang smiled, and began to clap a rhythm with his hands.

I thought I heard the old man say,

Leave her, Wang Peng, leave her.

Tomorrow, ye will get your pay,

And it's time for us to leave her.

Leave her, Wang Peng, leave her.

Oh, leave her Wang Peng, leave her!

For the voyage is long, and the winds don't blow,

And it's time for us to leave her!

Chit Sang stopped, and everyone looked at the prince.

"…You're tapping your foot," said Suki.

Zuko stopped tapping his foot, and shot another blast into the furnace. They all smiled knowingly to each other.

"How does the rest go?" asked Sokka, "Maybe Zuko will sing it if you keep going. He was tapping his foot, and shanties are pretty irresistible."

Zuko snorted.

"Well, the rest of the song goes like this…"

Oh the wind was foul, and the sea was high.

Leave her, Wang Peng, leave her.

She shipped it green an' none went by,

And it's time for use to leave her.

Leave her, Wang Peng, leave her.

Oh, leave her Wang Peng, leave her!

For the voyage is long, and the winds don't blow,

And it's time for us to leave her!

I hate to sail on this rotten tub,

Leave her, Wang Peng, leave her!

No grog allowed, and rotten grub,

And it's time for us to leave her!

We swear by rote for want of more,

Leave her Wang Peng, leave her

But now we're through so we'll go on shore

And it's time for us to leave her

Chit Sang stood up straighter, and took in a breath.

Leave her, Wang Peng, leave her.

Oh, leave her Wang Peng, leave her!

For the voyage is long, and the winds don't blow,

And it's time for us to leave her!

"I see you're still tapping your foot," said Hakoda, as he took another look at Zuko.

Zuko tensed.

"You know, about halfway through the song, I think I heard a bit of humming coming from him too," said Suki with a smirk.

"True," said Chit Sang.

"That was the engine," said Zuko flatly.

"Sure it was," said Sokka, "So I'm guessing the song was about an old ship, or a tired crew?"

"A tired, old crew," confirmed Chit Sang, "A Fire Nation ship can be a pretty hellish place, even for firebenders, especially on the older ship models."

"Tell me about it," said Zuko, "The old rust bucket I was given in my hunt to find the Avatar was supposed to be decommissioned and scrapped five years prior. The only reason it hadn't was because of a bureaucratic error."

"Are you sure? It was a pretty decent ship, looking back on it now," said Sokka.

"It was… while it lasted," sighed Zuko wistfully before he shook his head, "Well, now that that's over-"

"Uh-uh, nope, my turn. An old fashioned Water tribe shanty," said Sokka.

Zuko tensed, but relaxed a little. At least he wouldn't have to sing.

My mother told me

Someday I will buy…

Hakoda stepped up…

A galley with good oars,

Sail to distant shores!

The two now stood side by side…

Stand up on the prow,

Noble barque I steer.

Steady course to the haven,

Hew many foe-men!

"You remember it," said Hakoda.

"Yeah, that was the song I wanted to sing with you after my ice-dodging trial. Mom would hum it a lot," said Sokka.

"Does it have any more lyrics? Asked Suki.

"Nah, it just repeats," said Hakoda with a hearty laugh.

"With the occasional flourish from the other sailors," said Sokka.

The song was from a time when the Southern Water Tribe were the dominant force in the southern seas," said Hakoda.

"I've heard about that time," said Zuko, "According to our history books, the Earth Kingdom routinely employed your tribe to patrol their coasts. Kind of like a navy for hire."

"It was a different time to be sure," remarked Hakoda, "All that's left of that time is the songs we sing for next generation."

Zuko looked away for a bit as Hakoda put a hand on Sokka's shoulder. He was happy for his friend, but he was jealous too. His father had only seen him as an asset, or liability depending on how the day went. His girlfriend turned on his sister to help him escape, which would lead to harsh fate. He opened the engine, and blasted a bit of fire, to help keep the airship afloat.

"So, do you know any songs, Suki?" asked Hakoda, "I understand you're from an island."

"Sokka mentioned that, I guess?" asked Suki, "Well, there's a song the fishermen of our island sing. Heck there's even a festival centered on it."

"Cool. Sing it," said Sokka.

"Oh, I don't know," said Suki, "I'm not that great of a singer."

"That's not true. You've got the most beautiful voice," said Sokka.

"Really?" said Suki, before Sokka took her hands into his.

"Really," said Sokka.

The two leaned into one another for a-

"Ahem…"

The two looked at the three other passengers. Hakoda gave Sokka a thumbs up, Chit Sang tried to control his laughter, and Zuko just stared in disbelief.

"So… um, yeah that song," said Suki as she backed away.

"Yeah…" said Sokka as he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.

"The song's in old Kyoshi, but I'll do my best to translate what I can," said Suki, who then cleared her throat.

Ya-ren soran soran soran

Soran soran

If I ask a seagull, "Are there herring here?"

It will answer back, "I'm a bird that leaves, ask the waves!"

Yasae enya-sa-no dokkoisho!

Dokkoisho Dokkoisho!

Ya-ren soran soran soran

Soran soran

If you have a man's courage,

Set sail on the wave!

Yasae enya-sa-no dokkoisho!

Soran! Soran!

Ya-ren soran soran soran

Soran soran

Tonight, I'll sleep on a pillow of damask,

Tomorrow I'll sleep in a fishing boat.

Yasae enya-sa-no dokkoisho!

Dokkoisho! Dokkoisho!

Yasae enya-sa-no dokkoisho!

Dokkoisho!

As Suki finished, she realized everyone was staring at her.

"Was it good?" she asked nervously.

"…Wow! Encore!" cheered Sokka.

"Pretty good, girlie," said Chit Sang as he clapped.

Zuko clapped as well, with a small smile on his face.

"A good song," said Hakoda, "I don't suppose you could write it down for us later. It would make a good coming of age song in our tribe.

"Really? You like it that much?" asked Suki.

"Duh! You sang it, so it's automatically good. Plus a lot of people in our tribe can relate to the lyrics," said Sokka.

"Well, if you say so," said Suki.

"There should be some paper, and ink in the command room," said Zuko.

"Sure thing," said Suki.

Just then, everyone stared at Zuko.

"…What?" asked Zuko.

"Well, it's your turn young man," said Hakoda.

"We all sang a song," said Chit Sang.

"I don't really sing…" said Zuko as he looked away.

"Hey, you can't say that after Suki sang. She said she wasn't that good, but she did anyway, and it turns out she sings better than she thinks she can!" ranted Sokka.

"Aww, thanks Sokka," said Suki, who then kissed her boyfriend's cheek.

"…Well, when you put it that way," said Zuko, "I never participated in Music Night, but I heard most of the songs my men sang on Music Night…"

"Knew it," cut in Chit Sang.

Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose.

"It was hard to ignore," admitted Zuko, "But there was one in particular that I liked."

"Cool, what was is it?" asked Sokka.

"It was-"

CCCRRRREEE…

The airship jerked about, and everyone grabbed the nearest walls of cabin to keep from falling onto the floor.

"Ahh! Chit Sang the engine!" said Zuko.

"Oh boy," yelped Chit Sang as he scurried over to the engine.

"Sokka, check out the helm, and see if there's anything you need to do in your area!" ordered Zuko.

"Got it!" said Sokka.

The other three went over to the bridge of the air ship, and while Zuko was focused on keep the air ship powered.

"So much for one firebender being able to keep this tub afoft," said Zuko.

"Hah-ha, just like in the navy," said Chit Sang.

"…Yeah," said Zuko.

Zuko wasn't going to lie. As much of a pain it was, he did miss his old ship. Still, he breathed a sigh of relief. He got out of singing, and when they arrived at the temple, hopefully the reunion would make everyone forget about the fact that he was the only one who didn't sing…

A few hours later…

"Wow, Zuko was going to sing?!" shouted Aang in the middle of dinner.

Zuko tensed.

"He was going to, but the airship ride got kind of rocky, and we had to get back alive. But now that we're all together safe, and sound, Zuko can sing for all of us!" declared Sokka.

Damnit Sokka!

It was supposed to be the happy reunion of the Water Tribe family, and he did not want to ruin it.

Kind of…

Okay, so maybe he was concerned about his image. As much as he wanted to make up for past actions, song and dance were not included in the deal. Playing prisoner? Okay, he could live with that. Crappy jokes about tea? Fine. Giving Toph piggy-back rides to make up for burnt feet? No problem.

Singing? No.

Not even uncle got anything musical out of him for three years, and thank Agni there was no tsungi horn in the immediate vicinity.

Zuko took a glance, and saw everyone look at him expectantly, except Toph, though the blind earthbender had a predatory grin.

'Great…' thought Zuko.

Then he noticed Katara. No grin, but a similar expression.

"I haven't sung in years," said Zuko.

"We're not expecting an opera piece, just a shanty," said Suki.

"Come on, just get it over with," said Toph in a sing-song type of voice.

"Haven't you been telling me the point in firebending is to attack head on? Well, why not here?" asked Aang.

"Maybe he's worried we'll laugh," said Katara, an undertone of a sneer in her voice.

Zuko turned to face her, sensing a challenge. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed that Toph frowned at the waterbender's voice while everyone else seemed oblivious.

"We're not going to laugh, promise," said Aang.

Zuko looked at Katara briefly, before he turned to Chit Sang.

"Do you know the song of Tachibana, and White Flag Fleet?" asked Zuko.

"Know it? That's one of the oldest shanties in the Navy. You bet I do," said Chit Sang.

Zuko nodded, closed his eyes, and raised his hand before he slowly brought it down.

"Ooh, doing the festival version are you?" asked Chit Sang.

"Yes… If I'm going to embarrass myself, I might as well go all out. Don't expect dancing, though," muttered Zuko as he concentrated.

"It won't be that bad, I'm sure," said Suki.

"You guys might want to back up a bit. The fire could get a little bit intense," suggested Zuko.

Everyone looked at one another, and complied with the suggestion. The campfire dimmed, controlled by Zuko's breathing. The prince got a feel for the flame, and once he felt it synchronize with his breathing, he opened his eyes, and nodded to Chit Sang.

Chit sang began to clap a steady rhythm, and Zuko opened his mouth…

Oh! Tachibana gained a day,

Away Tachibana.

"Tigerdillo of the West" they say,

Along the plains of Omashu.

Chit Sang picked up the pace of his beat, and Zuko's heart reacted to the rhythm. Sure enough the fire began to flicker and crackle in response. Everyone was very surprised. Not only did the fire dance to Zuko's will, but his low singing voice was very clear, like a horn. Chit Sang then began to join in…