A Golden Tomorrow
By Entei Artist
Chapter 2- Attacked
Prince Zuko stared into the water, mesmerized by the gentle wave currents that lapped on to the side of his ship. Though he seemed peaceful at the moment, he was always alert for signs of the Avatar. Ever since he had been rejected two years ago from his father, he had been searching for the Avatar, in hope to regain his honor. Through this raging war between the nations, only the Avatar could make peace, and the prince was to make sure that he didn't.
"Prince Zuko," Uncle Iroh said, "we need to refuel, so I suggest we land our ship at the village ahead."
Uncle Iroh was half expecting Zuko to yell something along the lines of 'first the stupid lotus blossom tile and now this?' But Zuko wasn't in the mood to argue. Wait, what am I saying? He's always in the mood to argue! Well, I guess not today because all he did was nod, leaving Uncle Iroh to wonder what was wrong with his nephew.
Maybe he has the flu, Iroh thought. Oh, well, I'm not complaining!
"So, have you eaten lunch yet, Akai?" Sokka asked.
"No, not yet."
"Why don't you come eat with us?" Aang said cheerfully.
"I'd love to!" Akai exclaimed.
Just look at the way they're fawning all over her, Katara thought, rolling her eyes.
They settled under a big oak tree to eat, basking in the shade. The wind blew against their faces, as if telling them that their time here was almost up. The group ignored it, happy that for once they did not have to eat something that Sokka picked out.
The ship reached land shortly after and Zuko and Uncle Iroh parted. Prince Zuko looked at the spears and swords that were on display, trying to keep himself occupied while Uncle Iroh got what they needed. As he picked up a particularly sharp sword, he heard a loud noise that sounded a lot like someone… burping. He jerked his head towards the sound and saw none other than… the Avatar.
The joyous group was having a wonderful time, but the laughter suddenly halted as Katara pointed something out. Or rather, someone.
"Aang! It's Zuko!" she said franticly. "He's coming our way!"
Aang took out a whistle that was shaped like a buffalo and blew on it, making no sound, which confused Akai.
"Who's Zuko?" Akai questioned, but was ignored by the rest.
"Come on!" Sokka yelled, grabbing her hand.
"There's Appa!" Aang said as he spotted the giant flying bison in the air. "This way!"
But they weren't fast enough. Zuko was gaining on them, randomly throwing fireballs at their feet. A few villagers retreated to their huts in fear and the rest simply gave them odd looks. Fire benders soon surrounded Aang and the others at Prince Zuko's call.
"Now, now, what do we have here? Another member of the Avatar group?" Zuko said amusingly at Akai.
Three fire benders took Sokka, Katara, and Akai, leaving Aang to Zuko. But before Aang could act, there was a sickening crack of a broken bone. Everyone stared at Akai, who currently had a fire bender in a deadly headlock.
"Hurry! Go!" she shouted.
"Oh, no you don't," Zuko yelled, lunging a fireball at Akai and swiftly dodged it.
Akai released the fire bender and grabbed one of the swords on the stand in the market place. She used it block the barrage of fire that Zuko hurled at her, making him very tired. Suddenly, he realized that it was the Avatar he was after, not Akai. Catching him in his moment of thought, she ran to help Aang and the others defeat the rest of Zuko's soldiers, leaving Zuko to stand in bewilderment. There was a final clang of swords and Aang used his air bending skills to conjure a cloud of dust that prevented the fire benders from seeing. They fled onto Appa and the giant bison took off in the air.
Uncle Iroh poked his head out from one of the shops and asked, "What just happened here?"
"Hurry up, Uncle. We're not going to lose the Avatar's trail," Prince Zuko commanded.
"Looks like he's back to himself," Uncle Iroh said with a sigh.
To Be Continued…
Sorry, this chapter was a little rushed. I might edit it later…. Thank you to all who reviewed! I am very grateful! gives out cookies