About time for another update, eh? Gah, got to keep writing more chapters... Finding it hard to find time. Anyway... Don't own Avatar. If I did... well, I wouldn't shoot him down that's for sure.
Shoot the Avatar down? What?
I didn't say anything out loud because I knew I'd be fried if I disagreed with Zuko's method.
Setting up the catapult only took a few minutes, and soon the soldiers were firing huge balls of fire into the air at the Avatar's bison. The creature dodged it easily, but a cloud hung above them for a bit afterwards.
Suddenly, we all spotted a line of Fire Nation ships in the distance.
"What's that?"
Iroh looked reproachfully at Zuko.
"It's the blockade, meaning we are almost in Fire Nation territory. Although technically we are still in Earth Kingdom waters. If we turn back now they cannot arrest you, Prince Zuko."
The prince just narrowed his eyes and glared at the bison in the air above us. It didn't look like the blockade was going to stop the Avatar.
"Prince Zuko, if you are captured there is nothing I can do. Please, leave the Avatar."
Zuko looked sorry, but firm.
"I'm sorry Uncle. We are going to run the blockade."
Just then, a storm of fireballs from the blockade was shot into the air at the Avatar. They all missed, and I suddenly realized they were headed for our ship.
In a flurry of heat, smoke and sparks one flew overhead and collided with the engines behind us causing a large explosion. The flames from the explosion didn't affect the other Firebenders, and I had to create a small shield around myself to keep the flames from burning me.
After the first explosion had settled down somewhat, Zuko ordered the ship to continue. Another fireball was headed toward the deck where we were all standing. Concentrating hard, I lifted my hands above my head and pushed the fireball out of its path in the air and into the water beside the ship.
The effort left me breathless and dizzy, and I knelt on the deck breathing hard. I felt a hand patting my back encouragingly and looked up to see Iroh with a pleased smile on his face. He helped me to my feet, and I saw that we were almost about to collide with the blockade ships.
I rushed to the railing beside Zuko and held on; afraid I would be thrown off if I didn't have a strong hold on something. Fortunately, the other Fire Nation ships cut their engines and slowed to a stop before we could crash.
A tall, muscular man stood on the deck of one ship beside us, glaring at Zuko who of course glared back. Our ship continued sailing by, and I felt the man's eyes turn on me. I met his glance, unsure, and knew immediately that he wasn't a good man. His gaze was contemplating, corrupt, and … well, evil. It gave me the Goosebumps.
Someone stepped in front of me, cutting off the man's view of me and I looked up to see Zuko. I looked around and noticed we had passed the blockade successfully, the Avatar still in the distance. When I looked back I couldn't make out any faces on the Fire Nation ships anymore.
"Who was that?" I asked, rubbing my hands over my arms to make the Goosebumps go away.
"Commander Zhao." Zuko growled in hatred.
"Commander Zhao? The guy who's armor-?"
"Yes, him."
I looked questioningly at Zuko and Iroh. Zuko left abruptly and began overseeing the engine fire.
"What's Zuko's problem with Zhao?"
"The two have always shared a fierce rivalry. And to make matters worse, Zhao has taken it upon himself to capture the Avatar and hinder Zuko in whatever ways he can."
I paused to consider this.
"Then why did he just let us pass? He could have arrested Zuko just then."
"Yes, but he would have lost the Avatar."
Recognition dawned on me.
"He plans to follow us, and catch Zuko and the Avatar together, doesn't he?"
Iroh nodded gravely. "It sounds like something he would do."
Just then Zuko came back. He had managed to get the explosion under control but our ship was still leaving a long trail of black smoke behind us.
Perfect for Zhao to follow.
Iroh mentioned this, and our previous conversation to Zuko. The prince thought a few moments, then came to a decision.
"Then we will let him follow the smoke. Uncle, you and everyone else will continue to sail on. I will use the smoke as a cover and go after the Avatar alone."
"Alone? Don't you think that's a bit reckless?" Zuko glared at me, so I shut up. He was so moody!
A little while later we neared the island the Avatar had landed on. Covered by the dense black smoke, Zuko set off from the ship in a small boat. As I watched him leave from my vantage point on the railing, I was torn between glaring at Zuko or smiling bravely.
He fixed this dilemma when he shot me a somewhat reassuring glance. I smiled back
When he was out of sight, I turned to watch Commander Zhao's ships follow us. For a few minutes the decoy worked, but I suddenly noticed them turn toward the island and stop following us.
Oh great! Just what I thought.
I bit my lip in concentration, then made up my mind. I turned and ran down the halls, closed the door to my room, and pulled out my new outfit and mask.
Zuko can't tell me no if he doesn't know who I am. I'll just go keep an eye out for him.
Quickly, I changed into the black pants, tunic, boots, and gloves. I was about to put on the mask and hood when I realized I could be seen before I got off the ship.
So, I put my other clothes back on over my 'ninja' ensemble, wrapped the mask in the hood and tucked them under my arm, then slipped back on deck.
I made it to the back of the ship without being noticed, then realized a slight dilemma.
Waaait… how am I supposed to get to shore? I almost yelled in frustration. I don't have a boat like Zuko's, and I can't fly like the Avatar!
A thought struck me and my eyes widened as I smiled.
Now hold up. Who said I couldn't fly? This is going to be so cool if it works!
I was almost surprised at how easy it was to lift myself off the ground a few inches. There was a huge smile plastered on my face and I was nearly shaking with joy and pent up laughter.
Taking a quick look around to see if the coast was clear, I shot off the ground, hiding my ascent in the billowing smoke. When I couldn't see anyone on the deck, I was so high now, I left my cover and sailed through the sky toward the island.
Unable to contain my excitement anymore, I let out a loud "Woohoo!" and even threw in a loop as I sped on.
Not long after I took off, I landed on the island. Finding a noticeable rock formation, I took off my outer layer of clothing and fixed the mask to my face. I slid on the covering that held my hair back, and lastly I drew the hood over my head, completely covering my hair while the mask disguised my face.
Man! I so want to see what I look like. Where's a mirror when you need one?
It didn't long to find Zhao's ship, and followed the trail left by his men. I flew along a little ways above the ground, following their prints to a large temple-like structure. It was definitely Fire Nation.
Lots of metal, red, and gold. Go figure.
I quickly landed inside and paused, listening. After a few moments of silence I heard noises from down one corridor and followed, hoping they would take me to Zhao or Zuko. Funny, they both start with Z's. I promptly caught up with Zhao's party, walking quickly down the halls; they must know where the Avatar would be.
Pressing myself as flat as I could against the ceiling of the
hallway, I sped over the soldiers' heads, making my way toward the
front of the column and to where Zhao was leading. All of a sudden I
had reached the front where Zhao was marching ahead at a quick pace,
then just as suddenly I had passed him and I flew into the air in a
wide, open chamber. There was fire everywhere, huge columns, some
very large statues of some weird guy, and a large ornate door with
five dragon heads.
I made myself stop in mid air and survey the
scene before Zhao arrived. There was a boy and a girl, the same two
I'd seen my first day in this world, chained to one of the statues.
Zuko and some weirdly dressed men in dresses (Robe! Emperor's
New Groove. Sorry…) were blasting fire at the large door. I
alighted on the head of the statue without people chained to it in
time to over hear the conversation between the Fire Nation people.
"Avatar Roku doesn't want us inside." Avatar Roku? I thought the Avatar's name was Aang.
I could almost hear Zuko growl in frustration from here. Then he turned to one of the other men, who hadn't been Fire bending,
"Why did you help the Avatar?"
"Because it was once the Sage's duty. It is still our duty." The man replied defiantly.
The brief silence was interrupted by the sound of slow, mocking clapping.
Zhao! I'd forgotten… I almost smacked myself. At least now I can get a good idea on when to intervene…
"That was a moving and heartfelt performance. I'm sure the Fire Lord will understand when you explain why you betrayed him." I could almost feel the evil seeping off this guy… and he looked oddly like a monkey. How weird is that. I tuned in just as Zhao addressed Zuko.
"A noble effort, Prince Zuko, but your smoke screen didn't work. The Fire lord will certainly be pleased when he hears I have captured two traitors in one day." A soldier came up behind Zuko and pinned his arms behind him.
Okay, I think I should intervene now.
