…Rage Of The Black Dragon…
Warnings: This chapter contains:- a little bit of sadness, a little bit of angst, fluff, humor, darkness, a little bit of violence, mention of mental health issues, possessiveness, and Aang being a sad little muffin for a bit, and Zuko stewing in his jealousy! All reviews are appreciated.
P.P.S.: This is an Omegaverse story as in Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamic, with Alpha Aang and Omega Zuko, so you have been warned! And it is also a time travel one! The titles that would be used for the Omegaverse dynamic in this story, are from the Chinese fandom (As the story would have many customs and cultures from southern and eastern Asia; China specifically):-
Alpha - Qianyuan
Omega - Kunze
Beta – Zhongyong
P.P.P.S: This is a dark (And I mean really dark!) story that takes place in the ALTA's timeline (The original show, not the live adaptation, but who knows, maybe I will add a pointer or two from the NATLA after I watch it?) to some extent but with many major changes such as Aang being aged up to sixteen and Zuko being OOC; this story is also the first part of the series that would follow the first chapter but diverge after a certain point.
Chapter 6
Everyone, the end note of this chapter is really important and contains an important vote, regarding a new fic for the ATLA fandom, I am planning on writing and then posting next month, so everyone reading this chapter, please read the end note and leave a comment! Now that we finished this part (Sorry for writing it in the middle of the fic, many people -me included- gloss over the beginning or end note, so I decided on this method) Enjoy chapter 6!
…("What. Did. You. Do?" Zuko could only sneer as he gazed at the ancient man before him, his fingers twitching, and his eyes glaring daggers, enjoying how Bumi was shifting in his place in discomfort, looking as if fire ants had gotten in his pants, and were making his flesh their playground.
Sitting on the other side of the Pai Sho table, Iroh gazed at Zuko and then Bumi in confusion, wondering what Zuko meant by his words. Still, even then, he didn't question Zuko and ordered him to explain why he was conducting himself like this, simply content with drinking his tea and letting everything play as it is, no doubt hoping to uncover the truth soon.
"I don't know what you mean by such words, I am innocent!" Bumi huffed, scratching his cheek and turning to look anywhere but at Zuko (Which only cemented how guilty the man truly was, and was trying to play the innocent elderly role here), who was growling and looking one inch away from burning the palace and Bumi with it. Hearing that growl, Bumi could only grimace, but in the end, he only slid down his chair muttering something under his breath that Zuko was sure was 'Just like Kuzon, sheesh!'.
"Aang!" Zuko snapped, his patience finally evaporating; Bumi, hearing this, could only curse like a sailor under his breath, looking more done and annoyed than shocked. "Does that ring any bells?!" Zuko continued, taking a step closer to Bumi, planning on beating the older man to a pulp, even if that annoying old timer was his uncle's friend.
Iroh, Spirits above bless his kind heart, only paused for a bit while sipping his tea before continuing, this time, giving Bumi a long questioning look that told him to confess or something unpleasant would happen. "Hey, hey, hey! I did nothing! I only told Aang about Kuzon! …Which I admit, maaaaaaaaay have been a very bad decision on my part, now that I remember…" Bumi scratched his cheek as he said that not looking sorry in the slightest.
"Aang's friend Kuzon?" Zuko questioned, frowning his brows as he wondered what Bumi told Aang about Kuzon that made his beloved lose it to the point of bawling his eyes out until he finally went to sleep due to exhaustion; granted Aang only mentioned Kuzon once and that was years ago, and now? Zuko could only blame himself for not bringing the subject up, if he had done so back then, maybe Zuko would have been more prepared when dealing with his beloved today.
"Friend?" Bumi asked before snorting and cackling, only choking his laugh down when he saw Zuko glaring at him and daring him to continue. "Ahem! I mean, you are not, not wrong, buuuut…" Bumi cleared his throat; looking around and trying to find an opening to escape, and letting out a groan when he found none. "You can say that Kuzon was Aang's old… flame…" And here Bumi shut his mouth when he saw how furious Zuko was becoming, that his face darkened and the fire in the lanterns and candles around them started swaying dangerously, which made Bumi double-take before he gasped so loudly, that he started coughing. "Holy Shu! Really? You too?!" Bumi's jaw dropped, finally controlling himself, looking at Zuko, then Iroh (Who was confused by the whole thing but was taking everything in strides), then back to Zuko. "What in the name of Oma's bastard children?! Is Aang a catnip for Fire Nation's Kunzes or something?! Like seriously! As if that crazy ass wasn't enough back then!" Bumi complained, leaning back on his chair and gazing at Zuko like he was the one with the crooked crown and not the crazy gasbag in question.
It took a few seconds before the realization struck Iroh, forcing him to blink several times before looking at Zuko with a surprised and thoughtful look (Mixed with a little confusion, because from Iroh's perspective, his nephew had done nothing but glare and ridicule Qianyuans ever since young, growling at them and wiping the ground with their faces if they showed the slightest interest in him, and when asked, his nephew would only huff and say that he was not interested. So, for Zuko to show some interest in someone, and someone they hadn't known for such a long time at that; was as much pleasant surprise as confusing for Iroh's old heart… and maybe a little worrisome, for the Qianyuan in question, not for his nephew that was… because knowing his nephew… Iroh wondered who should he give the shovel talk to, Aang or his nephew?).
Zuko pressed his lips tight, to stop the sneer from forming and turning him into a more frightening sight that would scare everyone around. "Other Kunzes, huh?" Zuko muttered darkly to himself, not realizing he had said those words loud until Bumi cursed when he was kicked under the table by Iroh, who was pointing with his head to do something to control the damage, he just did.
"Hey! Why are you giving me the stinky eye?! I did nothing but tell…" And here, Bumi had to quiet down when Zuko pulled the chair beside him harshly and took a seat, a dangerous smile on his face as he gazed at Bumi with eyes that promised him murder and pain.
"So, why don't you tell me about Kuzon and the other Kunzes in question?" Zuko smiled, leaning his cheek on his fist, gazing at Zhongyong with curious eyes, looking like the picture of innocence; Bumi was looking at Iroh with eyes that beseeched him to do something, no doubt knowing that his days were numbered and Zuko was going to kill him if the flames around them that became blazing hot was anything to go by. "Well?" Zuko tilted his head, the smile on his face widened as he heard Bumi let out a squeak of fear when he heard the lanterns crack.
"Holy! You are even crazier than Kuzon!" And here Zuko's smile fell, and an emotionless mask settled on his face, making the older man gulp and look at Iroh with terror. "Scratch that! Are all of your Kunzes this insane when fancying someone?! Or is it just an Air Nomads thing?! What's with you Fire Nation and Air Benders-!" Before Bumi even continued, the lantern around exploded, rendering the place dark.
"Talk," Zuko said calmly, gazing at his hand and inspecting his nails, planting the fears of Gods into Bumi's heart as he could only gulp and gaze at Iroh who was looking at one of the pillars with an interested look, sipping his tea and employing the principle of 'Out of sight, out of mind'. "Are you not going to talk?" Zuko tilted his head with a dark look and even an unsettling smile… then and there…
Bumi started singing…)…
"Hey Aang, Psst! Oi! Wake up! Aang, hey, don't ignore me, I am talking to you!" A loud hiss came from Aang's right side, followed by a finger poking him repeatedly, which summoned a groan of annoyance from Aang. Opening his eyes after being forced to interrupt his peaceful meditation, Aang could only turn to the person who dared to interrupt his peaceful time… Lo and behold, it was no other than Sokka who was looking at him with a concerned look, which made Aang frown, and the annoyance he felt at such interruption vanish.
"Sokka? What's wrong? Did something happen?" Aang questioned his friend, moving his shoulders around and frowning when he looked at the sky and saw that he only managed to meditate for half an hour and not the usual one-hour thanks to Sokka.
"Well…" Sokka chuckled nervously, turning his head and pointing with his chin to the wide deck; Aang confused about his friend's strange action, turned to gaze at what his friend was pointing at, only to wince when he saw Zuko all but slaying his training partners, moving in an unforgivable way as he slammed people left and right on the deck's hardwood, not even using his bending, only twin Dao Swords. "Do you know what's up with him? He had been acting strange ever since we set sails to the north." Sokka whispered, wincing when he saw Lieutenant Jee getting trashed by Zuko left and right until he raised his hands in surrender.
"Eh?" Aang furrowed his brows in confusion, concern taking over him as he gazed at Zuko, wondering what could have set the Kunze off between Omashu and now; the only thing that came into mind was that one time when Aang had held into him and bawl like a small child… "…Did you ask General Iroh?" Aang finally asked in a small voice, wondering if the reason for Zuko's anger was because of Aang's conduct, back then; while Aang didn't think he did anything wrong, thinking about it now, Aang could only feel dread.
Once more, the vast difference between the Air Nomads, Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom, and Water Tribes cultures hit him in the face, leaving him a little disoriented as he tried once more to analyze every action, he had done these past few days to detect the wrongs he did, and how much trouble he was in for his conduct and emotion-based actions.
Thinking about his interaction with Zuko that day (And the night before that… and that night in Kyoshi…) Aang could only curse silently inside his head as he found that he must have broken dozens upon dozens of rules that would have got him killed or punished heavily if this was any other person than Zuko… I am so dead… Aang could only mourn silently, letting out a tired sigh as he gazed at Zuko who was thrashing everyone who was coming near him with a furious look on his face.
I miss home… Aang could only twiddle his thumbs, remembering his home where there were no such harsh rules and strict conduct that blanketed the world and suffocated everyone to the point of suppressing every emotion, and overanalyzing every genuine action to exploit and seize control. Aang could only shift, feeling sadness, mixed with nostalgia, wanting to go home where such thing as talking to someone freely and experiencing joy didn't mean hidden relationship and ugly motives, and hugging someone (especially Kunzes) didn't send people into a frenzy as they accused the ones who did such thing with shameful past and illicit relationships.
Air Nomads by the nature of their culture and their teachings believe in equality between all genders and second natures no matter what they were. Qianyuans, Zhongyongs, and Kunzes; affections and love were accepted, and even encouraged between them, and no strict rules such as having an escort when talking to someone, not being allowed to even raise your head and gaze at a Kunze, or not being allowed to hold hands and show affection, were taught to the Air Nomads. They were taught to accept everyone no matter who they were, they were taught to be respectful to all genders; they were taught to love everyone no matter a male or female, a Qianyuan, Zhongyong, or Kunze; they were taught that their emotions were not a liability that would bring shame and disgrace like how some other nations thinks… Aang never felt as alone as he was when he had to remind himself daily that every action of his was no doubt studied over and over again, and that every word left his mouth was dissected to know every hidden cue or meaning; Aang could only clench his fists tightly as he once more was reminded by the rules and conduct that everyone shoved down his throat, how alone he was, and how his people (Who taught him not to be ashamed of love, that it was alright to be a friend with a Kunze and not something to be ashamed of; that holding hands and even embracing someone didn't bring disgrace or make people question your honor and accuse you of being a shameless scoundrel) had died decades ago, and no one was left to hold their principals other than Aang and…
The first time, Aang had his worldview flipped around and questioned was when going to the Fire Nation for the first time, getting shocked by how rigid they were, both in the way they held themselves and the way they followed the rules to peak perfection; traditionalist to the core, that would rip someone to shred and question their honor for the slightest mistake done in front of Kunzes. Agni's beloveds; that's what Monk Gyatso told him once upon a time, as the two of them passed a Fire Nation's town and Aang was told by Gyatso (Who was a Kunze) to lower his head and not look at the Kunzes walking in their grand robes and jewels, each looking like a beautiful fairy descending from the Spirit world. Agni's beloveds; Kuzon (Who was not presented at that time) whispered, the first to be taught Fire Bending by Agni and later spread it to the people of the Fire Nation. Kunzes, who were once oppressed and disgraced just for being born, only for Agni to change all of that when he fell in love with a brave and fearless Kunze and graced them with the ability to bend fire to their will; Agni who fathered many Kunzes and doted on them, giving them his blessing and love and elevating their position to the highest seat there was after him; Agni whose love shined brightly upon everyone in the Fire Nation, but not as brightly as when it shined upon his beloveds…
"Aang, the next time you come to the Fire Nation, I will take you to see 'Love Amongst the Dragons', if you do, I promise you will understand everything!" That was the last thing Kuzon told him before Kuzon (Whom everyone was so assured would be a Qianyuan) presented as a Kunze. After that, Aang wasn't allowed to see Kuzon anymore, and if he did, then it was only for a few short minutes and with an escort who would scowl and watch his every move like a hawk; suddenly, every look and smile was calculated and overanalyzed, and every touch, even if an accidental brush, was taken as dishonor against the Fire Nation. Aang remembered the sleepless nights as he read the rules and conduct of the Fire Nation over and over again, all in the hope of not disgracing Kuzon and getting a one-way ticket of being banned from sitting a foot in the Fire Nation again…
Such good that did to him, when his emotions got the best of him, as Aang seemed to have completely forgotten the rules he had to hammer in his head when he met Zuko and then everything flew away and dissipated like morning fog (But Zuko was different, and Aang could feel it, and unlike Kuzon, Zuko didn't even try to act as if he cared about the rules and conduct of his people; Zuko never forced his crew to lower their eyes when talking to him or when he passed them; he never paid attention to escort and would often disappear every time they dock near a port, and only return when he wanted to. Zuko never punished anyone for mistakes or rule-breaking when others in his place would have thrown a fit for such disgraceful action and would have pressured the Kunzes until they were forced to make harsh choices when they wanted nothing but to have peaceful lives -Like Kuzon- Zuko was like a fresh breeze of air, with no care in the world, going from place to place when his mood strike, and act how he liked and did what he loved to do without oppressing himself or shouldering the heavy burden that was thrust on him when he presented as a Kunze. Zuko lived his life how he wanted, treating everyone around him like an equal and employing many principles that Aang had never seen other people use outside of the Air Nomads… so truly, was it really Aang's fault for opening up to Zuko and acting this familial with him when Zuko was the reminder of a home long gone?).
And then… there were the Water Tribes… as much as Aang was taught to be neutral and respectful when dealing with other cultures, the Water Tribes were one of the cultures he despised the most (Secretly and in his mind, because if people knew about the Avatar thinking like this about the culture of Lui and Ta -Which had deviated and twisted over and over until nothing of Lui and Ta's teaching remained- then there would be some serious troubles Aang would face in the future). A culture that oppressed women and Kunzes, a culture where presenting as a male Kunze or a female Qianyuan was a ground for ridicule and bullying; a culture that thought of the women as nothing but weak and useless homemakers and healers while stressing about men needing to be Qianyuans and warriors, and oppressing anyone who thinks differently (And wasn't that what happened to Sokka? Being forced to suppress his natural curiosity and genius just to fit the mold that was the Water Tribe Warriors? And what about Katara? Who was still narrow-minded and set in the way of her people, even when she traveled with them and saw the many different cultures and how people treated others. So different from the Water Tribes laws and rules, opening the eyes and making people question the conditions they lived in).
To this day, the Water Tribes were one of the cultures Aang had many disagreements and even fights with Gyatso about visiting (Back when he and Gyatso traveled the nations to learn and Aang was content in having many friends all over the world, back before Aang knew he was the Avatar and that all these trips were for him to learn how to govern and rule, and not for enjoyment and meeting new people), being too uncomfortable to walk through the streets and see the oppression, the people lived in and not being able to do something because it was wrong to involve yourself in something that wasn't your business. Aang to this day, hated how the Water Tribes had deviated from Tui and La's teaching to the point of bringing nothing but misery and discord between two sister tribes (The North and the South) suppressing many amazing benders (Just because they were women) and bullying their people to the point of fleeing or death (Because for them women being Qianyuans were abnormal, but it was better than men being Kunzes because if men were Kunzes than what was the point of them being called men?). Wasn't water the element of change? Wasn't it the element of adaptation and accepting the new? Wasn't water the element of peace and harmony and the bringer of new life? Then how did people deviate so much from Tui and La's teaching to the point of making their culture a mockery of its past glory?! To this day, Aang wondered what Tui and La would think or do when faced with the actions of their children who forsaken their teachings and made a mockery of everything that was the core of Water Bending…
Aang could only be grateful for having Sokka and Katara here with him, maybe if they saw the other nations, past their home in the south, and saw how they treated their people, they would understand the wrong views they were forced to live by, and in return when the time is right and they succeed in their quest of winning this war, they could return back home and restore the glory of the Water Nation when it was under the teaching of Tui and La (Something that Aang admit was a hit or miss most of the time. Sokka was more acceptant and receptive to everything around him, willing to have an open mind and sit down and listen; his hunger for knowledge made him adaptable and acceptant of the new and different. Katara, on the other hand, was like that wild card that almost made Aang bash his head for how stubborn she was; while Katara agreed on most points and wanted to prove herself to be a capable warrior and a strong Water Bender, she refused to let go of her rigid mindset, opting to treat General Iroh with suspicion and Zuko with disgust and anger that was reserved for Kunzes living in the Water Tribes, which more than once sparked a fight between the Fire Nation crew and Katara that Aang, Sokka, or Iroh had to calm down… sigh… this was one of the major reasons why Fire Nation and the Water Tribes despise one another ever since ancient time, and shamefully part of Aang, agreed with the Fire Nation's assessment of the Water Tribes on several points… but that was something that Aang would keep to himself, never talking about it even on death's bed).
And lastly, the Earth Kingdom, where nothing other than strength, strength, strength, and bending prowess matter, and everything else could go down the drain. In the Earth Kingdom, the Kunzes could be of noble birth and line, and Qianyuans could be pauper from the street, but nothing matters, and respect wouldn't be given if someone does not have the strength and power to hold their position. Kings rise and fall, and a Qianyuan, Zhongyong, or Kunze could be the new King who would rule over their piece of designated fief if they showed strength and leadership that was enough to impress their Emperor who lived behind the great walls of Ba Sing Se. That was how Bumi rose in the ranks until he became the King of Omashu where many before him had tried and failed to obtain the title of a King and secure their position for the next hundred years. That's how Bumi, who used to be of humble origin, and planned on being an inventor (A love he gained from his father who was a scholar, and mother who was an artist) went to challenge over three hundred Earth Benders at the age of seventeen, winning his matches with ease and being titled as the King of Omashu and staying as an unmatched and great Earth Bender for the next hundred years; winning left and right even when he passed his hundredth and seventeen years of age.
The Earth Kingdom, where only strength matters and only your talent as an Earth Bender could determine your fate; where there were not many rules and conduct to follow (If you lived outside Ba Sing Se that was), and people could have semi-normal lives peacefully and without prejudice that sucked the life out of everything important. Earth Kingdom where Aang spent much time there, relaxing and sightseeing, not fearing that his words would be taken wrong and his amazed looks as judgment because the people of the Earth Kingdom were frank in their talk and would prefer if someone was being straightforward in their intentions than beating around the bush and running useless circles that would make people more irritant and frustrated than grateful for such conduct and rules. The Earth Kingdom, where only strength matters and the survival was for the fittest… and for those who had the short end of the stick? Aang could only turn his head away, knowing that being involved was a one-way ticket to being buried deep in the ground. The Earth Kingdom was an acceptable place to have a peaceful life without a care in the world… only if you didn't sit a foot in Ba Sing Se…
Ba Sing Se, the capital of the Earth Kingdom; was the city of sin and greed as people lived to humiliate the weakest and feast on the drama that was taking place. Ba Sing Se, the place where they tried to imitate the Fire Nation's rules and laws, only managed to create a hybrid that was not only a mockery of the Fire Nation's grace and way of life but had managed to erase everything that was the core of Earth Bending. Ba Sing Se, where instead of respecting and revering Kunzes or respecting the strong or those of sound mind who studied in their schools and libraries, they were forced to revere and worship the self-proclaim 'Son Heaven' the Emperor, no matter if the person in question was a bender or not, or if their judgment was sound or not (And what a mockery of Oma and Shu's teaching. To proclaim being in contact with the Gods of their world, and forcing people to listen to their mockery of the spiritual world or face harsh judgment and death). Ba Sing Se, where the self-proclaimed 'Lords' and 'Ladies' collected Kunzes and Qianyuans left and right, creating harems, disregarding love and respect and immersing themselves in sin, laughing and fanning the flames as they bid those of the same household against each other, creating discord and enjoying the drama that would follow… Ba Sing Se, the city where the rich only got richer and the poor get poorer; the city that Aang had visited only a few times, before he fled from its great walls, never returning to that damned sin pit even on the threat of punishment (A sin pit that Aang feared he would be forced to see once more and ask aid from in this ongoing war that swiped over the world, and if Ba Sing Se was anything like his younger days, then Aang could only shudder at the fate waiting for him).
"…Nah," Sokka's voice snapped Aang out of his musing, returning him back to the present, and making him wince when he saw the Fire Nation crew lying in many different positions, not daring to raise as they rolled around in pain, whining and crawling away from Zuko who finally huffed and sheathed his swords. "No one saw him since morning, though, I overheard some crew saying that he is keeping a watch from the cockpit… something about spotting a Fire Nation vessel…" Sokka had leaned down to whisper the last part to Aang, no doubt not wanting Katara to hear them, and then blew everything out of proportion by accusing Zuko and his crew of betraying them, which happened more than everyone liked to be reminded of since the start of their journey.
"I see…" Aang mumbled, wondering if Zuko's foul mood had anything to do with the Fire Nation vessel in mention; pursing his lips tightly, Aang looked at Zuko long and hard before gathering the courage and decided that going to Zuko and apologize now (For whatever wrong he did and didn't know about), was more favorable then ignoring the matter and causing everything to go south, and summoning Zuko's rage the next time he did something unsightly. "Zuko!" Aang called out from a safe distance, waiting until Zuko finally noticed him (And didn't look angry enough to skew him with his Dao Swords) before daring to get closer to the Kunze.
"Aang? Already done with meditation?" Zuko questioned, taking a towel that was on the rail to dry his face; the anger that was on his face previously seemed to have softened a bit, which made Aang's tense muscles relax… Oh, so is this because of the ship, Sokka talked about? …Aang couldn't help wondering.
"Yeah, about that…" Aang laughed nervously before clearing his throat, gazing at Zuko before gathering the courage to ask. "Are you… uh… ok?" Feeling like he was signing his death warrant for daring to toe the line and bring the obvious when Zuko no doubt had given him a way out by acting nonchalant.
"Hm? Why do you ask?" That wasn't a yes! …Aang could only panic internally when Zuko smiled with amusement, eyes narrowing a bit, and giving Aang the feeling of a predator seizing its prey. Instead of answering Zuko, Aang's gaze unconsciously went to Lieutenant Jee who groaned as he stood on his shaky legs, gripping the rail and massaging his back, looking like he wanted to be anywhere but here as he limped away in the direction of the infirmary. "Oh…" Aang then turned to Zuko, with a questioning look, not daring to dig his grave deeper than he already did. "Sorry, just heard some unpleasant news in Omashu is all." Zuko sighed, his words making Aang slump in relief because if it was some piece of news that made Zuko like this, then it wasn't Aang's fault and he wouldn't meet his end just yet.
"Uh, is it about the war?" Aang couldn't help but inquire, wondering if time was running out and the Fire Nation was moving faster than they anticipated; if that happened, then Aang couldn't help but worry that their stay in Kyoshi and then Omashu had delayed their trip to the North where he would learn Water Bending, and if that happened, Aang could only worry how he would weigh everyone down and failing them because he got too distracted sightseeing than training.
"…Yeah… the war…" Aang could only gulp as he saw Zuko's eyes darken, instinctively knowing that whatever Zuko heard didn't relate to the war not one a bit, and if Aang was an idiot to persist, it would end up with him in Lieutenant Jee's place in the infirmary, and against common believe, Aang does have survival instincts deep down and wasn't always the ride or die type who was stupid enough to continue to question a disgruntled Kunze until they blew up (No matter what Kuzon and Bumi had everyone believe).
Before Aang managed to dig himself a deep grave that even the kind-hearted Kunze in front of him would gladly bury him in; bells started ringing all around the ship, their blaring caused Aang to look around in confusion as he heard many murmurs and gasps from around him before the Fire Nation crew started running around going to their designated spots. "What's going on here?!" And here came Sokka who was looking around the place with a wary look, holding his boomerang tightly as he ran toward Aang and Zuko followed by Katara.
"Fire Nation." Zuko hissed, looking like he was a step away from burning everything and causing even Katara to flinch back at the dark look dominating his face. "Come!" Zuko gripped Aang's hand, pulling him around and causing him to squeak as he was dragged to the cockpit, with Sokka and Katara following behind them.
"Zuko? Finally!" Iroh called out, looking relieved and happy when Zuko and the rest barged in, even when Zuko did nothing but take the spyglasses from one of the crew and look outside with a harsh frown on his face, that meant business; which made Aang and Sokka wary as they looked at one another with a knowing look, and thankfully Katara seemed to know that something dangerous was going on, so she kept quiet.
"Who are we facing this time?" Zuko questioned, his words making Aang frown and gaze at Zuko, wondering if the words 'This time' meant what Aang feared. "Yuyan Archers? The Kyu Navy? Azulon's Special Op? The Royal Procession?" With each name mentioned, Aang could feel nothing but dread, gripping his staff tightly as he wondered if the Fire Nation had learned about Aang's existence or something.
Iroh seemed to let out a sigh that was more tired and annoyed than fearful and wary. "Captain Zhao…" And here Zuko lowered his spyglasses to gaze at Iroh in disbelief mixed with frustration; the annoyed expression on the uncle-nephew faces made Aang blink, wondering what the story behind such looks.
"He is still alive?" Zuko inquired, giving his spyglasses to one of the crew and turning his full attention on Iroh who nodded his head. "And we didn't blast his ship immediately, because…?" Zuko crossed his arms over his chest, giving his uncle a look that made Aang's lips twitch into a smile before he controlled it and looked away.
"Because it is not very honorable to attack people on sea just like that; we are peaceful folks, Zuko… besides, attacking them meant being committed to a long, long battle, and we have a music night, tonight, so we don't have time!" Iroh answered Zuko's question looking too pleased with his answer, which got an annoying grunt from Zuko who muttered something under his breath and started rubbing his forehead with his hand, looking a step too close to having a killer headache… a more reason for Aang to turn around to hid his snort that would turn into a full-blown laugh from the shocking answer they just got.
"Really, Uncle?!" Zuko complained, looking at the older man like he saw the crown on his head getting crooked by the second and almost falling (A sentiment Aang shared as he looked away, trying not to laugh as he saw Katara's confused look, and Sokka's dropped jaw the older teen was trying to shut before flies got in). "I am sure Captain Zhao will be Oh-So-Pleased to wait until we have our fun." And here Iroh looked at his nephew with a pleased look that had the words 'Really?!' written beside his face, which made Zuko's eye twitch. "Of course not! Blast his goddammit ship off the face of the sea!" And here, Aang had to bite his tongue and think of sad things, when he saw Iroh's face fall and an almost pout took over his face. If only Gyatso was here, the two of them would have spent their time laughing to their hearts' content at the comedy happening before their very own eyes.
"Um… can I ask for clarification?" Iroh and Zuko turned to Aang, who was gazing at the two of them with amused eyes. "Who is Zhao and how dangerous is the situation we are in?" Aang questioned, his lips quirking up when he saw the exasperated look on Zuko's face and the thoughtful hum Iroh let out.
"He is an annoyance of the highest order!" Zuko complained, glaring at Iroh with a look that screamed 'All your fault!'. "That someone refused to allow me to squash like the annoying bug he is! This whole situation is annoying, ugh! If only someone whose first name started with the letter 'Iroh' let me finish him we wouldn't have such annoyance tailing us every other week!" Zuko threw his hands up, glaring at the older man who scratched his cheek with a not-so-apologetic smile.
"Nephew… violence is not always the answer…" 'It is!' Zuko hissed at his uncle which Iroh ignored, continuing on. "You are young! If you surrounded yourself with violence at every opportunity there was, what would your chosen Qianyuan think? What if they were pacifist? Could you wholeheartedly always choose violence in front of them and drive them away?!" The silence that followed Iroh's dramatic declaration was so awkward that it could be cut by Zuko's Dao Swords, as everyone in the cockpit gazed at Iroh with such a look, wondering if the man had lost it completely; even Momo who had made his home in the cockpit for the past few days stopped chittering and munching on his moon peach, no doubt sensing the awkward situation around the room.
Aang could only blink, once, twice, before looking at Zuko whose expression became emotionless, only to darken dangerously when the whispers of 'Huh? Am I hearing right?' and 'Who is General Iroh referring to?' and 'Was there something in the water?' and also 'General Iroh surely didn't mean Zuko the Qianyuans' Slayer by his words… right?'. "Uncle…" Zuko raised his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, the threatening tone he spoke in rendered the place silent. "I think… you have read too many romance novels on this voyage, and you know what that meant don't you?" The smile Zuko gave held no humor at all, making Iroh take a step back as a horrified look crossed his face. "Say bye-bye to them, because I sure as hell will use them as ammunition against that annoying bug!" Zuko snapped, pointing at the window, no doubt pointing at Captain Zhao's ship, which was out of sight.
"Ahem! General Iroh…" Lieutenant Jee, who was the first to run to the cockpit when the bells sounded, finally cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable and a little bit scared for his life (A fair assessment with the way Zuko was glaring at Iroh as if killing him in his head a thousand time). "From our estimation, Captain Zhao's ship will reach us at dawn; from the maps illustrating this region our best plan is to make use of the harsh vortexes infamous to this part of the sea." And here, General Iroh seemed to be relieved as he agreed wholeheartedly to every word and demand, looking away from Zuko who throw his hands up in annoyance and started grumbling something about throwing those damn novels to the bottom of the ocean and be over with, pouting harshly and looking adorable in his anger…
Aang could only smile in amusement…
…("Did you find them? Is the ship theirs?!" The frantic voice shouting in the cockpit made many glance around nervously, not one daring to come forward and talk; fearing the madman who pulled his hair and muttered to himself would lose it and have another fit (Just like the other hundred they were subjected to in their travels). "Well?!" The man snapped whirling around and glaring at them, looking so crazy and unbalanced that many winced and looked away.
"Yes, it was confirmed; the ship belonged to General Iroh." One of the brave officers finally took a step forward and took on their shoulders the tedious job of informing this nutjob, causing many to finally relax a bit, even when they continued to look anywhere but the Captain who paused and started laughing, cheering and chanting the word 'Finally', slapping his hands on the metal walls, his face twisted in an uncomfortable smile.
"Then what are we waiting for?! Give a chase! Give a chase! Don't delay, go on! Use full power!" The man shouted, for once since the start of their journey, looking too joyful; laughter bubbling from his lips as he raised his hands to straighten his hair and clothes, and for the first time looking presentable and sane enough that people felt wary, knowing they need to break the bad news first, which would bring another fit no doubt.
"Captain Zhao." The man from before started, looking so done and annoyed, like he was actually planning on slapping the madman silly for such a stupid order… to think the man standing before them used to be a Commander, just thinking about that brought many mocking and disgust-filled looks. "General Iroh's ship was seen heading to the west, where many dangerous vortexes are located; rushing toward their ship and engaging in a fight near such a dangerous part of the ocean is a suic-!" The man couldn't even continue, as he was punched by Zhao, who glared at him looking unbalanced and angrier by the second.
"Did I ask for your opinion?!" Zhao screamed, raising his leg to kick the falling man over and over again, ignoring how the soldiers ran toward him and tried to pull him away from the bleeding Lieutenant. "I give orders and you listen! Throw him to the dungeon!" The Lieutenant sat up, wiping his bloody nose while glaring hatefully at Zhao before he stood up with the help of the crew.
"You imbecile!" The Lieutenant screamed, finally losing control, glaring at Zhao with a look that held harsh retribution in them. "Dishonorable wretch! Ignorant! Useless piece of shit! Only death and failure will be the end of us because your head is so far up your ass you can't hear the sound of reason! Mark my words, Zhao, for everyone in the Fire Nation will know about this by the end of this fucking day!" Zhao, though, only huffed and waved for the crew to drag the screaming Lieutenant away, straightening his clothes and hair once more, ignoring the whispers and frightful glances thrown his way; why would Zhao care about the words of some measly nothing pumpkin from the countryside, after all…
Today Zhao would finally restore his honor…)…
So, what do you think?
A short chapter I know, but hey! It's an early update!
The reason I posted this early update, well… October 9th is my birthday! And considering that I felt on fire and so inspired when writing this fic, I decided to write another ATLA fic and post it on my birthday! The problem is, that I have too many ideas I don't even know what to choose from! So, I decided to solve this problem by posting a short summary of the fics I mapped out, and allowing you to vote on your favorite one; the idea with the most votes will win and be written and posted on October 9th! There are 6 fics I am working on so please vote for the one you like the most; please keep in mind that all of my stories contain an aged-up Aang, he is not twelve or younger in any of these fics, he is either 16-17 in canon-divergence stories or older!
1-An Isekai/Transmigration story, fluff, comedy, angst, hurt/comfort, healing.
In which Aang, a modern-day lawyer with anger issues (Shocking, right?), transmigrated into a character of this year's bestselling book 'ATLA' as Avatar Aang and must restore the balance by defeating the Fire Nation and killing the main villain of the story, Prince Zuko… too bad that Aang's favorite character in this annoying book, was Prince Zuko, and now? Aang was hellbent on giving his favorite character the happy ending he deserved! This story was heavily inspired by 'SVSSS' or 'Scumbag Self-Saving System', and does have heavy themes even if it's light and mostly comedy.
2-A modern-day fic that is mostly fluff, healing, and some hurt/comfort. A blind date went wrong (Or right in this case).
In which Aang is blind and meets a sarcastic and witty Zuko during a blind date arranged by his adoptive father Gyatso and instantly falls in love. Six months later, and with a grand wedding on the way, Aang learned that his supposed blind date ran away and never showed up to meet him. This story is also inspired by another novel 'Accidentally Married The Wrong Blind Date'.
3-Canon-divergence in a way, imaginary friends (Not really), angst, and sadness but nothing too heavy, I think?
What if… After Aang was frozen, his Spirit roamed the land and watched as the world fell apart because it needed the Avatar… Too bad Aang didn't remember this important part, because if he did. It would have helped him greatly when dealing with the moody fire prince, who followed him all around the world like a hound following its prey. Yes, in this, Zuko thought Aang was his imaginary friend, and he had very mixed emotions about seeing Aang in the flesh prancing around and ignoring him while he was standing RIGHT THERE!
4-Canon-Divergence, reincarnation, Alpha/Beta/Omega (Following the worldbuilding of this universe, but a different story of what if Aang/Kuzon happened instead of implied, like in this story; will even go in-depth about their relationship from this story), reincarnation, Zuko is Kuzon in this one!
One hundred years ago, a boy by the name of Kuzon dared to love but madness and imbalance reigned over and Sozin the Mad annihilated the innocent Airbenders. Eighty-five years later, a boy by the name of Zuko opened his eyes for the first time, his anger and resentment from his past life were too strong it passed to his next life not allowing him the blissful ignorance that children lived in when they were born. This time though, Zuko promised that he would find his beloved and protect him from Ozai and everyone who wished them harm…But first, marry that idiot Aang before someone snatched him from Zuko's fingers; saving the world could come after!
5-Canon-Divergence, fluff, hurt/comfort, time-travel, in this one, instead of Zuko being a reincarnation of Kuzon, he is Kuzon! (Kuzon was an alias Zuko used every time he left the safety of the palace).
Sneaking away from home was easy; sneaking away from a guarded palace, where no one ever paid any attention to him was even easier. Getting lost in the forest near his home and almost dying? That wasn't planned at all. However, Zuko couldn't be happier for being lost that day, not after meeting a nice boy born with a smile on his lips, who could fly so high in the sky, and was happy to be Zuko's first friend… What Zuko didn't expect though, was for his friend to be an Airbender, the same Airbender that his grandfather killed one hundred years in the past… A past that Zuko seemed to travel to and from on a weekly basis…
6-Canon-Divergence, angst, hurt/comfort, Avatar Zuko, role-reversal (And a crazy one at that!).
What if… Zuko was born as the Avatar from the past, and Aang was the banished son of Ozai… This changes everything and nothing at the same time… this idea, I admit came to me in a fit of madness (And sleep deprivation I sometimes suffer from), and weeeeellllll, I couldn't help writing the idea down, it seemed exciting.
So, everyone! Vote on your most favorite fic idea, and hopefully, it will be posted on October 9th!
Read and Review
And tell me what you think…
Nazaki-Sama