Chapter 38: The Master of the Four Elements
Pov: Zuko
I practiced my bending skills with all my might on the deck of my ship. I used my best techniques with agility and ingenuity, fueling my fire with my newly ignited anger.
My uncle, Iroh, watched my every move attentively, looking pleased with my progress.
- Well, you're more skillful than ever. - Iroh praised me with a fatherly smile.
- I must be ready to face the supreme warrior, someone who is certainly stronger than Kai. - I comment, catching my breath. - They say that Avatar Kyoshi was powerful enough to defeat armies with ease.
- Your level is extraordinary, Prince Zuko, you're much more powerful than an ordinary general. - Iroh approached and put his hand on his nephew's shoulder. - With such cultivated power, you must be one of the most powerful men in the world. How about resting and drinking tea with me?
As attractive as the invitation was, I decided to decline, returning to my combat position and slowly concentrating my energy in my hands.
- Let's say you can defeat the Avatar and take him to your father. - Iroh put his hands behind his back. - A mission that could be considered impossible. His return could be very difficult, not to mention that Azula reached the age required to inherit the throne two weeks ago.
- That's why I have to take the Avatar to my father. It's the only way to regain my honor and my right to the throne. - I say angrily. - If I fail, I won't have a home to return to.
Iroh looked sadly at his nephew, the pain of spending almost ten years on an impossible mission making Zuko less hopeful and more frustrated, often attacking his own subordinates.
When the old military ship approached the southern tribe, most of the crew prepared for battle.
In my room, I was dressed in battle armor that had several features that pointed to the element of fire. I took a deep breath when the helmet was placed on my head and felt a great weight on my chest.
The imposing ship crashed aggressively into the ice, throwing several chunks of ice into the air, but the impact didn't affect the ship's hull at all. At the bow of the ship, a ramp structure fell violently to the ground, revealing itself to be a door for the troops to exit.
I marched alongside my subordinates and led them to the wooden gate that separated my Fury from the small, defenseless tribe.
- I AM PRINCE ZUKO, SON OF THE FIRE LORD OZAI AND RIGHTFUL RULER OF THE FIRE NATION! - I shouted, making sure I was heard. - WE DON'T WANT TO BURN YOUR HOUSES, BUT IF YOU DON'T COOPERATE, YOU WILL SUFFER UNIMAGINABLE CONSEQUENCES.
I noticed a presence moving pitifully behind the wooden gate, but decided not to destroy it, as I needed to take control of the situation.
- WE'RE AFTER SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T BELONG TO YOUR TRIBE. GIVE HIM TO ME AND LET THEM GO IN PEACE.
I waited a few minutes, which seemed like an eternity. Just as I was about to send my soldiers into the attack, the Pathetic Gate opened, revealing a man about 18 to 19 years old, who looked like he was wearing war armor and make-up.
- I am Sokka, leader of the southern tribe. - said Sokka, looking intimidated by the soldiers.
- Have you thought about my offer? leader of the southern tribe. - I couldn't help but feel sorry for the pathetic way the man called Sokka presented himself.
- I demand that you leave Wolf Bay. You're wasting your time coming here to fight. - threatened Sokka, holding his gun with newfound courage.
- You think you can take us all on? - I scoffed, but I was irritated by such ignorance. - I could beat him with just one arm.
- Then let's go! Leader against leader, if I win, you and your men get out of here! - I challenge Sokka, confident of using the pride and honor of the fire benders as an opportunity to save everyone in the tribe.
I laugh imperceptibly, finding Sokka's ignorance funny.
- Sir, there's no need to waste time on him. - One of the soldiers whispers to Zuko.
- He has defied the honor of the Fire Nation. As Prince, it is my sacred duty to teach this man a lesson.
I walk slowly, watching every movement of the man holding the gun with some trepidation. Realizing that he's not going to attack first, I fire a stream of fire that deliberately hits the wooden gate, destroying it in the process, but I quickly realize that the frigid environment of the South Pole has affected my powers more than I imagined.
Sokka, thinking he had the upper hand because he had "dodged" the first blow, advanced with his weapon ready to hit Zuko's left side, which would be a weakness since he clearly can't see out of that eye. However, Zuko has had years of practice to at least anticipate attacks aimed at his blind spot, and he quickly launches a fire-covered kick to quickly push his opponent away.
- Just because I'm blind in one eye doesn't mean you can beat me. - I commented, launching several attacks that purposely missed my target, just to toy with my prey.
Zuko was toying with Sokka, it was nowhere near a real fight, the reason for his behavior was simply to provoke the Avatar into coming out of hiding.
- You're too weak, you're not even worth a warm-up. - I scoffed, launching an attack that Sokka wasn't expecting, easily knocking him to the ground. - If it weren't for this damn cold, you'd be dead already.
- Sokka! - shouted a teenage girl who bore a strange resemblance to Sokka.
- Katara! Get out of here! I told you to stay in the village! - Shouted Sokka, who had several wounds on his body.
- STOP RIGHT THERE! - I threatened the young woman, forming a fireball in my hands and threatening to shoot Sokka. - I KNOW THE AVATAR IS IN THIS VILLAGE, IF YOU DON'T HAND HIM OVER TO ME, THAT MAN WILL DIE!
Katara seemed to be in a complex dilemma in her mind, not knowing how to proceed due to the pressure she felt to save her brother or protect Aang.
The Waterbender took a deep breath and tried to calm her mind, deciding for the first time to take control of her own destiny.
- So that's how it's going to be... - I whispered, noticing that the girl wanted to fight.
Before Prince Zuko could unleash his flames to execute Sokka, a powerful blast of air threw him back a few meters.
A shaven-headed teenager with a blue arrow tattooed on his head, dressed in orange and yellow, suddenly appeared holding a staff with a serious look on his face.
Zuko's soldiers set out to fight the newcomer, but were easily defeated by his mastery and ability to bend air, leaving Prince Zuko shocked to see such elemental mastery after so many years.
- Air bender... - I whispered, quickly getting to my feet and launching my flames with swift kicks at the bald man.
The Airbender dispersed the flames expertly, frustrating the Prince even more.
Unbeknownst to him, Zuko was feeding his flames more and more with his anger, and the Air Bender's defenses were failing more and more; instead of dispersing the fire, he was feeding it with the air current.
Aang quickly realized his mistake in fighting too close to the tribe, putting the children and the elderly in danger with his reckless actions.
- Please, let's stop! I surrender. - said Aang, concerned for the safety of the civilians. - It's me they're looking for, take me away without hurting anyone.
- You're the Avatar! - I said indignantly. - I've trained all my life for this moment and you're just a teenager.
- Yes, I am. - said Aang, without sounding very confident.
The soldiers rose from the ground and surrounded the Air Master, ready to fire their flames if necessary.
- Take the Avatar to the ship. - I ordered.
- Aang! - Katara shouted when she was stopped by the wounded Sokka.
- It's all right, Katara, it's the right thing to do. - Aang said to comfort Katara.
Aang was quickly pushed forward and forced towards the ship. His iconic staff was taken from his hands and handed to Zuko, who seemed to be admiring the 100-year-old relic.
- This staff will make an excellent gift for my father. - I said, admiring the strange design of the weapon. - Plot our course for the fire nation, we're going home.
Everyone walks towards my ship, of course, not letting their guard down against any attempt by the Avatar to escape. With everyone on board, we're on course for the Fire Nation without delay.
- Take the Avatar to the prison. - I ordered as I walked towards my cabin.
I felt a euphoria that I couldn't describe in words, even though I was very disappointed in the Avatar. The stories made it clear that the ancient Avatars were beings capable of dictating the rules of the world, but it seemed that this Avatar was nothing more than a teenager who was unaware of the true face of today's world, as if he had been exiled for a long time.
***
An hour had passed since they had set sail from the Southern Tribe. Aang was sitting in his cell, wondering how he was going to escape his prison. His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed an elderly man with a friendly, wise look.
The prison guard quickly greeted the former general, not out of hierarchy, but as a sign of friendship, because Iroh, unlike Zuko, was a friendly person to live with.
- Many thought this day would never come. - commented Iroh, admiring every detail of the Avatar. - I myself lost faith for years, thinking that you would never return, Avatar.
- Can I ask you something?
- I'm sorry. - Iroh interrupted. - My name is Iroh, son of the Fire Lord Azulon.
- My name is Aang... Why did the Fire Nation declare war? - asked Aang, searching for answers to the many doubts in his heart.
- Some say it's our nature to spread and consume, like fire. Others believe that world peace can only be achieved by controlling the Fire Nation.
- That doesn't make sense. Peace comes from respect for life, love for others and respect for differences, not death and destruction. - said Aang indignantly.
- Your words are true, Avatar. - Iroh agreed with regret. - For many, it doesn't matter how the war started, but who will end it.
- Did you say "who"? Isn't it "how" to end the war?
- Young Avatar, the Fire Nation is stronger than ever. - Iroh warned, letting his emotions become clear to the inexperienced Avatar. - Today, there are a number of very powerful people, each with the power to change the course of this long war.
Aang seemed tense, with his recent awakening and the discovery that he had been asleep for over 100 years leaving him dazed. The burden of being an Avatar was something he never wanted, and now he had the responsibility of saving the world, but Iroh's warning was clear that it would not be an easy task.
- Years ago, it was believed that his capture would lead to the Fire Nation's victory, but recent events have proved that... the Fire Nation's victory is inevitable.
- Not if I can stop it. - Aang said with fear in his eyes.
- Well, I have to go, I'll send you some tea so you can relax while we travel. - Iroh said with a smile. - It's going to be a long journey, Avatar.
When Iroh left, the guard took the opportunity to open the door for the war veteran, unaware that the Avatar had used his Airbending to steal the keys to the prison.
***
Pov: Zuko
I was in the captain's cabin, looking out over the ocean. It was strange to think that I was finally going to be able to sleep peacefully for a long time.
- To think that I'm going home after seven years. - I whispered to myself.
- SIR! - shouted a desperate-looking soldier.
- Is there a problem? Are we having engine problems again? - I asked, familiar with the old ship's mechanical problems.
- THE AVATAR HAS ESCAPED!
- WHAT? HOW DID IT ESCAPE? - I shouted, but quickly realized that a soldier had been thrown overboard by a strong gust of wind.
Aang was easily defeating the firebenders, who didn't know the attack and defense patterns of a master of the air.
Sure of his escape, the young Avatar was surprised by a wave of fire above his head. Out of pure reflex, he used his staff to spread the flames across the deck.
Zuko leapt from the captain's cabin and landed on the deck with agility and aggression. He exuded an aura of pure hatred and anger, with his blind eye helping to emphasize his angry appearance.
- I was kind enough to spare that village, but I will show you no mercy. - I threatened, launching a jet of flame that was dissipated by the twirling of the staff in the Avatar's hands.
Aang was surprised by Zuko's strength and was slowly pushed back by the flames, a testament to the Prince's power. The successive attacks knocked the Avatar's staff out of his hands, exposing him to Zuko's attack, which hit him directly in the stomach, causing him to lose his balance and fall into the sea.
- Aang, no! - shouted a female voice, drawing the attention of the ship's crew.
- This girl again? Is that a bison? - Zuko recognized the animal, long thought to be extinct, thanks to his hobbies of intense study. - Take down that bison!
The firebenders line up next to Zuko, concentrating their flames to burn the great flying bison. Suddenly, the ship begins to shake, causing most of the crew to lose their balance.
A pillar of water rose from the sea, revealing the Avatar, his eyes glowing and radiating power from his very presence.
The Avatar state was activated, giving Aang the ability to magnificently bend the water thanks to the influence of the ancient Avatars, causing the huge ship to freeze and become trapped by a large layer of ice, causing various damages to the ship's structure.
- NOOOOOOO, DAMN YOU! - I shouted, throwing my flames into the sky, hoping to hit the Avatar.
Aang managed to catch up with his companion, Appa, who was carrying Katara and Sokka. The Avatar's team flew through the sky, escaping Zuko without too much trouble.
- What the hell! Melt the damn ice, we can't lose track of the Avatar. - I ordered, using my firebending to speed up the process.
In the captain's cabin, Iroh watched the battle unfold. Part of him was sad for Zuko, but he was relieved that the Avatar had managed to escape.
By nightfall, the ice had melted and the ship could sail, but unfortunately the damage didn't allow for a long voyage.
- At this rate, we're going to lose track of the Avatar! - I shouted.
- We need to make repairs, Prince Zuko, and we can't do that on the high seas.
- *Sigh* I know, we have to sail to the southern headquarters, only there can we make the repairs. - I clenched my fists. - Damn it, the Supreme Warrior is nothing but a coward.
- We don't know what kind of Avatar he is, but he's not what you or I expect.
- I'll find him yet! We're in the most isolated place in the world, he can't escape to many places. - I said, looking at the map. - We can still catch him before he hides in the earth realm.
- It's going to be a race. If the Avatar crosses the southern borders, everyone in the world will inevitably know that he has returned. - commented Iroh, worried about Zuko's mental state.
***
A few hours ago...
While Zuko was trying to prevent the Avatar from escaping, a small makeshift raft was struggling to sail south on the high seas.
The only member of the crew seemed to be an incredibly tall, brown-skinned woman, 210 cm tall, who wore a tight, sleeveless black shirt with a high collar that showed off her physique, leaving her arms bare, practically showing off her muscles with a certain pride. He wore rather baggy white pants, held up by a red cape that served as a belt, and his feet were bare.
Her appearance was that of a woman in her thirties, although her body was almost a castle of muscles, she possessed a certain mesmerizing beauty and her scars gave her a wild touch. However, the most striking feature of her appearance was her short, shoulder-length, snow-white hair and blood-red eyes, not to mention the claw-like nails on her hands and feet.
This woman seemed indifferent to the Waves' aggression, to the point of feeling bored.
- I'm so hungry... I haven't eaten since I arrived in this damned kingdom. - said the woman angrily, putting her hand on her stomach. - Seriously, how can people live in an environment with so little spiritual energy?
The woman sat down on the wood, leaving her legs in a lotus position, holding her chin as if trying to find a solution.
- Damn it, Katsu. - She crossed her arms. - I'm your mother, you should have let me help you.
As the woman muttered, she felt a large mass of spiritual energy heading south, which made her turn her head in the direction of the power.
- Hmmm, so the Avatar has returned? - she asked herself. - As much as I'd like to kill another Avatar, my priority is to bring my grandson home... but first I really need to eat.
A large fin appeared in front of the woman's eyes and smiled, showing its sharp fangs. The large animal seemed to be about 23 meters long, making it a big shark.
- Hmmm... I thought they were extinct. - commented the woman, running her tongue across her lips. - You're very unlucky, Mr. Shark, but I'm going to teach you who the top predator in the food chain is. - Her eyes sparkled.
Next chapter: Aki, The Hungry Dragon
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