The Stone Cold Bender *ATLA Fanfic*

*Chapter 9*Boat Time*

Ever since Iroh and I have been kidnapped, Iroh has let me wander around the ship and had even gotten a room set up for me. He got me some clothes from a market, some Earth Kingdom, others Fire Nation. I would alternate between the two kinds of clothing or mismatch them. 

I had begun to get over my seasickness. And only got sick when the waters were ruff. 

Currently we are following Appa into the Fire Nation. Why Aang going to the fire nation before learning to bend all four elements, your guess is as good as mine.

Iroh is currently on the top deck with Zuko trying to convince him that going to the Fire Nation is a bad idea because he had been banished. Though, the hot-headed prince isn't listening. But what else do you expect from him, he is dead set on capturing Aang. 

I, on the other hand, am laying in my bed braiding my hair, something I don't do often. Usually, I just throw my hair up into a ponytail, but I had time on my hands. 

Everything is peaceful until I fell the ship shake. "What's going on?" I question aloud. Standing up, I make my way to the top deck with Chip on my shoulder. 

Once on the deck my eyes widen, fireballs were descending upon us. "Ummm, Iroh. what's going on?" I ask the old man. 

He sighs rubbing his beard before responding. "My nephew decided that storming a Fire Nation blockade was a good idea." He grumbles.

"Ah. So, we're gonna die?" I question.

"Most likely." 

As we get closer to the blockade, two ships make their way to block us off. 

"We're on a collision course!" Iroh exclaims. And the hot-headed prince protested. (Of course, he did.) 

Just before we collide, their ships stop moving. As we pass, Zuko glares at one of the men on one of the bigger ships. 'I'm glad I wore a Fire Nation outfit today.' I think a I tug on the sleeve of my black haori with red fire patterns at the bottom. Along with the haori, I am wearing my usual black sleeveless undershirt, and a blood red hakama pants. 

"What's he up to, Uncle? Why didn't Commander Zhao arrest me?" Zuko questions. 

"Because he wants to follow you." Iroh replies. "He knows you'll lead him to the prize you're both after; the Avatar." 

"If Zhao wants to follow our trail of smoke, then that's exactly what I'll let him do." Zuko states. I raise my hand as I question him. "Isn't that the opposite of what we want?" I tilt my head confused. 

Zuko turns and glares are me. But once we lock eyes, a slight pink graces his cheeks. 'Emotions other then rage, that's new.' 

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"Are you sure this is a good idea?" I question Zuko, only to be ignored. The prince and I are on a small boat being lowered from from the main ship. 

"Uncle, keep heading north. Zhao will follow the smoke trail while I use it as a cover." He explains to Iroh. 

 I wave my hands trying to get the princes attention. "And why exactly, can't I just stay on the ship?!" I cry dramatically, wanting to be back in the comfort of the ship.

"Because you are going to help me." He replies.

"I am?" I tilt my head with my finger on my chin. "Why would I do that?" I question.

"Because if you don't," He pauses, grabbing something from behind him. "I'll kill your bird." In his hand is a bird cage with Chip in it. 'Ah, so that's where he went.' I glare at him. "...Fine, but you owe me." I sigh as I sit on the cold metal deck with my back against the side. "So, where are we going?"

He glances at me before answering. "Crescent Island." 

'Ah yes, because I know where that is.' I deadpan. I sit and listen to the sound of the waves against the metal of the boat. It's quiet peaceful.... and boring. "Sooo, are we just going to sit in silence till we get there?" I question. Chip chirps, showing his distaste to the idea of being quiet. 

"Let's asks each other questions!" I clap my hands together with a proud face. "I'll start. What's your favorite color?" I ask, crossing my legs. 

After having Zuko not say anything, I continue. "My favorite color is red, which is kind of ironic when you think about it. You know, me being an earthbender and all. And yours?" My eyes bore into Zuko until he sighs and grumbles an answer.  "Red."

My eyes practically sparkle in delight at the fact he responded. I wait for him to ask a question. Sighing Zuko sits across from me on the deck. "Favorite animal?" 

"I'm going to narrow it down to Appa, the Avatars' flying bison. He is so adorable and fluffy!" I gush. "What about yours?" I lean towards him.

Zuko's face heats up as he looks down and mutters something. "Hmm?" I tilt my head questioningly. He looks up as he answers. "I said turtleducks." 

'...turtle...ducks?'

"I have never seen one of those before, but they sound adorable!" I turn to my caged bird. "I am sorry my dear friend, but you are being replaced with a turtleduck." I tell Chip with a straight face. 

Offended, Chip squeaks at me before turning his back to me.

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915 words

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Psycho_Innocent out!

09/27/2021