Sakura Beifong

The Journey Continues

Hello everyone I hope you all are ready for the next chapter! Enjoy!

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Normal pov

Hours had passed since Katara took Aang back to his room so that she can check if he needs anymore healing, and the crew of the stowaway ship had relaxed after the sparring with Zuko and Sakura, which ended a draw. Sakura leaned on the railing, watching the sea’s gentle waves ripple against the shop, and Zuko stood nearby, lost in thought, his golden eyes reflecting a rare vulnerability. Suddenly, the sound of a distant horn broke through the quiet night, another Fire Nation ship had appeared on the horizon, they hadn't realised the ship because it was still so misty. It loomed closer, its flags snapping sharply in the wind, alarmed, the crew scrambled, each hiding where they could. Bato and Akoda, the only ones with enough experience to blend in, quickly donned Fire Nation uniforms they had scavenged from their last encounter.

“Everyone, stay out of sight, we’ll handle this.”

Sakura crouched behind a stack of crates with Toph and Katara, her heart racing. The tension in the air was palpable as the enemy ship pulled alongside them, and a boarding plank clattered into place. A Fire Nation captain, flanked by two guards, crossed onto their ship, his expression one of stern suspicion.

“State your business."

The captain demanded, his voice was sharp, cutting through the tense silence. Bato stepped forward, his demeanor calm and confident as he smoothly talked with his practiced tone.

“Routine patrol, we’re transporting supplies to a base further south.”

“Supplies? This ship looks barely seaworthy. Show me your cargo.”

"The cargo is classified. Orders directly from General Shinu. We’re not authorized to reveal the contents.”

For a moment, it seemed the captain might accept the explanation. But as he turned to leave, Sakura saw the slight smirk on his face as he talked to one of his guards. Toph, standing beside her, suddenly tensed as he eyes winded, and she immediately came from hiding and announced loudly, her voice startling everyone.

"They know!"

The captain spun around, confusion flashing across his face. But before he could react, Toph’s hands shot forward, and the metal bridge connecting the two ships crumpled and twisted under her control. The captain and his guards cried out as they plummeted into the water below. This made Sokka hiss her name for a moment, but chose to let it slide as Akoda bellowed.

“Start the engine, now!”

Zuko sprang into action, lighting the furnace with a well-aimed burst of firebending. The ship lurched forward, engines roaring to life. But the enemy vessel was faster, and it wasn’t long before it caught up, its cannons firing volleys of fireballs and bombs.

Sakura, Toph and Katara joined Zuko on the deck, hastily coordinating their efforts.

"Katara, guide Toph, she can bend the metal bombs, but she needs your help to aim.”

"Right!"

Katara toom Toph’s arm. Together, they moved as a unit, with Toph bending the metal projectiles mid-air while Sakura directed her where to send them. Zuko countered the incoming fireballs with his own firebending, igniting their own makeshift bombs and hurling them back at the enemy ship.

“This isn’t going to hold them off forever,” Katara warned as she bent water to extinguish the flames licking at their deck.

“Things can’t get any worse than this!” Sokka groaned, his voice filled with exasperation.