Book 1: Clouded Waters

We Meet Again...Stalker

     After the rush back to the ship, Hikari decided she had too much of an adventure for one day...or was it two? Hopefully, she would never pull an all-nighter again. It was for Iroh, but that did not make it up to her state of being. She was exhausted. Sleep immediately pulled her into welcoming darkness.

     She woke up, still feeling groggy. Quickly, she brushed out her hair, grabbed her belt and began her decent to the lower deck. All the while, she was throwing her hair into a messy ponytail. The sun blinded her the moment she reached the deck.

     Chaos greeted her. The ship was going at the fastest speed she had seen it run. Men were rushing to and fro. Zuko was shouting orders. It seemed only the oldest man of the entire crew was the calm in the current storm. The brunette approached him, standing to his left. She watched on silently, soon enough, catching sight of the flying bison.

     "Oh, so we've spotted the Avatar," Hikari spoke.

     "Do you not remember the man we questioned," Iroh asked.

     "I fell asleep."

     "We're sailing into Fire Nation waters. Of all the foolish things he's done..."

     "I get the feeling we're asking for more trouble than all of this is worth."

     The old man sighed, "I believe you're correct."

     Soon enough, orders were going up to bring out the catapult. It was an impressive invention. The only thing that was not so thrilling was the ball ready to be launched. There was smoke coming off of it. It smelled horribly! The stench was enough for her to cover her nose. Beside her, her uncle had a fan, attempting to direct the smell elsewhere.

     "Uh, really Prince Zuko," Iroh scowled, "couldn't you shoot them down with something more fragrant?"

     The prince in question ignored him, "On my mark! Fire!"

     A guard beside him sliced the rope holding back the catapult. The flaming projectile raced through the air and towards the animal. She felt herself go stiff for the group. The fireball landed in the water, but it lead to her sights landing on a much bigger problem. Steadily coming closer was a line of war ships. She could barely make out the flames on deck. There was no way they were on fire.

     "A blockade," Zuko shouted.

     "Technically you are still in Earth Kingdom waters." His uncle placed a hand on his shoulder, "Turn back now and they cannot arrest you."

     "He's not turning around!"

     "Please, Prince Zuko! If the Fire Nation captures you, there is nothing I can do! Do not follow the Avatar."

     The prince bowed his head, "I'm sorry, Uncle." He threw out his right hand, "Run the blockade!"

     The brunette could feel her heart rate pick up. This was dangerous on many levels. If adrenaline was not coursing through her veins at that moment, then she did not know what was.

     Fireballs were begging to launch into the air. The aim was at the Avatar, but their ship was in danger too. Unlike the flying bison, the ship could not maneuver so easily. She held her breath as the rain fell all around them. The back of the ship was struck, shaking the machine and threatening to throw the girl off balance.

     There was billows of black smoke trailing into the sky. It was scary to think it might as well cause the sinking of the ship. An engineer came running out, covered in ash.