An Anchor In The Storm

Chapter 2

As the ship steamed onward to the small village, Zuko was getting ready to disembark. Attendants helped him into his armour. After he was ready he turned to Kai who nodded. They left the room to assemble the small group going with them.

There was a loud rumbling as the ship cut through the ice. When they came to a full stop the bowspit opened to create a gang plank. Zuko started down the ramp, Kai and five others following. As they were descending, a young teen charged toward Zuko. The young warrior let out a war cry. With casual ease Zuko kicked his weapon away and then kicked the teen off the ramp.

When they reached the village Zuko addressed the frightened villagers. "Where are you hiding him!?" He demanded scanning the crowd. When no one responded he reached out and grabbed an elderly woman. "He'd be about this age? Master of all elements?"

Kai winced when Zuko threw the woman back to her people. Shit that is Gran Gran, sorry Katara.

Crying out in frustration Zuko launched a gout of fire over the fearful crowd. "I know you are hiding him!"

So that kid earlier, was that... another war cry interrupted Kai's thoughts. Sokka was charging at Zuko again. Zuko dodged the attack, then flipped Sokka over his head. He fired a blast at Sokka who dodged, rolling to the side. Sokka threw his boomerang. Zuko barely dodged the hit. He glared at Sokka.

A little kid threw a spear to Sokka shouting, "show no fear!" He charged again, but before he got too close, Zuko snapped the spear using his wrist guards.

After breaking off the spearhead, Zuko took the shaft from Sokka. He boinked Sokka in the forehead a few times before breaking the spear and discarding the pieces. Sokka fell to the ground rubbing his forehead. Zuko stood over him glaring sternly. Then Kai heard a clunk and Zuko's helmet was crooked. The boomerang had finally come back and hit Zuko in the back of the head. Now livid, Zuko hovered over Sokka menacingly, while sparks flaired from his fingers.

In a flash a kid riding on a penguin rushed through, slamming into Zuko. Zuko went flying and landed on his head, his helmet landing on his rear. Kai had to suppress a laugh but couldn't hide his smirk. When they came to a stop, the penguin pushed the kid off and waddled away. "Hey Katara. Hey Sokka." He chimed cheerfully.

"Hi.... Aang. Thanks for comin'." Sokka replied dryly.

Zuko got to his feet and took a fighting stance. The kid, who looked like he should be freezing, stood at the ready. Kai stayed close to Zuko while the others surrounded the kid. A couple soldiers closed in on him, but he blasted them backward with air. He blasted Zuko and Kai as well but they both held their ground, guarding their faces. "Looking for me?" Aang called.

Confusion marred Zuko's face, and he stared in disbelief. "You're the airbender? You're the avatar?"

Kai looked at his childhood friends, who looked as surprised as him. "Aang?" Katara questioned. Sokka was also heard whispering "no way."

Zuko and Aang circled eachother looking for an opening. "I've spent years preparing for this encounter. Training. Meditating. You're just a child!" Zuko exclaimed.

"Well, you're just a teenager." Aang quipped.

Zuko fired shot after shot as Aang twirled his staff in front of him to block the flames. Yet doing this couldn't shield everyone in the village. He stopped then inquired, "if I go with you, do you promise to leave everyone alone?"