Avatar: The Red Dragon

Chapter 18: The Expedition

"Hiiiiiii kids!"

Nanami looked up at the weird man neighing and waving to them. He was wriggling all over the place, dancing on the bow of a massive ship that just docked at Capital Island's harbour.

The stranger jumped off the boat, not taking the gangway, and landed heavily on the paved ground of the docks. Nanami observed him from head to toes. He seemed to be around Master Tenzin's age – maybe a little bit older – with a messy hairstyle and a goat beard. He was wearing a red jacket with golden trimmings and white trousers, as well as a black belt wrapped around his waist. The outfit is completed by a pair of high, light brown boots.

"Hello, little lady," he greeted her. "I'm Captain Bumi of the United Forces. I have been appointed as your guide in your search for the Red Dragon!"

"You're Master Tenzin's brother?"

"Yes, I'm his big brother," he answered, with a broad smile. "So, are you all ready to depart, cadets? But first, introductions! Line up here, and one by one, state your name!" he commanded, pointing to a free spot nearby.

"Nanami", "Hiroki", "Miya", and "Saki" could be heard in turn on the busy pier. Bumi nodded each time, and standing in front of the last crew member, he asked, "What about you, buddy?"

"My name is Iroh, Captain," the young prince introduced himself, standing straight.

Nanami looked his way. Iroh's eyes were sparkling from excitement. She chuckled discreetly, and smiled from seeing him so happy.

"Okay, now that the presentations are done, let's go!" Bumi shouted, motioning for them to follow him, and they all boarded the United Forces Navy Second Division's ship.

Nanami stepped on the gangway with determination. She turned back to look one last time at the harbour. A new journey had begun for her. I'm going to find Tai Long, the Red Dragon!

It was the first time for either of the children to step on a military ship. They were all amazed, and were glancing around, scrutinizing every corner with their eyes eagerly. The boat was made of steel, and cannons with the Fire Nation's emblem painted on them could be found on the deck. The machines were huge, and Nanami, Miya, Hiroki, Saki and Iroh stayed breathless in front of this military gunnery.

Bumi guided them to their cabins. One cabin could fit up to four persons, with two bunk beds on either side of the room. Nanami, Miya, Saki and Hiroki were sharing a room, while Iroh was going to share a room with the United Forces crew. Bumi took Iroh to his cabin, leaving the other four in theirs. They observed enthusiastically their new home, and started unpacking.

"I was so surprised that Headmaster Kaito actually accepted that we go on this journey!" Saki said, putting her bag on her bed. She took the bottom bed on the left side of the cabin.

"Right? He even contacted Avatar Aang and Fire Lord Zuko to prepare everything," Hiroki added, sitting on the bottom bed on the other side.

"Toh's face though," Miya laughed, climbing on the bed above Saki. "I thought his head was gonna explode from anger." The four friends guffawed merrily, making fun of their teacher without any bad thoughts.

"I'm glad you could all come with me. Thanks everyone," Nanami declared, serious all of a sudden. They all looked up at her, sitting on the bed above Hiroki. She was smiling, but it wasn't her usual cheerful expression; it was a bit solemn. "Especially you, Saki. Fortunately your parents ended up accepting."