Post by Runty_Grunty on Nov 13, 2006 15:53:03 GMT -5
Okay, so here's my first fanfiction. I've been working on it for a bit, but I'm completely new to the fanfiction art. This takes place after "Zuko Alone", and leads into "The Chase". Also, I've decided to use the transcript format the people at Avatarspirit.net use. I hope this won't be a problem. Besides, I'm not making a profit off of this. Lastly, I'd like to mention the links at the bottom. Those are to be activated (copy and paste) when you reach the appropriate point in the fanfic. They'll enhance the experience. If you have any problems, see the disclaimer at the bottom. Understand, I don't mean to break any laws here.
The Wildflower
{The scene starts with a view of a sparsely clouded noon sky. A few birds fly through the air before the camera rotates downwards to show a forest with a road running alongside a small cliff. A moment later, Zuko rides onto the scene down the road. The view closes in on his face, which is in a state of deep contemplation.}
{After a moment, the view changes to the ostrich-horse Zuko is riding. It suddenly looks up. The view changes to the path and zooms to show a group of unusual leaves a short way ahead. Seemingly ecstatic, the ostrich-horse squawks and starts running quickly.}
Zuko: [surprised] Huh? Hey!
{Zuko attempts to grab hold of the reins, but is too late to stop himself from falling off his mount.}
Zuko: Oof!
{The bird walks over to the leaves and begins sniffing them. It then proceeds to devour them. The view snaps back to Zuko, who groans as he pushes himself up.}
Zuko: Stupid bird! [looks ahead]
{A mixed look of confusion and anger appear on his face upon seeing his mount gorging the plants. He strides over to the creature and begins pulling on its reins, but the bird will not budge.}
Zuko: Come on! Move it! [continues pulling] I already fed you this morning!
{Zuko's attempts to deprive the ostrich-horse from its meal begin to annoy it, and it takes a snap at its rider. Zuko jumps back, the beak narrowly missing his hand. The bird squawks at him, and then resumes eating. Zuko, clearly furious, throws the reins to the ground and storms off as he speaks.}
Zuko: Fine, have it your way.
{Zuko storms off down the path while his mount continues to feed itself. He walks up to a small rock and takes a seat on it, placing his head between his hands in frustration. The camera slowly scrolls alongside his face, showing he is in deep thought. After a moment, he takes in a deep breath, and sighs.}
{Zuko's train of thought is stopped at the sound of someone screaming. He instantly bolts to his feet and assumes a stance as he looks around him. The camera (from Zuko's perspective) shows no one is there. At the sound of another scream, the view quickly looks into the forest. The view changes back to Zuko’s face. His eyes narrow and he slightly frowns.}
{The scene then shifts to a view of a person running through the forest, as though fleeing for dear life. After a moment, it shifts again to another person, much larger, also running through the woods. The scene changes again to show the first person, a young red-haired girl in a traveler’s cloak. The expression on her face indicates that she is clearly terrified. The view then shows the second person, a large, sinister looking brutish man, wielding a large, crude sword in one hand, and dressed in leather armor. The scene then changes to a clearing; the girl comes running out of the woods, the brigand closely behind her. As the brigand exits, he slashes his sword across the ground, sending a small fissure speeding towards the girl. She trips over it when it reaches her, and falls to the ground. The man grins evilly, and then starts walking toward the girl. She tries to push herself up, but the brigand reaches her first.}
Brigand: [cackles] This could’ve been a lot simpler, missy. [raises sword] Eh, it’s more fun this way.
{The brigand roars as he swings his blade at the girl. She shuts her eyes and screams. The view changes to show the brigand’s blade in mid-swing. Suddenly, it is suddenly blocked by another sword.}
Brigand: Huh?!
{The view shifts to show Zuko, his dual swords in hand. The girl, still shaken, slowly opens her eyes and looks at her savior.}
Zuko: Try picking on someone who can actually fight back, cretin.
{The brigand furiously swings a fist at Zuko, who nimbly dodges it. Zuko assumes a stance.}
Brigand: Hehehehe… Wrong place, wrong time, and the wrong guy to tick off, pal.
{The brigand slams his sword into the ground, Earthbending the ground in a shockwave. Zuko stands his ground until the last second, where he jumps away from the wave. As he lands, he instantly parries a swing from the brigand. The brigand continues to swing away at Zuko, with the prince either dodging or blocking the attack. On the side, the girl watches Zuko in awe. The brigand then Earthbends a boulder at Zuko; Zuko dodges it, but almost instantly after, the brigand swings his sword at him. Zuko blocks the strike, but the force of the blow knocks the blades out of his hands. Shortly after, the brigand takes another swing, but Zuko jumps back and it misses.}
Brigand: [cackles] Not so hot now, are ya, punk?
{The brigand rushes at Zuko, readying a killing strike. Zuko assumes a stance, and as the brigand closes in on him, the prince shoots a flaming kick at him. The blast hits the brigand directly, and he flies back from the hit, crashing to the ground. As Zuko reassumes his stance, the brigand groans in pain, before losing consciousness.}
{The view cuts to the girl as Zuko lowers his stance. She is astonished by Zuko’s performance. Zuko walks over to his dual swords, picks them up, and sheathes them. He then turns to face the girl, who has not taken her eyes off him. They stare at each other for a moment.}
Girl: Uh… um… thank you. [tries to stand up] Aah!
{The girl falls to the ground as her leg gives way and she clutches her ankle in pain. Zuko does not move for a moment, and then walks over to her side. He kneels over and places a hand on her ankle.}
Zuko: It’s not broken.
Girl: Ow! [Zuko removes his hand]
[short pause]
Zuko: Well, you won’t going anywhere with that.
{After a short moment, Zuko places the girl’s arm around his neck and lifts her up on his shoulder. He then proceeds to move her out of the clearing. The girl looks at him, almost confused by his generosity. The two leave the clearing as the sky begins to darken.}
{The scene changes to a campfire at night. From offside, Zuko throws a small stick into the fire, causing it to crackle immensely. The view then expands to show the whole camp. The girl is seated on a small log, with Zuko and the ostrich-horse on the other side on the ground. The girl has a bandage around her injured ankle.}
Girl: I can’t tell you how thankful I am for saving me from that bandit. I didn’t think such kind people existed in the world today. Especially from the Fire Nation.
{She looks at Zuko, and realizes by the look on his face that she may have just insulted him.}
Girl: I’m sorry if I insulted you.
Zuko: It’s alright.
Girl: No, it’s not. Believe me when I say I don’t harbor any hatred towards your people. It’s just… in these days of war there are so few people out there who are willing to do what you did to save me. And I want to be able to repay your kindness.
Zuko: I don’t think you’d feel the same way if you knew who I really was.
Girl: No one who did what you did for me could be all evil.
[pause]
Girl: My name’s Sakura.
Zuko: Sakura… that’s a nice name.
Sakura: My mother gave it to me. [sighs] I lost her when I was only six.
Zuko: I’m sorry.
Sakura: It’s okay. I’ve gotten over it. She got sick and her breath gave out as she slept. I still think of her sometimes. [pause] Have- have you ever lost anyone in your life? [Zuko says nothing] I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that.
{The two are silent for a moment, the only thing breaking the silence being the sound of crickets and the crackle of the fire. After a moment, Sakura reaches into her bag, and takes out a small flute. She then begins to play a soft, but beautiful melody1. As she is playing, Zuko looks at Sakura, as though entranced by the song. She soon finishes.}
Zuko: That was… nice.
Sakura: You like it? I’ve always had a sort of gift with music. Would you like to hear another song?
Zuko: Alright.
{Sakura smiles, then raises the flute to her lips and plays another song2. As she plays, the view shows various parts of the forest. Animals from all over seem to become enticed by the melody. Soon, when the song comes to an end, the scene returns to view the camp.}
Sakura: Well?
Zuko: You really do have talent. I’m sure my uncle would love to hear it.
Sakura: Really?
Zuko: [nods] I haven’t seen him in a little while, though. We just split up recently.
Sakura: How come?
Zuko: There have been things I needed to do. And I need to do them on my own.
Sakura: Doesn’t that get lonely?
Zuko: Not really.
Sakura: I can tell you’re lying. Everyone needs a little company once in a while. [pauses shortly] Would- would it be alright if I were to travel with you? I don’t have anywhere else I need to be.
Zuko: I’d rather you didn’t.
Sakura: [disappointed] Why not?
Zuko: Let’s just say the things I need to do are dangerous, too dangerous for someone like you to get involved in.
Sakura: But I-
Zuko: My answer is no. Please don’t ask me again. You’d probably only get hurt if you followed me.
{Once again, the two are silent, with Sakura someone disheartened by Zuko’s words. After a moment, Sakura begins to play another song3. Soon afterwards, the view fades to black.}
{The next morning comes, and the sound of birds can be heard all around. The view cuts to Sakura, who is asleep in a sleeping bag. She slowly stirs, and then wakes up. As she pushes herself up, she looks around. Zuko and his mount are nowhere to be found. Sakura gets up and looks all around her. Zuko is gone, with tracks leading out of the area. She then turns and notices a set of flowers on a tree stump, placed next to her flute. She picks them up and looks in the direction the tracks lead. Sakura sighs as her face turns to one of disappointment. The view zooms out from her.}
{The scene cuts to another area. Zuko rides onto the scene, but shortly afterwards stops at the top of a slope, which looks down on a very large, flat valley. He stares at the view.}
Zuko: [eyes slightly widen] Huh?
{Zuko eyes squint in order to look at something in the sky. The zoom views in to show Appa flying through the air. The view cuts back to Zuko’s eyes, which narrow.}
Zuko: At last…
{The view changes back to show Appa’s shape becoming more distant. After a moment, a small trail of smoke starts rising from the bottom of the scene. Zuko looks downward upon noticing. Down in the valley is a large Fire Nation steam train, which seems to be following Appa. Zuko’s expression turns to disdain at this sight.}
Zuko: Great…
{After a pause, Zuko prepares to move out, but suddenly stops upon hearing the distant sound of Sakura’s flute, playing a new song4. Zuko looks around him, but does not see Sakura. The view cuts to a distant view of Zuko through a set of trees, and scrolls to the side to show Sakura playing her flute behind a thick tree. As she continues to play, the scene changes to a wide view of the surrounding area. The trees seem to sway from a light wind, almost as though the forest is alive. After a moment, the view changes back to Zuko, who is attentive to the song. He smiles as he looks into the valley beneath him.}
Zuko: Thank you… Hyaa!
{Zuko cracks the reins, and his mount moves forward down the slope in front of him. As he does, Sakura stops playing and walks toward the side of the slopes. She watches from above as Zuko speeds toward the Fire Nation monstrosity. She shuts her eyes, as if in prayer.}
Sakura: May your path be free of peril… My lord Zuko.
{Sakura once again raises her flute, and finishes her song.}
{Fade to white.}
END
1downloads.ffshrine.org/soundtracks/Illusion%20of%20Gaia/05_-_lola's_melody.mp3
2www.velthomer.net/fe9/music/40%20-%20Dreaming%20of%20Home.mp3
3downloads.ffshrine.org/soundtracks/Illusion%20of%20Gaia/19_-_the_memory_melody.mp3
4www.geocities.com/skatan_blayh_music2/PrincessMononoke-TheJourneytotheWest.html
Disclaimer: the songs I have used for this are the property of their creators. I do not own them; I am merely using them for the purpose of a better experience in this fanfiction. I also do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, or anything affiliated with it. Thank you.
There, that does it. Hope you enjoy it.
EDIT: Changed the fourth link to one that is still working.
The Wildflower
{The scene starts with a view of a sparsely clouded noon sky. A few birds fly through the air before the camera rotates downwards to show a forest with a road running alongside a small cliff. A moment later, Zuko rides onto the scene down the road. The view closes in on his face, which is in a state of deep contemplation.}
{After a moment, the view changes to the ostrich-horse Zuko is riding. It suddenly looks up. The view changes to the path and zooms to show a group of unusual leaves a short way ahead. Seemingly ecstatic, the ostrich-horse squawks and starts running quickly.}
Zuko: [surprised] Huh? Hey!
{Zuko attempts to grab hold of the reins, but is too late to stop himself from falling off his mount.}
Zuko: Oof!
{The bird walks over to the leaves and begins sniffing them. It then proceeds to devour them. The view snaps back to Zuko, who groans as he pushes himself up.}
Zuko: Stupid bird! [looks ahead]
{A mixed look of confusion and anger appear on his face upon seeing his mount gorging the plants. He strides over to the creature and begins pulling on its reins, but the bird will not budge.}
Zuko: Come on! Move it! [continues pulling] I already fed you this morning!
{Zuko's attempts to deprive the ostrich-horse from its meal begin to annoy it, and it takes a snap at its rider. Zuko jumps back, the beak narrowly missing his hand. The bird squawks at him, and then resumes eating. Zuko, clearly furious, throws the reins to the ground and storms off as he speaks.}
Zuko: Fine, have it your way.
{Zuko storms off down the path while his mount continues to feed itself. He walks up to a small rock and takes a seat on it, placing his head between his hands in frustration. The camera slowly scrolls alongside his face, showing he is in deep thought. After a moment, he takes in a deep breath, and sighs.}
{Zuko's train of thought is stopped at the sound of someone screaming. He instantly bolts to his feet and assumes a stance as he looks around him. The camera (from Zuko's perspective) shows no one is there. At the sound of another scream, the view quickly looks into the forest. The view changes back to Zuko’s face. His eyes narrow and he slightly frowns.}
{The scene then shifts to a view of a person running through the forest, as though fleeing for dear life. After a moment, it shifts again to another person, much larger, also running through the woods. The scene changes again to show the first person, a young red-haired girl in a traveler’s cloak. The expression on her face indicates that she is clearly terrified. The view then shows the second person, a large, sinister looking brutish man, wielding a large, crude sword in one hand, and dressed in leather armor. The scene then changes to a clearing; the girl comes running out of the woods, the brigand closely behind her. As the brigand exits, he slashes his sword across the ground, sending a small fissure speeding towards the girl. She trips over it when it reaches her, and falls to the ground. The man grins evilly, and then starts walking toward the girl. She tries to push herself up, but the brigand reaches her first.}
Brigand: [cackles] This could’ve been a lot simpler, missy. [raises sword] Eh, it’s more fun this way.
{The brigand roars as he swings his blade at the girl. She shuts her eyes and screams. The view changes to show the brigand’s blade in mid-swing. Suddenly, it is suddenly blocked by another sword.}
Brigand: Huh?!
{The view shifts to show Zuko, his dual swords in hand. The girl, still shaken, slowly opens her eyes and looks at her savior.}
Zuko: Try picking on someone who can actually fight back, cretin.
{The brigand furiously swings a fist at Zuko, who nimbly dodges it. Zuko assumes a stance.}
Brigand: Hehehehe… Wrong place, wrong time, and the wrong guy to tick off, pal.
{The brigand slams his sword into the ground, Earthbending the ground in a shockwave. Zuko stands his ground until the last second, where he jumps away from the wave. As he lands, he instantly parries a swing from the brigand. The brigand continues to swing away at Zuko, with the prince either dodging or blocking the attack. On the side, the girl watches Zuko in awe. The brigand then Earthbends a boulder at Zuko; Zuko dodges it, but almost instantly after, the brigand swings his sword at him. Zuko blocks the strike, but the force of the blow knocks the blades out of his hands. Shortly after, the brigand takes another swing, but Zuko jumps back and it misses.}
Brigand: [cackles] Not so hot now, are ya, punk?
{The brigand rushes at Zuko, readying a killing strike. Zuko assumes a stance, and as the brigand closes in on him, the prince shoots a flaming kick at him. The blast hits the brigand directly, and he flies back from the hit, crashing to the ground. As Zuko reassumes his stance, the brigand groans in pain, before losing consciousness.}
{The view cuts to the girl as Zuko lowers his stance. She is astonished by Zuko’s performance. Zuko walks over to his dual swords, picks them up, and sheathes them. He then turns to face the girl, who has not taken her eyes off him. They stare at each other for a moment.}
Girl: Uh… um… thank you. [tries to stand up] Aah!
{The girl falls to the ground as her leg gives way and she clutches her ankle in pain. Zuko does not move for a moment, and then walks over to her side. He kneels over and places a hand on her ankle.}
Zuko: It’s not broken.
Girl: Ow! [Zuko removes his hand]
[short pause]
Zuko: Well, you won’t going anywhere with that.
{After a short moment, Zuko places the girl’s arm around his neck and lifts her up on his shoulder. He then proceeds to move her out of the clearing. The girl looks at him, almost confused by his generosity. The two leave the clearing as the sky begins to darken.}
{The scene changes to a campfire at night. From offside, Zuko throws a small stick into the fire, causing it to crackle immensely. The view then expands to show the whole camp. The girl is seated on a small log, with Zuko and the ostrich-horse on the other side on the ground. The girl has a bandage around her injured ankle.}
Girl: I can’t tell you how thankful I am for saving me from that bandit. I didn’t think such kind people existed in the world today. Especially from the Fire Nation.
{She looks at Zuko, and realizes by the look on his face that she may have just insulted him.}
Girl: I’m sorry if I insulted you.
Zuko: It’s alright.
Girl: No, it’s not. Believe me when I say I don’t harbor any hatred towards your people. It’s just… in these days of war there are so few people out there who are willing to do what you did to save me. And I want to be able to repay your kindness.
Zuko: I don’t think you’d feel the same way if you knew who I really was.
Girl: No one who did what you did for me could be all evil.
[pause]
Girl: My name’s Sakura.
Zuko: Sakura… that’s a nice name.
Sakura: My mother gave it to me. [sighs] I lost her when I was only six.
Zuko: I’m sorry.
Sakura: It’s okay. I’ve gotten over it. She got sick and her breath gave out as she slept. I still think of her sometimes. [pause] Have- have you ever lost anyone in your life? [Zuko says nothing] I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that.
{The two are silent for a moment, the only thing breaking the silence being the sound of crickets and the crackle of the fire. After a moment, Sakura reaches into her bag, and takes out a small flute. She then begins to play a soft, but beautiful melody1. As she is playing, Zuko looks at Sakura, as though entranced by the song. She soon finishes.}
Zuko: That was… nice.
Sakura: You like it? I’ve always had a sort of gift with music. Would you like to hear another song?
Zuko: Alright.
{Sakura smiles, then raises the flute to her lips and plays another song2. As she plays, the view shows various parts of the forest. Animals from all over seem to become enticed by the melody. Soon, when the song comes to an end, the scene returns to view the camp.}
Sakura: Well?
Zuko: You really do have talent. I’m sure my uncle would love to hear it.
Sakura: Really?
Zuko: [nods] I haven’t seen him in a little while, though. We just split up recently.
Sakura: How come?
Zuko: There have been things I needed to do. And I need to do them on my own.
Sakura: Doesn’t that get lonely?
Zuko: Not really.
Sakura: I can tell you’re lying. Everyone needs a little company once in a while. [pauses shortly] Would- would it be alright if I were to travel with you? I don’t have anywhere else I need to be.
Zuko: I’d rather you didn’t.
Sakura: [disappointed] Why not?
Zuko: Let’s just say the things I need to do are dangerous, too dangerous for someone like you to get involved in.
Sakura: But I-
Zuko: My answer is no. Please don’t ask me again. You’d probably only get hurt if you followed me.
{Once again, the two are silent, with Sakura someone disheartened by Zuko’s words. After a moment, Sakura begins to play another song3. Soon afterwards, the view fades to black.}
{The next morning comes, and the sound of birds can be heard all around. The view cuts to Sakura, who is asleep in a sleeping bag. She slowly stirs, and then wakes up. As she pushes herself up, she looks around. Zuko and his mount are nowhere to be found. Sakura gets up and looks all around her. Zuko is gone, with tracks leading out of the area. She then turns and notices a set of flowers on a tree stump, placed next to her flute. She picks them up and looks in the direction the tracks lead. Sakura sighs as her face turns to one of disappointment. The view zooms out from her.}
{The scene cuts to another area. Zuko rides onto the scene, but shortly afterwards stops at the top of a slope, which looks down on a very large, flat valley. He stares at the view.}
Zuko: [eyes slightly widen] Huh?
{Zuko eyes squint in order to look at something in the sky. The zoom views in to show Appa flying through the air. The view cuts back to Zuko’s eyes, which narrow.}
Zuko: At last…
{The view changes back to show Appa’s shape becoming more distant. After a moment, a small trail of smoke starts rising from the bottom of the scene. Zuko looks downward upon noticing. Down in the valley is a large Fire Nation steam train, which seems to be following Appa. Zuko’s expression turns to disdain at this sight.}
Zuko: Great…
{After a pause, Zuko prepares to move out, but suddenly stops upon hearing the distant sound of Sakura’s flute, playing a new song4. Zuko looks around him, but does not see Sakura. The view cuts to a distant view of Zuko through a set of trees, and scrolls to the side to show Sakura playing her flute behind a thick tree. As she continues to play, the scene changes to a wide view of the surrounding area. The trees seem to sway from a light wind, almost as though the forest is alive. After a moment, the view changes back to Zuko, who is attentive to the song. He smiles as he looks into the valley beneath him.}
Zuko: Thank you… Hyaa!
{Zuko cracks the reins, and his mount moves forward down the slope in front of him. As he does, Sakura stops playing and walks toward the side of the slopes. She watches from above as Zuko speeds toward the Fire Nation monstrosity. She shuts her eyes, as if in prayer.}
Sakura: May your path be free of peril… My lord Zuko.
{Sakura once again raises her flute, and finishes her song.}
{Fade to white.}
END
1downloads.ffshrine.org/soundtracks/Illusion%20of%20Gaia/05_-_lola's_melody.mp3
2www.velthomer.net/fe9/music/40%20-%20Dreaming%20of%20Home.mp3
3downloads.ffshrine.org/soundtracks/Illusion%20of%20Gaia/19_-_the_memory_melody.mp3
4www.geocities.com/skatan_blayh_music2/PrincessMononoke-TheJourneytotheWest.html
Disclaimer: the songs I have used for this are the property of their creators. I do not own them; I am merely using them for the purpose of a better experience in this fanfiction. I also do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, or anything affiliated with it. Thank you.
There, that does it. Hope you enjoy it.
EDIT: Changed the fourth link to one that is still working.