nandireya
Zuko's Path to Redemption Mod
...tickled pink...
Posts: 6,822
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Post by nandireya on Mar 11, 2007 6:11:07 GMT -5
I didn't do a pic for this chapter...but I did this to celebrate 2,000 hits at my deviantART gallery...for those who have difficulty picturing Itoko... And a little hint to know when I've updated...I'll be 'travelling' with Zuko from now on...so when my location changes it means I've added to the story...
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Post by Fire Lord Azula on Mar 11, 2007 14:06:12 GMT -5
Wow.
This story really impresses me. I find myself wanting more, even after reading all posted chapters.
I honestly love the way you portray Zuko. You have every facet of his personality down pat. He has such a wide range of emotions, and you touch on them in the most meaningful of ways. His progression is believable and not in any way forced. I can't say I've seen such an understanding of his character anywhere else.
Your incorporations of past characters is appreciated by myself and others; it's something to be admired. The roles you've assigned them in conjuction to Zuko are so fitting... you know exactly when to insert them and when to have them exit. They always leave their mark on him, for better or worse.
Finally, he's beginning to accept the cold hard truth about his father. Where will it take him? I can hardly wait to find out. I'll be watching this story -- and your location! -- for updates.
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Post by Ikkin on Mar 11, 2007 23:36:22 GMT -5
Wow, awesome! ;D This story just keeps getting better and better... I liked Jun's little cameo, and Zuko's way of dealing with her (but, poor Zuko, getting attacked while he's bathing...), and the scene between Zuko and Jeong Jeong... And Zuko's "If I can't forgive you, how can I expect those I've wronged to forgive me?" made me very happy. ^_^ Very wise of him... and I love the theme of forgiveness anyway, so giving it to Zuko just makes it even better.
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Post by marsa on Mar 12, 2007 9:26:42 GMT -5
Love the update , the story gets better and better. Can't wait to find out how Zuko finds his mother (I hope he does) and who he meets along the way.. ;D
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Post by luthien on Mar 12, 2007 11:12:43 GMT -5
Cool, an update! I love this story and I'm always checking on here to see the latest on Zuko and his adventures. And that illustration of him and Itoko is fantastic! Can't wait for the next chapter.
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nandireya
Zuko's Path to Redemption Mod
...tickled pink...
Posts: 6,822
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Post by nandireya on Apr 29, 2007 0:21:57 GMT -5
Okay...this one's pretty wordy...in two parts... ______________________________________
Chapter Seven
Zuko ran his thumb absently through the stubble on his chin as he surveyed the village nestled in the clearing below him. For him to enter any major settlement was a risky undertaking, but the walls that surrounded this one, and the general architecture of its buildings, marked it as a predominantly Fire Nation population, which made it far more dangerous for him, but possibly far more rewarding.
It hadn't taken him long to realise that following his heart was not the wisest course of action. Though it meant well, it had never been the most reliable of body parts, and it had led him into trouble on more than one occasion, but that was probably only because it held far greater sway over him than his head ever would. Though, while wandering the Earth Kingdom wilderness the two had come to some kind of arrangement.
Which led him to his current predicament.
His heart told him to go down and ask everyone he met if they had any information about his mother, while his head argued that he was an extremely wanted man and striding into a Fire Nation village and talking to anyone was a good way to lose his head. Of course he didn't look much like the boy on the wanted poster anymore. He was a good deal thinner...Itoko grew uneasy whenever he notched an arrow to hunt...and a great deal scruffier.
In fact...
He ran a hand through his hair, pulling its increased length down over the left-hand side of his face. It was irritatingly ticklish and he could barely see through it...not that he ever saw that well out of his left eye...but it worked well to obscure his most obvious distinguishing feature. With his scar hidden and the Fire Nation attire and weaponry he wore he could conceivably pass unnoticed. He'd just have to pick the right people to question about the former Fire Nation princess.
He glanced over his shoulder at the sound of a sleepy snort and a shuffle of leaf-litter. Itoko shifted in their makeshift home...a hollow at the base of an ancient tree...and settled himself more comfortably. He'd been sleeping a lot lately, and Zuko hoped it wasn't a sign that he was ailing in some way. He'd grown so accustomed to the animal's presence he couldn't imagine going on without him, and if he WAS sick, even if he could find someone who knew how to treat him, he didn't have the sort of funds such a thing would require.
He crouched down beside the creature and gently touched his long face. He didn't feel overly warm, there was no discharge from his eyes or nostrils, nor did he show any signs of discomfort. With a sigh, Zuko ruffled his mane. Itoko looked up at him with bleary eyes and what appeared to be his equivalent of a weary smile.
"I'm going into town for a bit." Zuko told him. "You stay here and watch over the camp."
The creature's only reply was a wide yawn before lowering his head into his pillow of leaves.
~~~~~~
The sun was barely up when Zuko entered the village, he thought it best to explore before there were too many people about to recognise him. He tried to look as nonchalant as possible, neither too confident nor too submissive as to arouse attention or suspicion, while keeping a hand on the hilts of this borrowed swords. He glanced left and right but kept at a steady pace as he walked along the main street.
Storekeepers were setting up for the day. A woman staking various brightly coloured fruits paid him no attention as he passed, though she did pause to yell at a man with a cart piled high with cabbages that parked too close to her shop. A man in a bloody apron massaged his back after he hung a selection of freshly made sausages from a hook. It wasn't until he passed the old man sitting behind a Pai Sho board that he slowed his pace.
"Can I interest you in a game, young man?" He smiled amicably.
"I'm afraid I don't really play..." Zuko admitted.
The man nodded sagely, still smiling as Zuko turned to continue on his way. "Then perhaps you might like to share a cup of tea with an old man who has eaten the fruit and tasted its mysteries."
Zuko let out an involuntary gasp as he turned back to face the man, the swift movement causing his hair to shift slightly and reveal his scar. He knew that phrase, he'd heard his uncle use it. He stared at the unassuming man with wide eyes. The old man simply continued to smile as he pushed a lotus tile across the board.
The former prince touched the small disk with tentative fingertips, closing his eyes and lowering his head. He felt the old man’s hand on his shoulder. "Come...join me inside...we're not open for business just yet...but I'm sure the wife won't mind making an exception..."
Snatching up the tile, Zuko followed the old man inside.
It was rather dingy inside, but as the old man had said, it wasn't actually open for business. A woman, the old man's wife Zuko presumed, looked up from behind a long counter. The man made a gesture to which she responded with a nod, then disappeared through a beaded curtain.
He gestured for Zuko to take a seat in an alcoved table at the back of the room so that his scar would be hidden from anybody that should enter.
"He asked us to look out for you." The old man explained as he took a seat opposite.
Zuko didn't look up, he just turned the lotus tile over and over in his hand. "Is he alright?" He asked quietly.
"He has passed beyond our reach..." The old man admitted with a sigh.
"WHAT!?' Zuko looked up with fear in his golden eyes, fear that some terrible fate had befallen his beloved uncle.
"No...no..." The old man held his hands out in a placating manner having accurately interpreted the young man’s reaction. "I mean only that he has passed into a territory where we do not have a presence." He smiled as the boy relaxed. "He was heading north..."
"North?" Zuko frowned in momentary thought. There wasn't much up there except..."The North Pole...not an entirely wise decision..."
"What makes you say that?" His companion asked.
"It is the only stronghold that remains...the Fire Lord will no doubt be focusing all his efforts there..." The old man's eyebrows rose at the boy's reference to his father by title rather than relation. "I hope he knows what he's doing..." He smiled sadly. "But then, he always has in the past..."
They were interrupted by the man's wife with a pot of tea, cups, some bread and a very large bowl of stew.
"You look like you could use it." She smiled at the gaunt-faced Zuko.
"Thank you." Zuko bowed his head gratefully.
"I can make the necessary arrangements for you..." The old one began as Zuko all but buried his face in the bowl.
"Excuse me?" Zuko frowned over the bowl’s rim.
"For your journey north." He explained. "We cannot get you the entire way, of course, but we can get you to the very edge of Water Tribe territory. You will need new identification papers...your former alias is now known to the Fire Nation...and you will need less conspicuous clothing..."
Zuko set the already half empty bowl on the table before him. "Thank you..." He said. "But I won't be travelling north."
"You do not wish to rejoin your uncle?" The man asked with genuine confusion.
"More than anything..." He said softly, staring into the swirling broth. Of course, given the company his uncle was currently keeping it might not be the most comfortable of environments. Though he and the Avatar's companions had parted company on fairly amicable terms, he would hardly call them friends. But there was something...someone...that weighed far more heavily on his mind.
"Except maybe one thing." He raised his eyes to meet the old man's. "I am travelling south for a reason...I am searching for someone...a woman...a woman with eyes like mine..."
He had been briefed about the young prince, the information coming from the boy's uncle himself, there was no one who knew him better. He knew there was only one person that he could possibly be more concerned about than the old man, the woman he spoke of…
"Lady Ursa..." He voiced his thoughts accidentally, immediately regretting the hope it brought to the young one's face.
"If there is any information you could give me..." Zuko said, his voice both desperate and elated at the thought. "...I'd be extremely appreciative..."
"I'm afraid we cannot impart any knowledge to non-initiates without consent from the Grand Masters..." He sat back as he saw a shadow pass across the boy's face. His golden eyes, so full of warmth and hope, suddenly become icy cold under farrowed, mismatched brows. His mouth was a thin, tight line, his nostrils flared.
The man knew something...something that could lead him to his mother, Zuko could see it in his face, but he was refusing to tell him! A part of him wanted to throttle him, to threaten him, to force the information out of him. A few sort months ago he probably wouldn't have hesitated to follow that impulse...but a lot had happened in those months.
The old man relaxed as those eyes, both hot and cold, closed. Broad shoulders rose and fell as he let out a deep, cleansing breath. Twin trails of smoke escaped his nostrils, a physical manifestation of his letting the anger drain from his body.
"I understand..." He said finally, his voice shaky with his internal conflict and disappointment. He rose a little stiffly, his fingers brushing the lotus tile almost longingly.
"Take it." The old man said. "If it brings you comfort..." He looked at him, there was a flicker of harshness in his eyes, he knew what the boy was thinking. 'You want to give me some comfort? Tell me what you know about my mother!' But he said nothing, he just scooped up the game piece. He was met by the old woman at the door who pressed a package of food into his hands, which he accepted gratefully and respectfully.
"Sakanatokoro."
Zuko turned back with a confused frown.
"It may help you find what you seek."
The young prince bowed again, a slight smile on his lips, before turning and stepping out into the early morning sun.
~~~~~~
Sakanatokoro...
He had a word...a clue. He had no idea what it meant or what it related to, but it was better than simply following a compass point. He pondered what it could possibly be as he walked slowly back to where he'd left Itoko.
"Prince Zuko!"
His eyes widened at the sound of his own name.
"Oh, for crying out loud, Yu." Another voice snorted. "Do you honestly think he's stupid enough to answer to his own name?"
"We have to ascertain that he is the right person." The first protested.
"That dirty great scar doesn't convince you?" The other retorted.
Zuko shook his head at their arguing, he'd encountered them before so he knew they weren't particularly experienced in the bounty hunting field, and just kept walking...until a wall erupted from the ground to block his path. He moved quickly, just as a second wall rose up on his left, he couldn't let the box him in. Two skilled earthbenders against one tired, undernourished firebender, not the greatest odds. He could probably defeat one of them is his current condition...he'd managed fine against Gow while in a similar state...but both of them?
He flipped onto a large rock, landing on his hands, and used his momentum to spring upwards to grab a low hanging tree branch. It was a precarious perch, but, under the circumstances, far safer than being on the ground. He knew he was going to have to use less than orthodox tactics against this pair.
"Tell me, gentlemen..." He spoke from the relative safety of the trees. "Do you love your country?"
"What kind of a question is that?" The bigger one asked, hurling stones up into the branches. "Would we be hunting you if we didn't?"
"Then why would you want to earn favour with the Fire Lord?" Zuko asked as he ducked around the tree’s trunk to avoid the rocky shrapnel.
"What do you mean by that?" He growled. "We're not taking you down for him. We're taking you down for the gold! You're worth quite a bit, you know."
"If you know that, then you've obviously seen my wanted poster." Zuko went on. "If you've seen my wanted poster, then you know I'm a threat to him." He smirked. "If you deliver me to him you'll not only be removing a thorn from his side, you'll be freeing up the soldiers that he no doubt has out hunting me down, who will then be able to resume their assault on the Earth Kingdom."
"It IS an awful lot of gold." The one called Yu told him.
"And how do you plan to collect it?" Zuko challenged.
"There are plenty of Fire Nation villages around." The big guy snorted.
"So you plan to march me up to some Fire Nation official and demand payment?" Zuko asked. "And I'm so sure he'll be willing to do that. Or maybe he'll just order you and your friend there into the stocks and collect the reward himself. I mean...it IS an awful lot of gold, right?" He smirked to himself as the pair exchanged a glance.
"Or maybe...maybe you can hire a ship and sail right into the heart of the Fire Nation and deliver me to the Fire Lord yourselves. Of course...then you have to get out again..."
"I suggest we resume our search for the Bei Fong girl." Yu said.
"No way!" The other protested. "This boy is worth way too much! And we've got him cornered. He's got no where to go...no one to help him..."
"Is it worth our lives?" Yu countered. "What good is gold if you're no longer alive to enjoy it?"
The big man just glared at Zuko who gazed at him passively from his perch above as he thought things through.
"Alright! Fine!" He grumbled. "But we better get the Bei Fong gold...or I'm taking it out on you!"
Zuko watched as the pair walked away, still bickering at each other. He pulled out the lotus tile which he’d stashed inside his robes, smiling at its snowy emblem.
"I guess there's something to this thinking thing, huh?" He said to it.
~~~~~~
Itoko was still sleeping when Zuko returned to camp, but he lifted his head, sniffing the air as he caught the scent of the food he was carrying. Zuko smiled, untying the bundle he'd been given and offering some of the fresh bread to him. He stroked the creature's neck as he nibbled delicately on the crumbs in his outstretched hand. But now that the sun was up Zuko noticed something that appeared to be embedded in Itoko's shoulder.
"What is that?" He frowned, exploring the flesh around it with gentle fingers. It looked like a spur of bone growing right out of Itoko's skin. It didn't appear to be bothering him at all, in fact when Itoko nudged him it was only because he'd finished off the bread and wanted more. Zuko put the remaining bread on the ground before his companion and leaned across him to check the other shoulder, where he found, as he expected, another spur, a twin to the first.
He didn't know exactly what Itoko was, he only knew he was a youngling of his kind. He had grown in size since he'd first disentangled him from the brambles, so in all likelihood this was just another part of his maturation process.
At least, he hoped it was.
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nandireya
Zuko's Path to Redemption Mod
...tickled pink...
Posts: 6,822
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Post by nandireya on Apr 29, 2007 0:38:17 GMT -5
And so they continued south. The meaning of Sakanatokoro still eluded him, and the spurs on Itoko's shoulders continued to grow, then branch, until they began to resemble the antlers on the creature's head. The weather got warmer and the villages got scarcer. Supplies were running low, and even though he had money to buy more, thanks to a quick collection taken on his behalf before leaving Jeong Jeong's encampment, there was nowhere to buy anything. He was beginning to appreciate just how big the Earth Kingdom was.
He kept close to the coast, though he wasn't really sure why. Perhaps after three years spent at sea he'd simply come to like the smell of salt on the air, or maybe it was because of the vague memories he had of time spent in the summer palace, of building castles in the sand with his mother, and of Azula coming along and reducing them to molten slag.
After what seemed like months of travelling, but which was in fact only a few weeks, he came upon a coastal village, a fairly busy port by all accounts judging by the number of ships and boats nestled in its bay, none of which were Fire Nation he noticed with relief. His hair was longer and scruffier, as was the stubble on his chin which was becoming close to being called a beard. His clothes were dusty and worn, and with the swords on his hip and the bow and quiver slung across his back he exuded a serious 'keep away' vibe that he used to his advantage. Even Itoko, with his fine covering of dust and travel grime, was less noticeable, but only slightly.
He perused the market stalls with feigned disinterest. He needed a new pair of boots, the ones on his feet were worn from his almost constant walking, but it was the stand of musical instruments that caught his eye. Music was a huge part of his culture after all, and though he hadn't participated in Music Night since he couldn’t remember when, that didn't mean he didn't enjoy it. He ran his fingers along the curved neck of a Sungi Horn and down to its wide bell and thought of his uncle.
"Do you play the Sungi Horn?" The woman running the stall asked with a smile.
"Not for a long time." He admitted.
"You probably just need some practice." She said. "If the music is in you...it is always in you..."
"Maybe..." He smiled a little himself. "But I need something a little less cumbersome..." He tested the weight of his drawstring money pouch. "And a lot less expensive..."
"Perhaps a xiao, then?" She gestured to a row of bamboo flutes of various lengths. She picked up the shortest and least decorative of the selection. "I can let you have this one for three copper pieces." She offered to him. "Try it."
Zuko licked his dry lips before rising the instrument to them. He closed his eyes as he sought to remember his music lessons from so long ago. Itoko’s ears pricked up at the sound of the first halting notes, which slowly became a traditional Fire Nation folk tune. He opened his eyes to find the woman smiling at him.
"I DO need some practice." Zuko muttered as he lowered the flute. But he handed over the three copper pieces. He walked away, trying out a few cords on his new acquisition as he went.
He continued to peruse the markets, drawing little attention, though his playing did result in a few extra coins. He bought some food for himself and Itoko and was about to start searching for some new footwear when a flash of bright green flittered through his peripheral vision. His eyes narrowed as the familiar sulpha-crested creature turned its own yellow eyes on him. He glanced about quickly but couldn't see any of the creature's human companions. But when he looked back it was to see the creature alight on its master’s shoulder.
The pirate captain grinned nastily.
"It's been a long time...YER HIGHNESS.” He bowed mockingly. "The last time we met I lost my boat!"
"And then you blew up mine." Zuko retorted. "I'd say we're even."
"I'm a pirate, lad. I'm not interested in balancing scales. I'm just interested in what I can get for myself." He snorted. "And considering the rather ample price your loving father's put on that scruffy head of yours...I must say I'm rather glad we crossed paths." He cocked his head to one side as he studied the silent Itoko at Zuko's side. "Of course...if you're willing to hand over that pretty creature you got there...I might be willing to forget I found you."
"I will not barter my life with his." Zuko said, his hand tightening on the hilts of his borrowed swords as he caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Several familiar forms were closing in on him, trying to get the drop on him. He could also hear murmured comments from the marketplace around him. Many had no doubt heard the 'highness' comment, seen the scar, and put two and two together.
"Your choice, boy." The pirate sniffed disdainfully. "Of course, that just means I'll collect on you both."
Many who had been watching the exchange backed away as the old pirate drew his sword. The fact that Zuko followed suit didn't help matters, nor did the arrival of several other members of the crew. The reptile-bird took to the air, winging its way out of danger.
Zuko suddenly found himself surrounded by numerous men of questionable morality with a variety of weapons, but with one thing in common. A taste for gold. An appetite that would pretty much see them do anything. They'd already tried to kill him once.
Beyond them he noticed the villagers, the stall owners, the travellers looking for supplies. They were understandably curious, some probably thirsting for the spilling of some Fire Nation blood, other just hankering for a little break from the mundane. Whatever their reasoning, there was too many of them, he couldn’t risk firebending.
The pirates closed in. Beside him Itoko snorted and pawed the ground, rolling his shoulders forward and lowering his head. Zuko was surprised to see the creature take such an aggressive stance, but was thankful for his help. He shoved one of the pirates back as the captain's sword met Zuko’s.
"I'm surprised you actually know how to use those things." The captain smirked. "I figured SUPERIOR FIREBENDERS wouldn't bother with weaponry."
The man was goading him, trying to get him to firebend and thus turn the crowd against him. He was also backing away, slowly, subtly directing him as the crew members behind him advanced. They were herding him, to their boat no doubt, which suited Zuko just fine.
The captain smiled and ducked to one side as the barker, the crew's self-appointed salesman, lunged at Zuko from behind with his twin knives. He was stunned when the boy spun to meet him with one sword while he held off the captain with the other. He twisted again, catching the captain's sword in the cross of both of his while he planted a foot squarely in the barker’s stomach and sent him flying into a stall of iron cooking pots.
He twisted as a pirate in blue charged with a guan dao. He sidestepped, the metal tip finding soil instead of princely flesh. Zuko stomped down on the wooden shaft, snapping it neatly in two. He then elbowed the man in the face.
Surprisingly, the captain smiled, despite the loss of his comrades, for they had reached the boat. The remainder of the crew were waiting, having been alerted by the captain’s bird.
Zuko surprised them all by sheathing his swords.
"Giving up?" The captain frowned. "You don't strike me as the type..."
Zuko smirked as he pulled the bow from his back and notched three arrows. He sent a quick, fiery breath across their sharpened heads and set them flying into the boat’s sails. The crew immediately dropped their weapons to tend to the burning sails. The burning cloth dropped to the deck, spreading the fire which threatened to engulf the entire vessel.
Momentarily distracted by seeing his boat in flames, the captain quickly found himself disarmed, a crossed pair of dao at his throat, narrowed golden eyes fixed on his face. Zuko was taken aback when the man laughed.
"You're my kind of warrior, boy." He smirked. "Ruthless and inventive...I could find a place for you on my crew."
"No thanks." Zuko said evenly. "I'm through taking other people's orders."
"It would seem you have me at a disadvantage." He said. "So what'll it take, boy? Gold? Supplies? A nice blanket for your beastie?"
"Information." Zuko said.
"That's all?" His brows rose. Zuko nodded. "Fine...what is it you want to know."
"You're well travelled." Zuko said. "You've seen things...been places...that few others have."
"Your point?"
"Does Sakanatokoro mean anything to you?"
"It's a fishing village...a pretty sizable one...on Whaletail Island...south-west from here..."
Zuko studied the man's face, reading it for lies. It seemed he was telling the truth, Zuko's heart hoped he was. The crew were beginning to get the fire under control, it was time to take his leave. He nodded curtly and withdrew the swords. The captain bowed his head as the boy pulled back and simply let him walk away.
The backer ran up holding his bruised head. "You're just letting him go?" He cried. "After all he's done? With what he's worth?"
The captain held out an arm to stop the man who had drawn his blades and was making to go after the departing prince.
"Repairs to the ship are more important." He said evenly, he gestured to the smouldering vessel. "Besides..." He looked over his shoulder at the boy and his beast. "We know where he's going..."
~~~~~~
Zuko was a little surprised when none of the pirates came after him, but he wasn't going to complain. He was tired and he was hungry...and he'd been forced to leave town before he'd been able to buy a new pair of boots, so he was more than a little footsore as well.
He sat down heavily at the base of a tree, watching as Itoko romped off into the nearby ocean to wash the dust from his body. If there was one thing they had in common it was that they both hated to be dirty. Despite his current lack of personal grooming, born out of necessity and the fact that he simply didn’t have a razor, he refused to give up on his daily washing routine. He might have been scruffy, but at least he was clean.
He pulled off his left boot with the intent of joining his companion in the cool water, pulling a face when he found he could put a finger right through the sole. He dropped it with disgust and checked the bottom of his foot. It was blistered and dirty. He wondered if he could patch it with some tree bark or something. He pulled off the other boot, tossing it with the first, and unhitched his bow and quiver. He dropped them quickly as a sudden sting in his right hand made him recoil.
His eyes widened at the sight of the arrow that had skewered his hand. He heard the whistle of more, two of them biting into his back before he ducked behind the tree's protection. None of the pirates were archers, so somebody else must have thought they'd try to claim the prize that was his head.
He winced as he fisted his hand, holding the shaft in place with his curled fingers as he broke off the feathered end and pulled the arrow free. He looked at the hole in his hand and was about to tear a strip off his robes to bind it when he felt a blinding pain in his shoulder. It was a familiar pain, a pain he'd felt three years ago. The accompanying stench of scorched flesh told him that it was not a villager that had pursued him.
He was facing another firebender.
The ground shook with the pounding of the large feet of several komodo rhinoceroses. Five of them in fact.
"Oh no..." He muttered to himself.
He certainly was in no shape to face the Rough Rhinos, especially with the damage they'd already inflicted on him. His left shoulder was agony and his right hand was strangely numb. He pushed his back into the tree’s trunk, using it to get to his feet.
Colonel Mongke smirked as Zuko took a rather shaky fighting stance. "You actually intend to fight us?" He quirked a brow.
"I will not die on my knees." Zuko said flatly.
Mongke nodded, obviously impressed. "I would expect no less of the son of the Fire Lord." He said. "But you won't die today."
Zuko frowned at the comment.
"Your father's changed his mind. He wants you back alive." Mongke explained. "He wants the honour...the privilege...the pleasure...of killing you himself."
Zuko lowered his head.
Mongke snapped his fingers and one of the Rhinos dismounted, irons in his hands. Zuko didn't move as he approached, but as he drew near he spun, sending a spout of flame from his foot. The man gasped and ducked, dropping the chains. Zuko jumped on his back, smashing his face into the ground as he launched himself at one of the others, the armoured one with a penchant for hurling explosives. He slammed him into a tree, ducking as a lead ball smashed into the trunk above his head. He grabbed the chain of the balled weapon and tugged on it, despite the blinding pain it brought to his hand and shoulder, pulling its wielder off-balance, and out of his saddle. He scooped up the chains that were meant to bind him and threw them forcefully at the Yu Yan archer, the impact pushing him back off his mount.
Which just left Mongke himself. Who smiled as Zuko began to sway on his feet.
Zuko didn’t know why he felt so dizzy, or why his vision was beginning to blur.
"What's the matter, boy?" Mongke mocked. "Feeling a little out of sorts? Well, that's what you get for exerting yourself. It makes the poison spread faster."
"Poison...?" He looked at his hand, the flesh around the wound was already discolouring.
"It won't kill you, of course." Mongke said as he retrieved the irons. "It'll just make you...tractable...easier to manage..." He studied the boy who was having difficulty keeping his head up, who could barely keep his eyes open.
"You've got courage, boy. I'll give you that." He said as he reached for one hand, readying the irons. "It's a shame your father changed his mind. I'd have finished you quick. You deserve that...in fact..."
He was cut off by an unearthly howl.
"What in the four levels of hell was that?" He turned towards the source of the sound, only to be slammed in the chest by an irate, antlered animal.
"Itoko..." Zuko slurred.
The creature nudge Zuko with his hip, tossing his head towards his back as if indicating Zuko should climb on it.
Zuko frowned. He'd always considered Itoko a companion, not a beast of burden. It had never occurred to him to ride the creature. Maybe it was because he'd been so small when they’d first encountered each other. But he had little choice now but to accept what he believed was the animal's invitation. To stay here meant death.
He took a handful of fiery mane and somehow managed to haul himself up onto Itoko's back. He wrapped his arms as tightly around his neck as his failing muscles would allow, which was just as well, because Itoko was off like a shot.
"What in the name of Agni was that thing?" The Yu Yan archer asked in awe.
"I don't know..." Mongke growled as he swung up into his saddle. "...but it's taking off with out retirement fund."
Itoko headed straight for the water, Zuko could feel the cool spray on his face.
"Yes..." He slurred before his senses fell into darkness. "...better to let the sea have me...than my father..."
~~~~~~
Time was not a concept Itoko was familiar with, so he had no idea how long he'd been swimming when he finally dragged himself up onto the beach. Nor did he have any idea of how far he'd travelled. His legs were shaky with exhaustion and threatened to buckle beneath him, but he lowered himself slowly to the sand, then gently rolled his shoulders to dislodge his water-logged passenger.
Zuko didn't move as he hit the sand. His skin had a distinctive grey tinge to it and his lips were slightly blue. Itoko lowered his head and sniffed at his face, then nudged him, but he got no response. He circled him, then pushed against his shoulder, careful to avoid the arrows still embedded in his back, but still didn’t see any sort of reaction.
He paced back and forth a couple of times, then finally, not knowing what to do, he slumped to the sand, threw back his head and let out a mournful cry to the heavens.
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Post by luthien on Apr 29, 2007 4:51:05 GMT -5
Fantastic chapter, and well worth the wait! *Karmas* to you.
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Post by Victim ~*of *~Circumstances on Apr 29, 2007 5:29:46 GMT -5
OMG! Nandireya that was awesome! All the waiting was worth it but now it's on a cliffhanger! I applaud you on your excellent storytelling and you really know how to keep people interested.^_^ *karmas*
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Post by Fire Lord Azula on Apr 29, 2007 11:31:44 GMT -5
Loving it. Your writing-style is fantastic. I just hope Zuko and Ursa find each other soon... sigh... Zuko is having to traverse the entire Earth Kingdom for naught. At least he has something to go by, but trouble finds him at every turn. Itoko is marvelous; he's a wonderful addition to the story ( I meant to mention that before ). I love his sense of loyalty to his companion. The dynamics of their relationship really are of traveling companions, not of master and pet, and it's just wonderful.
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Post by avatarspirit on Apr 29, 2007 12:11:05 GMT -5
NOOOOOOOOOOO! I HOPE ZUKO'S OK!
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nandireya
Zuko's Path to Redemption Mod
...tickled pink...
Posts: 6,822
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Post by nandireya on Apr 30, 2007 1:41:40 GMT -5
Itoko is marvelous; he's a wonderful addition to the story ( I meant to mention that before ). And still no one has asked what his name means... Excellent...that was just the feel I was going for They share a bond of blood that is impossible to break. NOOOOOOOOOOO! I HOPE ZUKO'S OK! Like I'm going to kill the main character in the middle of the story...I think I'm at about the middle...but he WAS poisoned...and he's got some pretty nasty boo boos...and he was dragged who knows how far through ever increasingly icy seas... Things are gonna happen pretty fast now so Zuko needs to have a little rest in preparation. And it's getting to what I think is more intersting developments...which means it's easier for me to write...which means I should be able to update faster...which is probably pretty good news for everyone.
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Post by Fire Lord Azula on Apr 30, 2007 11:48:51 GMT -5
And still no one has asked what his name means... It's Japanese for "cousin", I believe. I've been meaning to study the language in more depth... Excellent...that was just the feel I was going for They share a bond of blood that is impossible to break. And you did a wonderful job of it. I saw it from the start. Things are gonna happen pretty fast now so Zuko needs to have a little rest in preparation. And it's getting to what I think is more intersting developments...which means it's easier for me to write...which means I should be able to update faster...which is probably pretty good news for everyone. Wonderful! We'll be looking forward to it!
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Post by luthien on Apr 30, 2007 13:29:36 GMT -5
I will *definitely* be looking forward to more updates! Dang, and you say the more *interesting* part of the story is yet to come? I can't wait!
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nandireya
Zuko's Path to Redemption Mod
...tickled pink...
Posts: 6,822
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Post by nandireya on May 1, 2007 2:13:03 GMT -5
It's Japanese for "cousin", I believe. I've been meaning to study the language in more depth... Yes...yes it is...that's how much Itoko means to Zuko...he's family I will *definitely* be looking forward to more updates! Dang, and you say the more *interesting* part of the story is yet to come? I can't wait! Well...I think it's more interesting...and you'll get some guest stars that'll actually hang around...
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