'Splat splat splat splat splat....' the sound of something striking a wet floor sounded as Zuko ran on the sea. His feet barely sinking because of the sheer speed and the small coat of chi on the bottom of his feet. His eyes were locked on his destination as he jumped and rode the waves that tried to pull him under just like it had pulled his boat. The wind howled and rain fell while thunder crackled in the sky. A storm had come to the Kyoshi Island.
He ran and ran, not caring about the surroundings, about the weather or the suspiciously large water beasts as his image all but blurred from the speed.
It took him mere minutes to get from his small sunken boat away in the sea to the Kyoshi island. He stumbled as the ground transitioned from soft to a little less soft sand, but quickly righted himself. The storm seemingly picked up the tempo, making his hair whip around almost like it had come to life. The thunder illuminated the candle lit houses and the village from time to time while. The residents were yet to sleep.
Zuko took a deep breath. The salty fresh air filling his lungs as he enjoyed the winds caressing him. The storm was yet to pass, and there were no merchants available. Even if there were, Zuko didn't have any money in hand. But that didn't stop his stomach from growling like a wolf. He looked around, hoping to see any scouts, and to his delight, he saw a woman in green clothes and grey armor with white color face paint. She was looking at him from a roof top. But her face paint didn't look like it was being washed off.
"Hey you," Zuko called out. "Yeah, you with the quality paint on your face" he confirmed. "Do you know somewhere a person can find some food and a place to sleep?"
The girl, seeing that she was indeed discovered jumped down along with three more from who appeared from his sides and back. Zuko had seen them, but they were hiding, so he felt that it was rude to call them out.
"It depends" the girl replied, holding the war fan in her hand in what seemed like a dancing pose. Zuko had to hold his laughter. "Who are you? Where are you from and how did you get here?"
"Ch ehem! " Zuko swallowed his laughter. These people were holding fans like they were a weapon . Sure they might be for airbenders. But non benders? Get a sword or a spear.
"I am prince Zuko. Son of the fire lord, and I am burdened with glorious purpose"
"Hahahahaha!"
They didn't believe him, just like he expected. Afterall, even if they knew that the Prince was exiled, there was no way they would believe a person claiming to be the Prince in the midst of the earth nation. There was a better chance of him being a lunatic than the claim being true.
"Ignorant pheasants who don't know how to identify a weapon from a household item, I am Prince Zuko, and I have travelled from far lands on my boat and crossed storms to bless you with my presence . Provide me with offerings and provisions so that I may carry on with my great quest."
"Suki.. I think this one's an actual lunatic"
All according to cake.
"Maybe..but don't drop your guard. He's carrying a weapon." Suki? Zuko couldn't actually know because of the face paint, turned and spoke to Zuko as if she was adressing a dumbass . Too bad, he could've just passed through the town if she was not there.
"I see.. your royal highness" Zuko could swear that he actually tasted the sarcasm. " Why don't you hand over your weapons , and we'll go have a bowl of hot soup"
"Sacrilege! One does not simply hand over the royal blade to another, be it even the crown Prince himself!"
To say that Zuko wasn't enjoying himself would be a lie. It's been some time since he had actually spoken to people his age. And it had been an even longer time since he had pranked someone.
"Oh no" Suki quickly corrected herself." What I meant was, let me carry the sword for you your highness "
"Nope"
"Fine" Suki gave up the peaceful speech after direct refusal. "Girls, get him"
"TREASONNN!"
Zuko dodged a Kyoshi warrior who tried to grab him from behind before tripping her. The girl only stumbled for a moment but did not fall like Zuko expected.
Bronze fans opened with a snap,their polished surfaces gleaming in the darkness as the Kyoshi warriors surrounded Zuko. They didn't seem to take him as much of a threat, but they were not underestimating him as he had hoped.
To fight or not to fight... that was the question. Zuko pondered his options. The Kyoshi warriors were allies of team avatar, they were all girls (his parents had taught him not to hit women)and Zuko was hungry after going without food for a day and half. The best option was to not fight.
Screech
Zuko drew his swords from their scabbard. He wanted to fight them, so he would fight them consequences be damned.