Warning: This story will have sex and violence. Please be aware and fully warned before reading!
Disclaimer: By Yue, I do not own any rights to Avatar the Last Airbender.
Katara grips the railing of the Southern Water Tribe's royal vessel. The most impressive ship out of the Noble House of Blue Orca's fleet is insignificant next to the metal monstrosities clogging the imperial waterways. While the tribe's sailing craft may be small in comparison, its compact size allows it to traverse vast distances and slip effortlessly around obstacles.
The Blue Orca's mainsail and jib sheet are fully inflated, embracing the winds. Harnessing the natural power, its pointed bow glides through the ocean waters. The boat steadily cruises towards the docks lining the wharf. The Southern Water Tribe's mode of peaceful sailing is markedly different than the other surrounding ships. Giant grinding engines and belching smoke stacks exert mechanized authority within the confines of the harbor. Black plumes of soot and ash tinge the afternoon light, giving the sky a hazy quality.
Katara watches the bustling Imperial Marina with trepidation. Standing safely on the Blue Orca's main deck, she drums her blunt nails on the wooden railing. Soon, the life Katara has known will slip from her grasp, and there is nothing she can do to prevent its inevitable conclusion. A sickness of dread washes over her, causing her legs to wobble.
Sokka glances over, noticing his sister's white face and weak knees. "We'll be on dry land soon enough. Don't go getting all leg-slushy now."
Katara grips the railing more firmly. She regains steadier footing. Tossing her head, her long braid loops over her shoulder and falls down the front of her blue shift. The simple dress allows for comfort with the heightened temperatures of the tropical climate.
Katara bristles over the teasing from her brother. "When have I ever gotten leg-slushy?" She pretends to reflect while sporting a mischievous grin. "If I recall correctly, the first time you got on Dad's boat, you were the one gifting the waters with partially digested sea-slug stew, not me."
Sokka chortles loudly and then rubs his chin beard thoughtfully. "Alright, I deserved that, but now that I'm twenty-one, can't you let your big bro gain some of his dignity back and let that story finally die."
The mention of death snatches away the brief moment of levity between the siblings, reminding Sokka and Katara the real reason they were sailing into the Imperial City's harbor. It wasn't for some ordinary trading endeavor, but the required yearly tribute. The protection payment provided a fire buffer, preventing the faceless demons from taking another soul into their fold. The Southern Tribe had lost so many of its members to Koh. Katara touches the pendant at the nape of her neck. She briefly shut her eyes; even her own family hadn't been immune to Koh's wrath.
Sokka guides the tiller toward the left, narrowly missing a barge brimming with stacked cargo of braying cow-pigs. Watching the noisy crates sail past, Sokka shakes his head. "I'd hate to be the lowest level cow-pig on that barge, that's gotta be a shite to behold and smell."
Katara giggles, "Good one, Sokka." A feeling of shared mirth relaxes the siblings.
Sokka returns his focus to his duty of steering, and Katara resumes watching the looming wharf. The bustling naval pier booms with activity. Sounds mingle in the warm salty air. Orders and jeers drift along with the wind, in and out of Katara's hearing. Those same warm whiffs caress her tan skin, tingle her senses. Her fingers clamp upon the railing, digging into the polished wood with anticipation.
The agony of the trip has grown, not abated. A month at sea hadn't lessened what must be done to maintain the village's safety. The decision wasn't arrived at easily either. Long nights were spent huddled within the great ice hall; an intricate ice structure built at the height of the Southern Water Tribe's shipbuilding prowess. Delicate carvings on the thick ice walls boast of the days when the Southern Tribe was a thriving community. Their numbers could fill the hall, swelling out into the snowy courtyards. The relics to those days remain frozen upon the icy walls. The community's dwindling members mock those legacies, making the hall seem even more empty and hollow. The collective Southern Tribe knew the answer to the lack of funds upon the onset, but it took many endless nights and long days of intense debate to resign them to the fact: for the good of all, what must be done, will be done, so mote it be.
Katara's tribe may have accepted the bitter fate, but she refused to abide. She was determined to find another way. Once the traveling party had been selected, the journey commenced immediately. Katara had prayed ceaselessly during the trip for another solution, rather than one they were sailing towards. When the leopard dolphins appeared next to the Blue Orca, the crew rejoiced over the signs of good luck and a guaranteed safe passage, but the animals' presence provided little comfort for Katara.
The yellow spotted creatures had continued to follow the Blue Orca's frothy wake, right up to the fiery boundary which marked the edge of the imperial waters. Swerving away from the wall of fire, the animals' sleek forms were going to return once again towards the southern hunting grounds. Before the animals could swim away and Katara's last chance at clemency would have escaped, she had called out to the leopard dolphins in the ancient tongue, a language almost forgotten and rarely spoken aloud anymore. Gran Gran had instructed her precious grandchildren in all of the old ways, hoping that not everything would be lost to the tribe.
Katara had sung out her plea. "Brother and Sister of fast waters, search out the Great Blue Orca; ask the Great One to help his chosen people!" The leopard dolphins idled, while her sweet melody had bounced over the tops of the waves. The swiftest creatures of the ocean clicked to each other, the leader then did a majestic back flip, with much fanfare from the tribe, and finally the whole pod departed.
The random passing crew members, who had paused near Katara, listened to her lovely little song. None of her fellow tribesmen could fathom the brief chorale's deeper meaning, nor desired to search out why Katara had sung it to the leopard dolphins.
A moment of peace had descended upon Katara; perhaps her request would reach the Great One. The most ancient of sea creatures in all of the oceans, the Great Blue Orca would find an answer to their desperate quandary. Katara had been raised upon the sailors' stories where the Great One had granted wishes like the fabled Turtle Lions.
A glimmer of worry had wormed its way into Katara's optimism. What if those tales are lies, a breeding ground for dashed hopes? The Blue Orcas were the largest animals in the world, fierce predators, and sacred to the Southern Tribe. Once plentiful to the oceans, the whales had slowly disappeared until hardly sighted anymore. A similar fate had happened to their tribe, when the world no longer desired handcrafted ships, preferring modern technology to tradition. It didn't help that their skillful waterbenders were snatched away, and then there was Koh's army of soulless wanders waiting beyond the flame border, eager for fresh victims.
Katara glances up from her ruminations. The dock is imminent, and the reality is much more tangible as the Blue Orca sails closer to the pier. Feelings of immense anger well up within Katara. She is completely rudderless, adrift upon a sea of choices that are out of her control. Suddenly, a ball of water rises from the ocean, hovering in front of her blue eyes. Startled, she stumbles back, and the water crashes back into the sea.
"Katara!" Sokka chokes out, glancing about him. There is no sudden cry of alarm, so he calms himself. "Katara, you know waterbending in public is forbidden."
"I'm sorry, Sokka." Katara holds open her hands and stares at her empty palms. She runs the pads of her fingers along her life lines, tracing the pathways. "I didn't mean to do it. I felt so useless," She looks up, pleading for her brother to understand, "it just happened."
Sokka leans in closer to his sister and whispers fiercely. "I know, but if the Imperial Elemental Forces should find out that we have a powerful water bender and didn't report it. We could lose you forever." He reaches out and touches her arm, "I wouldn't want that." Clearing his throat, he returns his hand to the tiller and deepens his voice with brotherly bravado. "None of us would want that."
"We don't know if any of what they say is true about the waterbenders."
Sokka's eyes narrow with anger. "Then why are you the only waterbender left in our tribe?"
"There is Master Pakku." Katara finds the irony that the Imperial Elemental Forces discounted the most powerful waterbender for being too old, thus not worthy to commandeer for their elite army.
"Yes, there is Master Pakku and you."
"And me," Katara replies sadly. She chuckles when reflecting upon the nicknames designed by Sokka to peeve her. "Besides, don't you mean hydro-warping or spooky water magic?" She wiggles her fingers and makes eerie sounds.
Sokka's mouth tilts up. "That hydro-warping is what makes you special."
It used to infuriate her when her brother would taunt her with his made-up insults. Now, it only fuels her sadness. The lopsided grin which graces Sokka's face may appear carefree; but Katara knows the subtle difference between her brother's smiling countenance of joy and that of worry. His true smile of happiness could chase away Katara's tears and bolster her when everything seemed so bleak and hopeless.
With slightly damp eyes, Katara focuses her attention upon her brother. "Sokka, I love you so much."
The same breeze that stroked Katara's exposed arms and face, tug and tease Sokka, yanking his wolf tail and pulling at his beard. "You will do great things, Katara." He swallows the lump in his throat. "I wish I could be there to see them."
Katara's blue eyes flash with frustration. "Why, Sokka, why must it be you?"
"Katara, don't do this."
"No, there has to be another way." Katara insists with vehemence. "I know there is another way."
Sokka's grip tightens upon the rudder. "This is no other way! I will save my people from Koh!" He inhales the briny air. It stings his lungs, but reminds him that he is still alive. "I will do anything to protect those that I love." Sokka's jaw tightens, and he steels himself again. Looking away from his stricken sister, he glances out toward the prow. "Dad!"
Hakoda stands at the tip of the Blue Orca's bow, resting his weight against the glossy dorsal fin of the great beast which juts out over the waves. The prow had been sculpted into an almost lifelike depiction of the Blue Orca species. The ornamental head had been painted a brilliant blue and engraved with tribe's native symbols for power. Hakoda runs his hand along the master carving. Inspecting the handiwork, no flaws can be located, nor would they be, if made by the Southern Water Tribe. It is truly a labor of ingenuity and beauty.
"It is time." Hakoda slaps the back of the Blue Orca's prow and swings around. Standing astride with his hands folded behind his back, his stance and demeanor reflect his noble line and status of chief. "Sokka, ready the ship for docking!" Hakoda commences barking out orders to the rest of his crew. "Man the sails! Make haste for the slip and prime the lines!"
Crew members dash about the main deck, navigating the details of mooring, tying down the Blue Orca's rigging, and deploying midship spring lines. The fenders are tossed over and bump against the sides of the boat.
Hakoda strides across the polished deck, moving toward his son and daughter. A father stands between his children; he smiles down at Katara and looks proudly upon Sokka.
Hugging his daughter to his side, Hakoda places his arm across the shoulders of his son. "By the moon, I love you both."
Katara and Sokka answer simultaneously, echoing their father's loving sentiment. "By the moon, we love you."
Sokka points toward the open slip. Hakoda squeezes his son's shoulder briefly. He lowers his voice, speaking with the authority of experience. "When we reach ashore, stick close, the Imperial City is full of depraved sights. Be wary, but even more careful once we reach court; that den is where the most dangerous vipers lie to strike."
"The Fire Lord should change his house sign from dragon to snake." Sokka jokes with a hard edge of truth.
Hakoda echoes a hollow laugh. "Truer words were never spoken, my son." He reaches across and takes the tiller from Sokka. "Prepare for a rough docking. Earlier, when I radioed in our coordinates, the imperial naval operations officer informed me the steel breakwalls were the only slips available. He cautioned our little boat might not be able to handle the impact." Hakoda smirks, "The fools don't know being modern doesn't mean being better." Nodding toward the crew members already lined against the Blue Orca's port and starboard, he assures, "I've got this. You two grab the lines and remember to be prepared for whatever should ensue." Hakoda isn't merely referencing the immediate situation at the marina, but a careful warning for the future. Katara and Sokka follow their father's orders with efficient speed. Standing at the ready, everyone watches as the Blue Orca guides into its slip assignment.
On the pier, a young naval officer beckons with wide gestures. "Keep her steady!" He shouts with a friendly tone. Though a brown beard grazes the sides of his face and chin, the officer's head is completely bald. A prominent blue arrow points downwards between his brows, runs the length of his scalp, before disappearing into the back collar of his imperial naval uniform.
"Sokka, an airbender!" Katara's first adventure from the southernmost point of the world, beyond her home's vast stretches of white powdery tundra, she actually sees a flesh and blood airbender. The sight boggles her mind.
Katara had received a rigorous education. In school, she had been instilled about all manner of subjects, including the other elemental races. The Noble House of Winds is a peaceful society, hidden away on the vast mountains peaks of the world. Her studies had reported airbenders reside within their temples, meditating, and shunning modern society.
Yet, this young man is standing on a pier, directing the Blue Orca to its slip. An airbender in a naval uniform was at such odds with the Noble House of Winds reported monk existence.
"By the looks of his arrow," Sokka tightens his hold on the thick rope. "I would say he is a master airbender."
"What wonders," Katara marvels, while bracing her feet against the deck. She wraps the braided cord around her wrists to maintain a stronger grip.
"Little Sis, I would advise you to learn and hide that otter-guppy expression quickly." Sokka reflects upon the Imperial City's notorious stories of lewdness, which had been regaled after several fermented seaweed pints were passed around and drunken. "Trust me, there is much more which would shock your innocence."
Katara scoffs, "I'm not as naive as you think."
Sokka's eyes bulge with surprise, "What's that suppose to mean?"
"Nothing," Katara grumbles, while looking away. "It's just you always assume I'm some baby panda-penguin that needs to be coddled. You're only a year older than me." She glances over her shoulder, "I know things, alright?"
"Right," Sokka exaggerates. He's assured even more that Katara has to be innocent with her mentioning a cuddly panda-penguin. Panda-Penguin, Sokka snickers inwardly, what a girlie thing to say. He feels relieved that his world view of his sister remains intact.
Katara can plainly see Sokka's satisfied smirk. Men! She thinks with disgust. They think they are the sole chieftains and the only ones savvy of the world's ways.
Now that her brother was of age, Katara knew Sokka went out drinking. While the tribe's males were carousing and bonding over seaweed liquor, they assumed their women folk were patiently waiting in their ice houses, knitting little booties for a passel of supposed impending babies. The more accurate truth was the women were equally sharing in bawdy stories. Even Gran Gran, much to the furious embarrassment of Katara, had informed the other women how to make a man beg for mercy from feather touches to his ugani.
While Katara may not have direct experience with passion, she knew how to seek her own pleasure. Deep in the night, under layers of pelts, she had followed the familiar planes of her body. Fondling her rose tipped breasts, she circled the brown areola. While one hand tweaked a nipple, she guided her other hand across her flat stomach, down to the tuft of hair that hid her secret spot. Katara touched the slick point, stimulating herself slowly. She relished in the power of being in control of her body and responses. Building a heat within, her fingers gained speed, racing toward her blissful release. Even though she was under the dome of her igloo room, she had seen a vast array of stars stretch above her.
Katara yanks on the Blue Orca's rope more tightly. Yes, men will always underestimate a woman.
As Gran Gran once remarked, "Katara, dear, use that to your advantage and smack them right between the eyes that you're as good as any male bender." Gran Gran had smiled and winked, "I know I had to do that to your step-grandfather, Pakku. He has been blissfully happy ever since."
A grinding of engines snaps Katara from her reflections. She and the rest of crew look up in astonishment. To everyone's dawning horror, a giant tanker is barreling towards the Blue Orca. The bow of the ship is ready to descend upon the Southern Tribe's stern and its piloting chief.
Hakoda stares up at the razor edge of the tanker ship towering above him. He spins the tiller and yells out, "Hold firm!"
Even as the words depart from the chief's lips, the naval officer on the pier crouches in a steady stance, whirling his hands. A cyclone of air appears and is sent beyond the Blue Orca, whooshing across the heads of its crew. The spinning wind shoves the tanker's immense bow back, holding the ship steady. Intense concentration is funneled, as the officer steps forward. His arm muscles strain, as he enlarges the rotating air into an engulfing cyclone. It slowly drives back the tanker from the Blue Orca. The marina bells clang in thunderous peals, other naval officers and dock workers pound down the wharf and join on the berth, shouting orders. The airbender continually edges the tanker backwards, as naval police boats surround the ship.
When it is obvious the tanker is contained, the airbender breaks his stance. His arms fall limply to his sides. Even though that feat must have required intense exertion, the airbender's disposition resumes its amiable ease. He hails to the stunned Southern Tribe's crew in a jovial tone about subverting a potentially deadly accident. "That was close."
Sokka shakes his head in agreement. "You could say that again."
The airbender grins widely and repeats, "That was close."
Laughter cascades over the Southern Tribe, making everyone feel calmer about the potential calamity.
Sokka pokes Katara in the side, "I like him."
Katara absently rubs the spot where Sokka had jabbed her. She liked the airbender, too. Yet, her father's words and this naval officer's actions remind her, it is important to be as agile on her toes as an airbender. For if a person isn't careful, she might get killed.
Hakoda reverses his quick maneuvering of the tiller and eases the sailing craft back toward the slip. Soon the Blue Orca is nestled next to the pier. The other crew members, including Hakoda, Sokka, and Katara finish the final preparations of properly securing the boat. As the lines are tied, the airbender agilely lifts from the steel berth, landing softly onto the Blue Orca.
"Welcome to Imperial City, I'm Lieutenant Aang, member of the Imperial Navy Core." Almost floating across the polished deck, Aang approaches Hakoda. Once he is in front of the Southern chief, the Lieutenant clicks his heels together. Aang rigidly holds his arms at his side, while bowing low before Hakoda.
Hakoda returns the bow. Due to Hakoda's higher status, he does not bend as deeply as the Lieutenant. "Thank you for saving our ship and especially my crew, Lieutenant Aang."
"Part of the job, airbending can be rather handy." Aang holds open his palm, and a ball of air spins upon it.
Hakoda thinks dryly that Aang would get along very well his son. "I'd like you to meet my children." He invites his son and daughter to join him with the flick of his fingers. "They are two of the many people who you saved today from Tui and La's watery crypts." Sokka and Katara hurry over to join their father, bowing and curtsying as deemed appropriate. Aang answers with a bow to each of them.
Stepping forward, Sokka introduces himself, while shaking his thumb towards his sister. "I'm Sokka and this is Katara."
"Sokka, I can speak for myself."
"Okay, then," Sokka shrugs. "What did you want to say?"
Katara blushes and mumbles, "That my name is Katara."
"Not very original, Katara," Sokka snickers.
"Sokka!" Katara folds her arms over her chest, glaring at her brother.
Hakoda shakes his head. "Alright you two, we must get ashore and head toward the palace."
Aang stands at rigid attention again, while bowing his redress. "I apologize, Chief Hakoda, Lord of the Noble House of Blue Orca, but the Imperial Envoy expected you two days from now. They are not prepared for your arrival."
Shaking his head, it always took a while for Hakoda to accustom himself to the pomp and circumstance of Imperial City. He assumes the expected regal air. "I accept your apology, but there is no need to fear offense. Fair winds were in our favor for most of the journey, we made better time than usual."
Sokka leans forward. "Dad is being modest. Southern Water Tribe ships are the fastest on sea. We always make good time."
Aang glances around, taking in the apparent skill of the Blue Orca. "Yes, I have heard tales of Southern Water Tribe ships, but this is the first one I have ever seen. Imperial City's harbor mostly gets tankers and boats from either the Fire Nation or from the seaports out of the Earth Kingdom. Those ships are mechanized with the latest engineering gadgets." Aang observes the smooth lines and elegant shape of the Southern Tribe's vessel. "But I prefer this one. It has not only beauty, but obvious efficiency, too."
"Exactly!" Sokka beams. "I can tell you know true style when you see it."
Hakoda should chastise his son for speaking out of turn, but the chief can't help feeling a similar swell of pride. Clearing his throat, Hakoda indicates he will resume the typical hierarchy protocol. Sokka immediately steps behind his father, but slightly in front of his sister. The chief assures the young officer in front of him that there is no need for a parade on their behalf. "Lieutenant Aang, I have been to Imperial City many times, for the annual tribute, as well as trading missions, I'm familiar with the way up to the palace. There is no need for an Imperial Envoy. My children and I will walk."
"When I informed the palace of your arrival, I was told to escort you." Aang shrugs the shoulders of his crisp red uniform. "They might meet us anyway with the requisite palanquin. The court loves a good show."
Katara reaches for her father's arm. "Dad, can't we wait? I've always wanted to ride in a palanquin."
Hakoda touches his daughter's hair, so like Kya and a zeal for life. "No, we will walk. It will be good for our legs after the long journey."
Katara wants to pout, but feels it might reinforce Sokka's childish assumptions about her. She stands erect in silent agreement.
The gangway had been carefully put in place. Hakoda gives his orders about the ship to Bato, his second in command. Both men grip each other affectionately on their white arm braces.
Bato steps away from his chief and friend. "I will do you proud."
"You always do." Hakoda then announces to his crew. "Thank you for your loyalty and friendship. By Yue, until I return to you again, I say good moon to you all." His crew responds appropriately, while bowing with utmost respect to their leader. The Southern Tribe remains in that reverent position, until after Hakoda, his two children, and Lieutenant Aang exit off the gangway.
The wharf is teeming with activity. Burly sailors, with lusty tattoos on their arms, lug crates to and fro. Ostrich horses pull carts of produce and supplies. Huge pots of bubbling tar boil over into fires, as men stir the contents from platforms above the acrid black stew. Pelican-vultures circle above and swoop in to steal the bloody guts and fish heads from the daily catch. There is so much to view that Katara is constantly flipping her head back and forth to make sure she doesn't miss a thing.
"First time to Imperial City, huh?" Aang has fallen in step with Katara, who has lagged behind due to her gawking.
Katara blushes. "Frankly, this is my first time anywhere."
Sokka jogs backwards and then walks forward in line with Aang and Katara. "So, buddy, can I call you, buddy, buddy?"
"Yes, can I call you Sokka, Sokka?"
Katara holds her hand in front of her mouth giggling. "I can tell Sokka and you will be great friends."
"Aren't we already?" Sokka adds simply and with the smugness that making friends is just what he does best. Coughing, not so subtly into his fist, he bluntly asks what both siblings have secretly wanted to know from the beginning. "Now, about your life story, can we have the short version? I don't have a lot time."
"Sokka!" Katara ignores her brother's obvious implications and concentrates on his rudeness. "Maybe Aang doesn't want to tell us his life story." She really hopes he does though and adds nonchalantly. "Not unless he wants to, then of course, we'll listen."
"I don't mind." Aang smiles up at Katara. "It really isn't that interesting. Airbenders don't have a lot of money. In order to help pay the tribute, some of the master airbenders volunteer to leave the temples and find worldly jobs."
"I have never met an airbender until you." Katara can't help but stare closely at Aang's bright blue arrow.
"Can't imagine there are many airbenders living on the southern tundra." Aang looks curiously between the siblings. "Are either of you waterbenders?"
Sokka answers quickly for Katara. "No waterbenders around here."
"It's probably just as well. The fire nation has quite an aversion for waterbenders."
Katara swallows, "Really, why?"
"Water can extinguish fire, and the Imperial Flame must never cease, correct?" Aang states the standard goodwill with a careful eye trained on the Southern Tribe siblings.
"Yes," Katara and Sokka look at each other and answer duly, "long live the Fire Lord."
Sokka quickly changes the subject from anymore talk about waterbending. "Why did you decide to join the Imperial Navy?"
"I always wanted to travel, so thought I'd give the Imperial Navy a try. It turns out airbenders are mighty handy at sea and port." Aang repeats his trick of spinning air on his palm.
"That is a really impressive trick, Aang." Katara's eyes circle around, trying to follow the air spiral.
Aang shuts his hand and the mini-cyclone disappears. "It is actually an ancient practice sacred to my people." Katara looks contrite over her inappropriate slight against Aang's culture. The Lieutenant winks, "but it is also a cool trick."
Sokka and Katara both laugh. Hakoda glances behind. "Hurry up, you two. I want to get to the palace before sundown." Life in the tundra has taught him to be nervous at night; wicked things lurking in the shadows can roam unhindered. All three run up to the chief, keeping more in step with Hakoda's long stride.
Katara glimpses a lurid sign, with the undulating letters spelling, Serpent's Teat. A voluptuous woman loitering below the logo exposes her ample breasts. She strokes the mounds, jiggling them so they bounce and fall, and then lifts one up to her mouth to suckle on the brown tip. Her bright red lips release the nipple. She calls out boldly to Katara, "Care to sample from the teat." Reaching down her skirt, she reveals an ugani. Running her hand up and down the shaft, it grows in length. "Or perhaps you prefer some fresh cock."
Katara stumbles over the sight of a person being both sexes. She backs into Aang, knocking him into Sokka. Looking away, she tries to rush an explanation for her behavior. "I'm sorry, I was startled."
They both turn toward the sounds of a cackling woman. She has pulled her shirt over her breasts, but makes a great show of tucking back her ugani.
"I told you, Katara, that you couldn't handle the big bad world."
"Sokka, I'm fine. I was knocked off balance." Katara glances down at the cobblestone pavers they are walking upon and supplies a plausible reason rather than the actual truth that she had been utterly astonished. "I'm not use to walking on these type roads."
"Sure, the roads, that's what it was." Sokka shakes his head.
Aang is aware that Katara isn't being as truthful as she would like to pretend. For not long ago, his reaction had been the same. "Before I came to Imperial City, I had never seen a Shim either." He swings his head back, indicating the Serpent's Teat. "That brothel isn't very good, though; lots of flea-crabs have been reported coming out of there. The Upper City has classier establishments." Katara's eyes widen slightly and Aang rushes to explain. "I haven't been to them, not that there is anything wrong with going there if you need a release." He finishes lamely, "Men talk."
"No, it's fine." Katara adds gratefully, "Thanks for explaining to me. I'm already learning a lot."
"After you're here a while, you get use to the way things are done in Imperial City." Aang glances away, while asking what he hoped from the moment he had first glimpsed Katara. "Do you plan to stay around?"
"No." Katara drops her shoulders. "We will pay our tribute and then return home."
Aang misunderstands Katara's reason for her sudden sadness. "I'm sure the royal family will like you and extend your visa."
Katara's eyes flash white-hot blue. "I detest the royal family."
Aang holds up his hands. "Whoa, those kinds of words will get you jailed."
"Who cares? It's the truth."
"Truth doesn't buy you any friends in court."
Katara scoffs, "I don't need those kinds of friends."
"You'd be surprised how much you will need them, if you do stick around." Aang replies quietly and then moves up the road past Hakoda and Sokka, taking the group's lead.
Hugging herself, Katara longs to return to the pristine tundra, where the snow crystals glistened under the bright sun and gentle moonlight. The fire nation was as foreign to her as the concept as electricity, or as Gran Gran called it, light magic. The thought of her beloved grandmother makes Katara grin. She drops her arms and dashes up to join her father and brother.
A honking horn signals for the clogged thoroughfare to disperse. The throngs scatter, push carts move next to the buildings, while the animals are carefully contained. A bright red automobile with gold ornate leafing proclaims the imperial seal of a fire breathing dragon. The car advances down the cobble street, before pulling up next to Aang, who is further ahead of the group. He bows and then speaks in a hush toned to the concealed passenger. Standing upright, he bows briefly again, before turning to Hakoda, Sokka, and Katara.
Sokka is mesmerized by the appearance of the car. He is almost panting with anticipation at its appearance. For once, Katara isn't the only otter-guppy.
Hakoda drolly advises, "Shut your mouth, Sokka, you're drooling son."
Sokka doesn't supply a quick witted retort. He closes his lips and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. Katara looks away disgusted.
Aang opens the car's door and stands aside, motioning for the group to enter the vehicle. "Your palanquin awaits."
Before stepping into the envoy car, Hakoda bows. "Thank you for your help, Lieutenant Aang. May the moon always precede you."
Sokka ignores the standard greeting custom and slaps Aang on the shoulder. "Thanks buddy for everything."
"If you ever want to see the world, you should think about joining the Imperial Naval Core. I can vouch for you."
Sokka smiles dips, "I'll think about it." He climbs into the palanquin.
"Great!" Aang turns his attention to Katara. He takes in her caramel skin and delicate features.
"Aang, it was nice to meet you." Katara curtsies.
"I hope this won't be the last time I'll see you, Katara." Aang's eyes hungrily absorb Katara while her eyes are downcast.
Katara looks up into Aang's earnest expression. She thinks about the future, and her words sound bleak even to her. "I might not be the same person, if we should ever meet again." She steps inside the car, while saying, "Good-bye Aang."
"Good-bye Katara." Aang shuts the door. Looking through the gauzy curtains, Katara can still see Aang watching them drive away, never wavering from his spot.
"Welcome to Imperial City." An extra chipper voice directs Katara to the interior of the car. "My name is Joo Dee. I have been given the most honored of honors to show Lord Hakoda and his family to the Imperial Palace." White teeth glow with a cheshire-puma smile.
Hakoda, Sokka, and Katara rear back from the glare. The inside of the palanquin car is lined with deep red velvet. Yet even in the low lighted surroundings, Joo Dee's teeth emit a ghostly gleam.
Sokka pastes on a plasticized smile, speaking out of the side of his mouth. "She is spooky." Katara couldn't agree more, and she can tell their father is equally disturbed.
Hakoda dispels their moment of joint surprise at their guide's appearance. "We thank you for the ride, Joo Dee, but we were fine with walking up to the palace."
Joo Dee lips never cease beaming. "No, no, you are a guest at the palace and should be accorded all due rights and privileges."
Hakoda is tired already from the formality and can't resist sniping. "Really, I didn't realize all guests were required to pay the Imperial House a tribute."
"We like to think of a tribute as a gift, in exchange for protecting the ones whom you love." Joo Dee may be smiling but her words drip with an acidic retort.
Hakoda reaches out for each of his children's hands, clutching them tightly. "Yes, I love my family very much." He leans back against the velvet cushioned back. "If you don't mind, we've had a long trip, and I'm tired. I would like to ride the rest of the way to the palace in silence." Shutting his eyes, he effectively ends Joo Dee's tour.
Katara is weary as well. She turns her head to the side. Still clutching her father's hand, she rests her forehead against the door frame. The rushing buildings, blurring past, lull her into a gentle sleep.
A sudden lurch and Joo Dee's pronouncement, awakens everyone. "We have arrived at the palace."
A/N: I hope you enjoyed chapter 1. This alternate universe's time period is closely similar to the what occurred in the early Industrial Age. My story will explore: the old ways vs. the new emerging technology, court back-stabbing, vying for power, spiritual fantasy, and lemons. Until next time, ponder: how has Koh crossed into the physical plane?
Please try my other on-going story, too: Guardians of the White Lotus. It is an Old West space adventure, much more aimed at the pre-teen/young adult set with lots of comedic elements.
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