A meeting was happening on Kyoshi Island. Sokka stood at the head of the table with Katara to his right and Suki to his left. He looked older then he really was, but then again being the Chief of two Water Tribes and one of the leaders of the rebel movement would do that to you. As a matter of fact, Sokka was only eighteen.
Katara admired her older brother. He did have a heavy burden on his shoulders, and she couldn't understand how he was coping so well. He had so many responsibilities and duties, and on top that they had both lost their father only six months ago. The thought of Hakoda hurt Katara still, but she knew that Sokka had shoved any thoughts of their father to the darkest corners of his mind and focused only on continuing his legacy.
Hakoda had been the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe and on a visit to the Northern Water Tribe he had been granted honorary Chief Status. Sokka had inherited both titles on Hakoda's passing. And he excelled at being a leader.
"Has there been any news from Jet?" Sokka asked. Katara looked up from her paperwork. News from Jet was usually the best thing about these meetings.
"We received word that the Freedom Fighters had overtaken multiple Fire Nation supply carts, loaded with food and weapons" Bato said. Sokka nodded.
"Small victories" Toph muttered. Sokka sighed and stood up.
"Meeting dismissed until next week. I wish you all safe journey's home. If you need me, you all know how to contact me" said Sokka. Katara looked at Sokka, standing tall and proud. He had everyone in this room ready to follow his word, ready to give their lives for him. The generals, elders and tribespeople slowly left the room, bowing in respect to their Chief.
The rebel movement was only small in comparison to the Fire Nation. They were situated throughout the Southern and Northern Water Tribes and parts of the Earth Kingdom. They all shared the same goal; to create peace. Katara knew that it would not be an easy task at all but if anyone could do it, it was her brother. Sokka had originally started the group around five months ago, and although they had only been small, people had listened to Sokka and slowly started to join him. He had the Kyoshi Warriors, Earth Kingdom generals, Water Tribe warriors and many more behind him. They were a powerful force now.
Katara was nothing but happy for her brother. All he had ever wanted to be was a respected leader and that was what he was. And he was making a difference. Sokka had already influenced so many people to fight back. He had even stopped a Fire Nation attack on the Northern Water Tribe, saving many lives. Sokka had many nicknames; all of them were good. Benevolent leader, fierce leader, strong leader.
Being the sister of the Famous Sokka had many benefits. Guards, nobles and tribespeople all respected her and everyone knew who she was. Many men wanted to marry her but that was only due to her status.
"Jet's victory does count towards something Sokka. The Fire Nation will have fewer weapons to use against us. All victories, no matter how small are worth it" said Haru. Sokka sat back down with his head in his hands, causing Suki and Katara to exchange a look. Sokka rarely showed weakness, but in the confines of this room with only his friends he would.
"What time does your group head out Kat?" asked Haru, breaking the silence.
"In about ten minutes. Isn't that right Sokka?" Katara asked her brother. It had taken a lot of convincing before Sokka had allowed her to go on the next trip out. They would be heading to a small Earth Kingdom village on the coast, and then meet the others back at the Northern Water Tribe. They needed supplies, and had word of a fire Nation raid that was going to occur. Toph and Haru had also decided to come with them, as they knew Earth Kingdom customs and could help to keep them safe. The trip wasn't supposed to take more than a few hours and then life would return back to normal back at the Northern Water Tribe. They had been on Kyoshi Island for weeks, holding various meetings and sending out teams to raid Fire Nation deliveries and stop attacks. It had been a few weeks and Katara missed her ice. She missed her Gran-Gran. She missed the way the water looked from the highest point of the Tribe. She missed the way that the moon rose high in the sky and she could watch all of the waterbenders revel in it.
"Come on Katara, let's get your bag" Suki said, pulling her friend along. Katara knew that Suki worried about Sokka as much as she did. Suki had been dating her brother for almost two years and it was anyone's guess as to why he hadn't proposed yet. It wasn't uncommon in the Water Tribes to be married young. Katara already knew many girls hers and Suki's age who were pregnant.
The two girls walked out of the shelter, into the bright sunlight.
"I'm getting really worried about him Katara" said Suki, gripping her arm tightly. "At night he doesn't return to our hut until late, and he's gone as the sun rises each morning. He's tired all of the time, and he's becoming more distant and closed off."
"He's our leader now. He has to put on a brave face every day and it's taking its toll. My brother needs to return to our Tribe and be with our people. He needs to be grounded again. His head has been filled with nothing but talk of war, death and missions over these past few weeks" replied Katara. She knew that she was missing her Tribe and the regular way of life, and guessed that Sokka was feeling the same way. Kyoshi Island was beautiful but it wasn't home.
"I hope that you are right. And I hope that your mission goes smoothly."
They reached Kataras living quarters and she picked up her bag. Everything she had brought with her to Kyoshi Island was stuffed into this one pack. It was heavy, but not heavy enough. Her life could fit into this bag. That was the one thing that she envied Sokka for; he was making a difference, whereas she wasn't doing anything. She sat in the meetings and helped plan strategics, and sure she was one of the best healers but that meant nothing compared to the people actually out there fighting. Her father had been the Chief, and Sokka was now continuing his legacy. What was she doing? Kidding herself.
"Are you alright?" Suki asked, touching her arm gently. Katara nodded.
"Of course I am. Just doing some thinking" she smiled. Suki pulled her in for a hug.
"I'm going to miss you so much Tara."
"Suki I'll see you soon. We'll meet back at the North Pole in a few days, a week tops, okay?" Katara shrugged her bag tightly around her shoulders and headed out of the room, towards the beach. The boats would be ready. They were only taking a small team, although it was strong one. Earthbenders, Kyoshi Warriors and a couple of Waterbenders would be going. Waterbenders were scarce and they had to stay at the North Pole to protect themselves and the Tribe. Only two others had come from the North Pole to Kyoshi Island. There were only four of her people on the island at the moment, including herself and her brother. She needed more of her own people.
As she walked down towards the beach she took in the scenery of the island. The land was still partially snowy, but purple flowers were still struggling through. The huts all looked so familiar. She had been into them, healing people and helping out families. This place wasn't home but it was a good enough substitute. The smell as she walked past the market was recognizable. Each Saturday Hani would bring out freshly baked bread to sell, although she would always sneak some for the children. She saw Haru leaning against one of the huts. He smiled at her as she walked over.
"Ready to go?" she asked.
"Not as ready as I felt before. We're one woman down on our mission" Haru stiffened.
"Why? What's happened?" Her heart tightened in her chest. Cryptic talk about losing people was never something that she wanted to hear. With the ongoing war, death surrounded her. Every day she feared for the ones that she loved. First her Mother, then her Father. She recalled all of the ones lost so far to the war. Yue's death had been the most tragic. It had been years ago but no one had ever truly gotten over it.
"Sokka received word of an oncoming attack to the Northern Water Tribe. A big attack. Aang and Toph got on Appa and rode straight away. He said to tell you that he'll see you soon" Haru informed her. Her heart unclenched. The news was not as bad as expected. This would affect their mission though. No one was as good an Earthbender as Toph. Oh well. They'd made do before, and they would make do now. Haru was looking at her, expecting a reaction. Ever since her father had died, Haru had walked on eggshells around her. He always seemed to be careful with what he said. Sometimes she appreciated it and other times it was the worst thing for her. She could have been something with Haru a long time ago, but now it felt like nothing could ever come from the two of them. She had accepted that they would be just friends, and she knew that he had too.
"That's awful. I hope that Sokka's informant is wrong; the North can't take another hit. Not without him there. They look up to him" said Katara. Haru smiled.
"I hope they are wrong too. Come on, let's get to the boats" he said. She followed him as he started walking. They walked slowly through the remainder of the village, and Katara knew that Haru was taking it all in. This wasn't his home either.
She noticed that his pace started picking up. And she could instantly tell why.
Smoke.
There were streams of smoke off down by the coast. And she could already hear yelling. There were big black Fire Nation ships pulled up into the sand.
How hadn't she noticed?
Haru was only steps behind her as she broke off into a run. Sokka would be down there with the boats. As she got closer, the scene unfolded before her. There were Firebenders. Not hundreds, but still a lot of them. The Kyoshi warriors were fighting, synchronised and perfect as usual. She could see Earthbenders throwing boulders and rocks, and finally she could see Malina and Hodda. The only two other waterbenders that have travelled with her. They were fighting and they did have the advantage of being directly next to the sea. Unfortunately it was the middle of the day and the sun was high up in the sky. That was the Firebenders advantage. Katara rushed in, collecting water from plants as she ran. She sharpened them into disks and started firing them towards the Firebenders, knocking them down. Their armour helped to protect them, but her disks were sharp and she was angry. She could hear yelling all around her, and hearts beating erratically. A small perk of learning Bloodbending had been the ability to hear heartbeats, but in moments like this, it was the worst thing. All around she could hear hearts beating capriciously and then stopping. They were dying. She had to tune it out.
She now took water from the ocean, surrounding herself in it. Her arms were engulfed in water, turned to ice. It shot out, hitting the men and women dressed in red. Then she saw it. Malina was stood only metres away from Katara, and Katara saw the man stab her before she could say anything. Malina gasped as the sword pierced her heart, straight through. She sunk down falling down to the sand. Katara moved quickly, her ice hands sharpened and she sped over to the Malina and the soldier. Just as his sword had entered her body, her ice pierced his. Straight through his armour. He fell down next to Malina. Katara looked down at the girl; her friend. Another Waterbender had been murdered by a Fire Nation soldier. Another one of her people. Katara could feel her blood boiling. Malina looked so small and frail.
But there was no time to mourn. Katara called as much water as she could muster up and aimed at the soldiers, killing them. This wasn't the first time she had killed, and she had never enjoyed it but there were moments like this when she had too. If she didn't do something then these soldiers would kill her, her friends and her brother. She was a Waterbender; so was Hodda. They would be the biggest targets. Waterbenders were meant to be dead.
She felt it before she could do anything. A heartbeat behind her, steadier then the rest. A hand snaked around her and a sword was at her throat. She could feel the cold sting of metal kissing her throat. Across the sand she could see her brother.
"STOP" the voice behind her yelled, halting all of the guards. Many of the Earthbenders kept fighting but once their gazes fell on her, they stopped. Hodda was on his knees with a soldier behind him, pulling his hair back with a knife against his exposed throat. Sokka had taken down the soldier he had been fighting down and was fighting his way through the crowd.
Katara could now see just how outnumbered they had been. There were many bodies on the floor and not so many of them were wearing red. Many of the Earthbenders and Kyoshi Warriors were being held by the soldiers. She could see Haru and Suki, and some of the Kyoshi Warriors surrounding a small group of Firebenders. Sokka shoved his way forward.
"Let her go" he said calmly, although Katara could hear his heart. It was beating like crazy. The one behind her was still calm.
"Where is the Avatar?" the voice behind her was deep and masculine. Sokka looked behind her with hatred.
"He isn't here. He left Kyoshi Island" said Sokka.
"You're lying. I've had many informants tell me he has been here for weeks" the voice said.
"He left not long ago. Now let her go" Sokka stepped forward.
"You're lying" the swordd pressed against Katara's throat and she felt liquid slide down her neck. Her own blood. Her hands were bent awkwardly behind her back and she hadn't felt this restricted in years. This soldiers heartbeat was so calm and slow, it was terrifying. Everyone else's were crazy, still in the high of the battle but his was stable. No one should be this calm, surrounded by so much death.
"I am not lying. He is not here anymore."
"Kill him. The Waterbender" the voice commanded. Katara saw the scene. Hodda's neck became a mess of blood, the knife cutting through his skin as easily as paper. He slumped down to the ground.
Another heartbeat gone. The scream tore itself from her throat. She yelled Hodda's name, but he would never hear it.
"Kill them all" he said and suddenly the heartbeats in Katara's head were cut down drastically. Each person that had been held by a soldier was killed. Knives slit throats and tore through hearts of the people that she knew. Guiltily she thanked Tui and La that none of the hearts that had stopped were Sokka's, Suki's or Haru's.
"You didn't have to do that!" Sokka screamed.
"I did. Have you not heard? Waterbending is forbidden. Earthbending is forbidden. Unless it is in my service. I will kill any Benders that defy me. Now shall this one be next?" Katara could hear her brother's pleas for her safety, but it sounded far away and distant. He sounded strong and fierce as ever, but she knew what he was feeling. She didn't what she would do if she lost him, and now he was at risk of losing her.
"Zuko!" a voice yelled.
She knew that name.
Everybody knew that name.
Fire Lord Zuko. The malevolent ruler of the Fire Nation. He was the one holding the sword to her throat. No wonder everyone had stopped when he had yelled for them too. No wonder her brother seemed so scared.
An older man was coming towards them, walking leisurely but urgently.
"Do not kill her Fire Lord Zuko" he urged.
"I do not take commands from anyone. Not even you Uncle" Zuko said. So this man was General Iroh, the infamous uncle of the Fire Lord.
"I advise you nephew, not command you. But she is not to be harmed. Bring her to the ship" Iroh said with authority. She felt herself starting to be dragged backwards, towards the sea and towards the large black ships. She tried to struggle but it was no use. Her hands were restricted and Zuko had the advantage of strength. Sokka ran forward but was stopped by a large blast of fire. Iroh had sent it.
"I do not feel like hurting anyone today, Chief Sokka but if you attack my nephew, I will attack back" Iroh said calmly.
"Let her go. Please. She's all I have left" Sokka said walking forwards slowly. Suki kicked the Firebender nearest to her and rushed over to grasp Sokka's arm.
"Sokka stop. They won't hurt her" she said.
"They can't take her" he replied. He squared up his shoulders and stood tall, addressing Zuko. "Take me. Let Katara go and take me instead" he offered.
"No can do, Chief" Zuko seemed to mock the title. They were now walking back up along the plank connecting the ship to the ground. It was now or never to try something, or risk never seeing her brother again. She kicked her leg up, smacking into his leg and was surprised to not find any armour. Zuko loosened his grip slightly in surprise and she took the opportunity to wrench her hands up and rip the sword away from her throat. She ran forward, out of the Fire Lords grip. Iroh stepped forward, as did the remainder of the soldiers.
"Aim at the Chief" Zuko commanded. Every soldier raised their hands towards where Sokka and Suki were stood.
"Now will you come with me Waterbender?" Zuko said. Katara turned slowly. She saw him for the first time and was shocked.
He was younger then she had originally thought. All of the stories about him had made him seem to be older and more dangerous. This boy was only a bit older than her, from what she could tell.
"What will it be? Will you come freely? Or will I have to burn your chief?"
Katara had no choice. She turned back to her brother.
"I love you so much Sokka. I will see you again" she said softly. If only she could put everything she wanted to say into a few measly words, but she couldn't. Sokka nodded. Katara knew that he would happily have died if she could have escaped but there was an underlying message with Zuko's threat. He wouldn't stop at just hurting Sokka and Suki. He would attack them all.
Katara glanced over at everyone. Haru looked helpless. She looked to Malina and Hodda's bodies, still and motionless. She looked at her brother and Suki for the last time before walking back up towards the Fire Lord. She could hear Zuko yelling for his men to return to ship. Two seized her arms and pulled her into the ship.
Into the darkness.
Hey so this is only the first chapter, and I know it's pretty crap right now but it will get better I promise. I will update in the next few days with a juicier chapter. For now, review if you like what you've read so far. Thanks!