Disclaimer: I do not own ALAB
I watched the series again recently and really wanted to do a story on them! So here's the first chapter; no, I haven't abandoned my other stories. I've been in school for the last few months, so I've fallen behind but I'm starting up again really soon. Please enjoy it!
Katara threw herself onto her skins for the night, utterly exhausted.
It had been just over two years since the end of the war. Katara hadn't known what to expect, but she certainly hadn't been ready for, well, the work. The backbreaking, seemingly never ending work that had encompassed her entire being until she had nothing left to offer her village.
And Katara would die for her village.
Things had, and hadn't, been like what she'd expected after a lifetime of fighting. The reunion with her family had been endlessly rewarding; they had initially fallen back into their old life, with the addition of the Avatar hanging around. For a few months, Katara had been able to explore a previously unknown part of her life; her budding relationship with Aang was like nothing that she'd ever experienced. Being unconditionally adored was a nice feeling to finally have. Suki was busy rebuilding the Kyoshi islands, but she made time every month to visit, or Sokka would visit her. It seemed like everything that she had ever dreamed possible was finally coming to life.
And then the refugees arrived. They were obviously welcome; many were returning to their homes, descendants of stolen Southern Water Tribe villagers. Some were wanderers looking to make new lives in a place that they'd dreamed of, a land where kinship ruled above all. Some were Northern Water Tribe prisoners unwilling to make the long trip home, and instead settling for or sometimes preferring their sister kingdom. More people than she had known in her short life were suddenly flooding her small village, making it more of a town than anything else: a town with constantly growing needs, especially with the approaching winter season.
Katara and Chief Hakoda welcomed all new or returning villagers with open arms. After all, the rebuilding of a village depended highly on the rebuilding of its people. However, many of those returning carried little or nothing to their name, and lacked skills deprived of them during the war for survival on the tundra. This wouldn't be a problem either if not for the sheer number of refugees. Katara was at a loss for what to do. Some were benders, but thanks to the swift and brutal genocide committed by the Fire Nation soldiers, none of them had the skill or training to do much with even that. And Katara hardly had time to train them, considering the constant repairs needed by the growing population.
So, Katara spent entire days erecting ice shelters, expanding the wall around their village to protect from the wild animals, healing the sick and wounded, or hurriedly trying to pass on some of her skills to green waterbenders. All of it was labor that she loved, in the name of her village.
But Katara was exhausted. Her whole body ached from a full day of bending, her heart ached from an early morning of healing, and she cried inside when she remembered that the eastern wall needed to be pushed out to make room for a new ship of refugees coming first thing tomorrow. The wall was critical for protecting the village from the large carnivores that lived wild here, and she couldn't neglect her duties.
Reparations from the Fire Nation were her only real hope of relief, but her joy with the goods brought to her had faded long ago when she realized how shady the captain assigned to their tribe had become. Monthly, his fleet dropped off boxes of blankets, food, supplies, and money, but it was used up so quickly that within a day, it was as though it had never come at all.
She still remembered when her father had confronted Captain Tung about the supplies, which had been short for the last several months.
"Captain, this doesn't check out," he'd said, his blue eyes cold and accusatory. "It says in this list that we're supposed to have two hundred pounds of grain, a hundred of meat, and five thousand gold towards the restoration of our fleets, on top of tools, blankets, and raw building material. This isn't even half of that."
Many men were shaken by the chief's stare, but Fire Nation soldiers had long ago been indoctrinated into ugly ideologies about other nations. This man had made it clear, too, that he didn't consider water tribe villagers as much more than primitive savages. Captain Tung had sneered with that disdainful look he'd always had when he came to shore. His eyes, a dirty yellow, didn't flinch away from the hard gaze of the chief.
"Things get lost at sea," he'd replied softly, shrugging, but not backing down. "We hit a storm. Lost some containers." The blatant lie was insulting at best, and Chief Hakoda had riled at it.
"Fire Lord Zuko will hear of this," snapped the older man angrily, stepping forward to size up the small captain. "Reparations are his number one concern. We need those supplies." Several months ago, five thousand gold would have been a mind blowing fortune to Katara; now, she saw that it only just secured their future as a tribe. But Captain Tung only smirked at them, turning his back on them to board his ship and return to his home port.
"The Fire Lord doesn't have the time or attention for personal grievances," he sighed, waving them off. "And despite his political power, he doesn't hold sway over the weather. See you next month, Chief Hakoda."
Katara and her father could only glare after the haughty captain as he returned to his ship, the guards retreating with him. Before long it was only a speck on the horizon, and with it went Katara's hopes for an easy winter.
Resigned villagers had shouldered the boxes, knowing full well how badly they needed supplies. Katara felt like crying; their village was finally starting to grow, its people had come home, but it was just so much endless labor that she didn't see an end in her lifetime. They had food to store, people to train, schools and hospitals and homes to make...and with no other waterbenders skilled enough for the task, it would be a very long time before they were anywhere near stability. Maybe a decade, possibly more, she had no idea.
Katara was so tired that she didn't even hear the door to her hut open, as she was buried under her skins in a moment of sweet rest.
"Sweetheart, we need to talk to you."
The tired waterbender groaned, pulling the skins tighter around her. Her eyes burned with exhaustion, her muscles aching horribly. She was just so tired! Why didn't they understand how difficult bending that many shelters had been for her? Or, perhaps Kana was ready to give birth and they needed a healer? She sat up slowly, the warmth falling from her shoulders with the animal skins.
Her father and gran-gran stood in her hut, looking at each other nervously as her eyes focused. Gran-gran held a scroll tightly in her hands as she shifted from foot to foot. Katara's eyes narrowed as she assessed the discomfort in their expressions.
"Katara, we have a unique opportunity for you," murmured gran-gran, sitting at the edge of her granddaughter's bed. "We...we need this, from you. It's asking a lot, but the village is struggling, and we need our reparations from the Fire Nation."
Katara's eyes lit with new interest, despite the dark circles around them. She'd been so demoralized by another day of seemingly endless building that anything that implied faster progress was news that she was ready to hear. But her father looked exceptionally grim, his ocean blue eyes shadowed with something that looked like annoyance. She frowned.
"Did you get a response from Zuko about the reparations supplies?" she asked, wondering if his anger was directed towards that still. He shrugged, but his expression didn't change.
"Not exactly. His advisor responded, stating that they were sorry for the supplies lost at sea, and that they'd increase next month's shipment, but I don't anticipate receiving them somehow." She scowled with him as she recalled the captain's sneaky weasel face, and wondered exactly how much of their goods lined his cellars and his pockets. "This is sort of about that, but we don't feel comfortable keeping any information from you. I wish there was a different way to go about this, but it's a good opportunity to get counsel with the Fire Lord directly."
"Zuko? How hard could it be?" she asked, laughing. "It's not like we don't know him. I wish I'd gone earlier, actually, when we figured out what was happening to the rest of the supplies."
"We needed you here, sweetheart. Our people struggled too much to let our only healer leave, and from his advisor's past letters, it seems that the new Fire Lord is extremely busy with managing corruption in his own court, as well as international relationships. We need send an envoy, somebody who knows everything about the Southern Water Tribe, somebody with a title that can sidestep his political advisors." Her father's wisdom always surprised her. Of course Zuko would redirect minor messengers to his council of advisors, but he couldn't reject a meeting with a friend and the daughter of a chief.
Katara brightened immediately. She hadn't been to the Fire Nation in a long time, nor had she been able to think about anything besides immediate crises in her tribe. There, however, she could directly and powerfully impact the rebuilding of the South Pole, and maybe have some time to unwind after a long two years of managing mayhem. Plus, she'd get to see a few of her old friends again.
"But...the conditions under which the invitation was sent...may not be palatable to you. If you don't want to go, then we would understand," said Gran-gran slowly. "We received a missive from the Fire Nation earlier this week. I'm sorry that you're only hearing about it now; your father and I met with the village elders to discuss how this would be approached. Apparently...Fire Lord Zuko has reached a marriageable age, and his council of advisors is seeking a marriage that would support the restoration and unification efforts of his nation. They have invited noble women and their families from the other three nations to the palace, to celebrate his coming of age, as well as to present offers for marriage."
Katara stared blankly at her grandmother, wondering what all this had to do with her. Then, when both her father and Gran-gran averted their eyes, she came to the sudden and awful realization.
"Me?" she burst in shock. "I got invited? What? Why? I'm not a noblewoman! And Zuko is...I mean, he was my friend. That's weird!" She shuddered, remembering the sullen boy that she'd known years ago. Her father shrugged, sighing deeply.
"Well, your title by another nation would be princess. The Water Nation doesn't share the same royal culture as the Fire and Earth Nations, but as the daughter of a chief, you're the highest ranking woman here under a queen," he said. Katara's eyebrows rose in disbelief. "And if you want to go, we have received some goods from the Northern Tribe to supplement your journey. Princess Yue was the only princess in the Northern Tribe, so right now they're backing your willingness to envoy for them as well. They're sending a few noble girls, but haven't forgotten their sister tribe."
Katara felt her world closing around her, her hands sweating in her lap as she stared down at them. The Northern Tribe had gotten wind of the news before it was even formally announced, had sent a ship in preparation for this exact event to their sister tribe. Her father and grandmother might be using this opportunity to open a door for an ambassador, but her sister tribe was clearly hoping for something more advantageous than a simple message between friends.
And on top of all of this, she was still with Aang. Well, she hadn't seen him in months, to be fair, and even that was only a brief weekend at the South Pole, spent fishing and playing with the tiger seals, holding hands and watching stars. It had been so sweet and new to her, but he'd had to leave after too short a time to return to Ba Sing Se. He'd been working out of the various Earth and Fire Nation kingdoms, to ensure that international relationships were remaining secure. Of course she cared about him, but they hadn't exactly been on the same wavelength for a while.
But maybe she'd get to see him at the Fire Nation capital. Maybe he'd be working there. How mad would Chief Arnook be if he found out just how little she cared about the political marriage stuff?
She realized that she was planning on going, at least to talk to Zuko about the reparations and their seedy captain, if not for the chance to see Aang again. She groaned, rubbing her eyes with her hands.
"Are you and Sokka coming with me?" she asked, remembering the part about noble families. Her father smiled slightly.
"Sokka is not coming back from the Kyoshi islands for another week, then we'd leave for the Fire Nation after you. The formal invitation is for three months, a summer in the Fire Nation capital; I just need the week to make sure that preparation for winter is going to be finished. If we can get more supplies from the Fire Lord before winter, I'm confident that this time next year, we'll be caught up and back on the map economically. Three months without you would be tough, but we'd make it. It's for the greater good."
Katara closed her eyes wearily. Schools. A hospital. Maybe even a university. Goals that had seemed to far only today now had an end in sight, and all she needed to do was exert her influence as a...princess. The word made her frown. She certainly had never felt like one, especially not when she was spending entire weeks erecting buildings nearly singlehandedly.
"When am I leaving? What do I need?"
"Your grandmother has made a list for you. Thanks to Chief Arnook, you have most of what you need already. Formal water tribe dresses for all occasions, jewelry, writing tools, whatever you need. Much of it belonged to his own daughter, so treat them well. He has a vested interest in your...success." He said the word like it was poison, and she understood why. Despite her father's respect for the new Fire Lord, it was difficult for a man who'd grown up watching firebenders kill his loved ones to even imagine his daughter becoming involved with one. Maybe Chief Arnook didn't share his feelings, but somehow Katara believed that if Yue was still alive and available, even he would find some excuse to keep his own daughter out of the court. It was definitely a precarious political position to be in.
"And he sent something else for you, though I'm not sure how you'll feel about it." His smile was wry now, more playful than it had been before. She brightened up, wondering what he could have sent that she'd be interested in. "It's a buffalo yak. Apparently most of the ladies will be bringing their own mounts, as a display of status and culture from their own cities. Chief Arnook apparently feels that a princess who walks will be looked down on. All of his noblewomen and their families will be on buffalo yaks."
Katara grimaced slightly. Buffalo yaks were odd creatures, tall and quick, a good mount for a member of royalty. She was sure that he had sent the best of his stables too. But that beast meant nothing to her. It wasn't a creature of the South Pole, and she'd never even seen one before she'd visited their sister tribe. Wearing their clothes, riding their royal beasts...it felt like they were putting a claim on her. She knew that the Fire Nation Capital was too big to navigate without a mount of some sort, but a buffalo yak wasn't a creature to represent her culture. Regardless, Katara was nothing if not polite.
"Oh, I don't know what to say," she said quietly. "I guess we'll go see it." She started to stand, but her father placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I thought you'd feel that way," he laughed, knowing his daughter best. "It's really a very smelly animal. I thought maybe you'd prefer something more local, and fitting to your status in the tribe." Katara looked up, wondering what he was talking about. "You've always been more of a warrior than a princess, I'd say."
Katara gasped, her hands flying up to her face, immediately knowing what he was referring to. "You don't mean it, do you dad?!" she gasped. "A snow leopard caribou?" Snow leopard caribou were prized within their community, not only a status symbol, but also valuable and loyal animals. They were fast and strong, top predators that were too skillful to be honorable hunting partners. There were a few remaining tame cats, raised very recently by a close family friend. Katara had never dreamed of owning one; most warriors had to be gifted one from the chief after performing a particularly brave or heroic task.
"I think you're long overdue one," he said, leading his daughter to the door. Katara felt her eyes fill with tears. "You earned one many years ago. I owe Akala my life for setting one aside for you, but I'll pay her back eventually." Her grandmother smiled at the girl's joy; it had been a long time since Katara had smiled like that. She bowed her head as the two left the warm hut.
They walked for about a mile, towards the edge of the tribe's walls. Katara was alight with glee and anticipation, unable to believe that she would be gifted with one of the first leopard caribou in the South Pole since her tribe had been wiped out. Finally, she saw the thin line of smoke leading to the hut at the end of the village. Akala had a special living area, one where she could raise and train her cats and let them roam the tundra, as had been her family's craft for years. Now an old woman with her own children and grandchildren, she bowed to the chief and his daughter as they approached.
"Akala. I've brought Katara to see the kittens." Chief Hakoda's eyes lit with pride as he presented his daughter, who bowed to honor one of the village's elders. Akala's parents had been stolen from her as a child, and she had been imprisoned at a young age, but she had returned long ago pregnant with a soldier's child. Nobody spoke of Akala's dark history, but whispers suggested that she had loved the Fire Nation soldier who had freed her many years ago. None of her children were benders, so perhaps they would never know, but regardless she was treated with the respect owed a village elder and a skilled craftswoman. She returned Katara's smile, and her respectful bow.
"Excellent, you are most welcome, Chief Hakoda. Follow me, come along. The litter is back here. They've all been trained to ride, although they're still very young, so they can be shy. They're very gentle, so feel free to handle them. Your father paid for first choice, young lady, so take your time and make sure that you know which cat you want."
Akala spoke as though the kittens were newly born, but the four leopard caribou that Katara saw were nearly adult size. Easily twice the size of an ostrich-horse, they greeted the group with a symphony of rather intimidating growls.
Katara hesitated for only a moment. Their growls may be deep, but their soft golden eyes projected only a curious innocence. Soft grey ears thrust forward, they quieted as they recognized Akala.
"Hush, sweethearts," she murmured, smiling and gesturing to Katara. The young waterbender moved forward, meeting eyes with each young cat. Their soft growls turned to interested chirps as she moved to each one, touching their soft gray faces, the long tan horns.
Snow leopard caribou were lovely animals, despite or because of their ferocity, she wasn't sure. Their bodies were large and sleek, the fur a gorgeous gray peppered with black rosettes, light ivory on their cheeks and bellies. Their hooves were smooth and split, a darker charcoal in color. She inspected each very carefully, although she wasn't sure exactly what to look for. She had seen so few up close.
The first two had flinched away from her touch; she met eyes with them and continued on. The next one didn't flinch, but also didn't meet her eyes. The last, and the smallest, licked her whole arm when presented, and met her gaze with a deep purr. Katara fell in love with the honey soft gaze that held hers.
"What's her name?" she asked softly, not moving her eyes from the cat's. The deep purr continued, the leopard caribou gingerly rubbing her head along Katara's shoulder, conscious of the long horns that had begun to grow and maneuvering them away from the waterbender. Akala smiled.
"Her name is Ka. She's the cleverest of the litter, and the gentlest as well. Well chosen, young lady Katara." She bowed humbly. "I will retrieve her saddle, and prepare her for your journey."
"Dad...thank you," whispered Katara, her eyes filling with tears. It had been so long since she had felt a pleasure as pure as this. The big cat continued to rub her head along Katara's arm, the deep purrs vibrating the muscle there.
"Of course, darling," he said gently, his hand firm on her shoulder. "She's all yours. So, looks like you'll be going to the Fire Nation Capital with a friend."
I know that I have too many fics, I'll be updating my Naruto one soon. But for now, please read and review my new fic! I adore ALAB, can't wait to progress with this story. I appreciate any feedback, I know how low vis the new fics are, but I hope to hear from any interested readers!