CHANGE
By Leslina
03.06.06
Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender © Michael Dante DiMartino, Nickelodeon Studios et al.
Author Notes: It would have been disheartening if Iroh had passed. I'm rather pleased he's still alive, but a little disappointed by the quick recovery. Still I'm satisfied as punch about my prediction as far as Zuko resuming training in order to take on Azula; and the water/fire parallels—genius. Here's an alternative scene to Bitter Work.
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"The technique I am about to teach you is one I learned by studying the Water Tribe…"
The thin smiled that played across his nephews lips was barely discernable and Iroh tucked the memory away for later.
Water is the element of change…
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Katara paused outside the ghost towns' walls to catch her breath. Time was not on her side. If she did not return to camp before sun down Sokka and the others would begin to worry. She tasted metal in the air and looked up at the sky in time to see a bright flash against the cloudless backdrop and hurried towards it.
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"Water benders deal with the flow of energy. A water bender lets their defense become their offense, turning their opponent's energy against them. I learned a way to do this with—"
"Oh…"
The exiled fire benders turned in one motion towards the muffled sound.
That was a water bending move! Katara stared in stunned silence unbelieving what her own eyes had just witnessed. A fire bender, two fire benders, water bending—without water.
"You!" Zuko sputtered, cheeks flushed. "I told you to leave us."
Zuko's abrasive words snapped Katara from her thoughts and the water bender composed herself, if only marginally. "I know you did," she nodded, and then looked towards the seemingly recovered Iroh. "I wanted to help your uncle. We owe him as much." She said quietly.
"Well as you can see we don't need your—"
"Zuko!" Iroh chided his nephew. "Please excuse my nephew. He's been through a lot recently."
"We all have." Katara smiled thinly. "I'm glad you're alright. That was a pretty bad hit you took."
"Just a scratch really," the older man chuckled, "though your concern is most appreciated. Can I offer you some tea? I made it myself!"
"Uncle—" Zuko protested, but was quickly shushed by a sharp glance from his uncle.
Katara's shoulders relaxed and her hands let go of her hide-skin canteen to fall at her sides. "Thank you, but I can't. My brother and friends will begin to worry if I don't head back soon."
"Your presence is always welcome, Katara of the Water Tribe. Isn't it Zuko?"
Zuko looked away, eyes set narrowly. Iroh outstretched his arms in a mock stretch and gently thwaped his nephew who responded with an indignant, "Yes!"
Katara stifled a giggle and decided Zuko wasn't so bad—when his uncle was around.
"Well, I better go." She bent forward in a polite bow. She had only gone a few paces when she paused, turned and then said softly, "I'm glad… I'm glad there are others besides Jeong Jeong and Chey." Before Iroh or Zuko could respond the girl had hurried down the hill in the direction of the valley below.
Zuko watched Katara's retreating back, his face set oddly, a barely discernable smile playing on his lips.
Iroh recalled a similar smile and added this one to his catalogue as well.
Water is the element of change…
FIN
End Notes: I may revisit this one.
Edit: 16.06.06 – Ok, edited a couple of things. I think I like it better this way now.