Author's Note:
I have not written a fan fiction in two years…it seems so long ago, going over my other works. Well, here is my new Avatar the Last Airbender fan fiction, criticism is welcome. Takes place after the Southern Raiders.
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar The Last Airbender. It is the property of its creators and Nickelodeon.
Chapter 1: Return to Ember Island
It was early morning, and everyone was sleeping. The Fire Nation citizens that were resting, and the guards that were off duty all were completely unaware of what was going on above them. A great horned beast with snow white fur flew overhead in a gentle glide, and on its saddle, battle-hardened kids who had defied all odds in achieving their goals.
Aang and the others, dressed in their Fire Nation clothes, were admiring the view of the island. Everyone was especially dazzled with the sight of the stately homes of the Fire Nation's wealthiest and most influential families. Only Zuko and Toph were unimpressed with what was going on below.
"I still can't believe we're actually going to be staying here," said Katara in a worried voice.
"Relax Katara, Zuko said this place would serve our needs in preparing to strike the Fire Lord again, and besides, I think we deserve to rest somewhere nice for a change," chirped Aang with his usual optimism.
"Yeah Katara, just chill, you should be pretty good at that," Sokka said laughing at his own joke. There was nothing but silence and he cleared his throat.
"Sooo Zuko…where is our mansion?" Sokka asked very quickly.
Zuko didn't answer. He had been staring at the saddle the whole time they were flying, and it was obvious that he wasn't paying attention.
"Zuko?" asked Katara.
"Hmm?" he returned to reality and everyone was looking at him, "I'm sorry did you say something?"
"Where are we landing?" asked Katara.
"Oh, uh right. The royal mansion is the one by itself to the east," responded Zuko in a bored voice.
Sokka and the others looked to the east and saw it. Their expectations, however, were shattered. The summer home of the royal family was indeed different from the rest of the beach houses, but not in a positive way. The other houses were built with marbles and fine stones, splendid and exotic woods with beautiful carvings and finishes; the royal estate was crumbling from discontinued use. The roof had some patches, there was a hole in the wall from a storm, the stone stairs were crumbling, and a fountain was broken. When they landed, they got a closer look at the structure, and were even more disappointed.
"This is the summer house of the royal family?" asked Sokka, "Where are the fountains, and the servants, and whatever else a palace has?"
Katara quickly elbowed him.
"What Sokka is trying to say Zuko is that-"
"The place is a dump," said Sokka nonchalantly.
"Sokka!" scolded Suki and Katara both.
"It's alright, I know it's not what you guys were expecting, but that's what makes this place perfect for our needs. And besides, do you think I would have brought you here if there were still servants that are loyal to my father working here?" said Zuko.
"…good point," said Sokka.
Zuko walked forward to the estate, and tried to open the doors gently to hide his irritation with the place. But when the doors refused to budge, he gave it a strong kick and forced it open. He looked back to the others who were just staring at him.
"Come on, I'll…show you around," said Zuko before entering.
The group looked on in awe before following the prince. They entered the building into a large lobby area. Despite the condition, there were still some remnants of the house's former glory. There were oxidized bronzes, aged tables, chipped adornments on the wooded pillars, and grand doorways that led to a small courtyard with a broken fountain. Zuko was motioning them to follow him, and they did so.
"This is the courtyard," said Zuko as they entered the outdoor area, "We can use this area for training, and to hold meetings."
Zuko led the gang back into the house.
"The kitchen is in the southwest wing, and the pantry room is right next door. The bedrooms are all on the second story, and the bathing areas are in the eastern portions of the estate," said Zuko. "So does everyone know where everything is?"
The gang nodded.
"Alright then, now if you don't mind, I need to lie down for a bit," said Zuko as he yawned.
As soon as he left their sight, the gang immediately gathered and huddled.
"Ok, something is definitely wrong with Zuko," said Aang.
"What do you think it is?" asked Katara.
"Well, from what we all know, he doesn't get along with some of his family. Maybe being here brings back a lot of bad memories," said Aang.
"I don't know about you guys, but I'm not sure I want a gloomy Zuko again" said Sokka.
"So what's your plan Snoozles?" asked Toph.
"How about… I know I can tell Zuko jokes!" proclaimed Sokka.
Silence.
"What? I got a few good ones that will make him laugh," said Sokka.
"No, we're not going to torture the guy. He has enough bad memories as it is," said Toph.
"Well, actually Sokka might be on the right track," said Suki.
Everyone, even Sokka, looked at her oddly.
"He's correct about something?" asked Toph in genuine amazement.
"I am? Er, yeah that's right, it's time for Sokka style jokes!" he exclaimed.
"No Sokka, I wasn't referring to your jokes. But you had the right idea; if he has such bad memories of this place, then why not give him some new memories to replace them?" suggested Suki.
"You mean, like give Zuko something positive to think about when he's here?" asked Toph,
"Yeah," said Suki, "When we, the Kyoshi Warriors and myself, went to Earth Kingdom we realized that there some battles that we couldn't win. This made a lot of us really sad."
"So, what did you do?" asked Katara.
"Well, some nights we would tell jokes, sing songs, make up stories, anything to keep our spirits up and to put smiles on our faces. Maybe we could do the same thing for Zuko," she suggested.
Aang and Katara immediately beamed at the idea.
"That's a great idea Suki!" said Aang.
"How about we throw a party for Zuko?" asked Katara.
"A party? Zuko's not really the party type," said Toph.
"I know that. I meant like a small celebration…to show our…appreciation for everything. He's helped us out in some way or another. I think we should do the same for him. We owe him that much at least," said Katara.
Everyone stared at her quietly, and she began to feel uncomfortable.
"What?" she asked.
"It's just that, a few days ago, you were prepared to kill the guy for breathing the wrong way. Now you want to throw him a party?" asked Toph.
"Well, things change Toph," she replied.
"I agree with Katara. He's helped us out, so let's help him," said Aang.
"He didn't do anything for me," mumbled Toph while crossing her arms.
Once again, silence.
"I'm just saying, you guys all got to go on super cool adventures with the guy, and none of you brought me along,"
"Toph…" began Katara sternly.
"Ok, I'll go along with it. But I'll stay around him, just in case anything cool happens," said Toph.
"Alright, Operation: Cheer Zuko Up starts now," said Sokka.
xXxXx
There was a white light all around Zuko, and it held and cradled him like his mother used to. Suddenly, he noticed a ring of darkness, and it was beginning to encroach upon him. When it engulfed him, he stared deep into the darkness that surrounded him, and within it, he saw silhouettes of shadows shifting constantly, it shapes tugged at the deepest reaches of his heart. He saw that these shapes had consciousness, and he lifted his head toward them.
"Hello?"
A pair of bright yellow eyes immediately shot open. Then another. And then another. Hundreds of eyes all surrounded him, and stared at him hungrily. Then underneath, rows of ivory teeth flashed and snickered. They began to shout and curse "traitor" and "failure" at Zuko before they all went for him, prepared to rip him apart.
Zuko's eyes shot open, and he was sweating profusely, and he felt his heart racing like an ostrich horse at full gallop. He took off his shirt to help himself cool off, and placed his head into his hands and took deep breaths.
"Get a hold of yourself Zuko," he muttered to himself.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Zuko snapped out of his trance, and looked at the door. He sat upright, and cleared his throat.
"Come in," he said.
It was Katara and she was looking at him sheepishly. This made Zuko raise an eyebrow, and he began to feel a little uncertain.
"Hi Katara, did you need something?"
"Say, Zuko, do you want to go out with me today?" asked Katara.
". . . . . . ."
He was shocked to say the least. A mixture of feelings was all over his face, and Katara immediately smiled uncomfortably.
'I knew this would happen!' she screamed in her head.
Twenty Minutes Earlier
"Zuko can't be here while we prepare the party. Someone is going to have to distract him," said Sokka.
"Who?"asked Aang.
"Well it can't be you, we can't risk someone recognizing both of you. How about you, Toph?"
Toph perked up.
"Field trip time!"
"Actually… I was thinking I would go with him," said Katara.
The whole group looked at her in disbelief, especially Aang.
"You want to go with Zuko? Why?" he asked.
"Well, it's just that I've been a jerk to him ever since he joined us, and I feel like I should try to make it right. It makes sense that I should be the one to keep him busy" she reasoned.
Sokka and Suki nodded with approval. Aang was struck pretty hard but Katara had a perfectly valid reason. He accepted her decision, even though it made him uncomfortable thinking about Katara and Zuko together for a day. Toph was mad.
"No fair, I wanted the field trip," she muttered.
"You'll get your chance don't worry," said Katara.
"Alright, now go over and get him out of here," said Sokka, "And Katara, a little advice: be direct.
Present Time
'Some advice, Sokka,' she cursed in her head.
"You… want to run that be me again Katara. I mean it's just that I just woke up, and well… you know I might have heard wrong," he said nervously.
"Would you like to hang out…with me?" she rephrased, "For a day? You know…to see the island…and other stuff…"
She didn't realize how hard it was to just ask him to spend a day with her. She thought that since they had made peace with one another that it would be easier, but it turned out to be even worse.
"You mean you want a tour of the island?" asked Zuko, scratching his head and looking away.
"Yes!" she said immediately, "I mean…yes that would be good. It would be…great to know the lay of the land. You know, in case of an emergency."
Zuko thought for a moment.
"Alright, I'll get my cloak."
It was when Zuko was about to get dressed that Katara realized he wasn't wearing a shirt. He noticed this and looked away embarrassed.
"Um, preferably with you not watching."
"Oh, right… sorry."
Katara quickly left the room and closed the door. She rested on it and was trying to calm down, all the while relieved. She was embarrassed that she asked Zuko so directly, but at least he didn't ultimately misinterpret her intentions. She got up and waited for a moment until a cloaked boy left the room and approached her.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yeah."
The two went through the halls, through the courtyard, and out the entrance. When the coast was clear, the others came out of their hiding spots and got to work.
xXxXx
The central plaza of Ember Island's resort town was bustling. Stalls selling silks, novelty blades, and snacks lined the entire square. Due to the island's clientele, many of these stalls had unbelievable prices, such as selling a simple silk tunic for nine-hundred silver pieces. Many of the people were known to Zuko as acquaintances of his uncle, or sister, or father, etc. He tugged the hood of his cloak tightly as he and Katara walked through the main plaza. Katara, sensing his discomfort, and the potential danger of someone recognizing him, turned around to face him.
"Say Zu- er, Lee, I'm starting to get hungry, do you want something to eat?" asked Katara.
"Sure, I guess," said Zuko nervously.
He looked over his shoulder to make sure no one heard Katara out loud. The whole crowd was totally uninterested, and was continuing with their usual routine. He faced Katara again who had an "I'm sorry" expression on her face. Zuko simply nodded, and led her to a nearby teahouse further down toward the beach. They entered, and were greeted instantly by a young waitress who bowed to them, and led them to their table which was next to a window. Katara looked around and saw a variety of people in the establishment from the high-born noble, to store owners on the island.
"So, what do you think of the place now that you've been here?"
Katara looked to see Zuko very much interested in what she had to say.
"I don't know. The place is nice; I mean it reminds me of the upper ring in Ba Sing Se with all the shops and the sights. But all the people here put on airs. I couldn't imagine being here for more than a week," said Katara.
"Two days is the most I can handle here," said Zuko.
"Why just two?"
"Same reason as you mostly. The people here can get over-bearing."
"The rest of the reason?"
"Why are you asking all these questions?"
Now Katara realized why Sokka told her to be direct. If anything, Zuko was irritated with stalling, and he could tell Katara was asking him things in circles. She sighed to herself, and looked at him intently.
"Why do you hate this place so much?"
Zuko was very quiet. A waitress came by with two cups of tea, and set them down in front of each of them. Zuko looked into the cup, and stared into the tea stained water. He looked out of them window, and looked at the beach.
"I knew this would come up," said Zuko.
"You're a member of the group; we need to know what's wrong so we can solve this like a team," said Katara.
"It's not important, not to me at least," said Zuko.
"You're lying, I can tell," said Katara.
"No, really, I'm fine Katara. Let's just enjoy the-"
"Please Zuko, tell me. We can help you; I can help you."
"I'm not one of your troubled youths Katara," he said suddenly, and fairly loudly, "I don't tell you a problem I'm going through, and you miraculously inspire me to get over it. My problems are my own business, and I don't need anyone to solve it for me."
It took a moment for Zuko to realize what he just did. His expression softened, but it was too late. Katara's eyes cringed with anger, and with the fury of a storm behind them, she got up, her fists clenched and on top of the table.
"What is it with you, and the lone wolf attitude? I'm trying to give you a helping hand, and you thank me by biting it?" she shot back in an angry voice.
The teahouse got quiet, and the waitress approached their table.
"Is everything alright, Miss?" asked the waitress, frightened.
"Yes, I was just leaving," said Katara before storming out of the teahouse.
Zuko tried to reach out for her, but she was too quick for him, and the whole teahouse just stared at him and the angry girl leaving the teahouse. Zuko just sighed and slumped into the chair.
Katara immediately ran toward the beach seeking the comfort of the water, and holding back her rage and her tears.
'That stupid jerk! What's his deal? I only wanted to help him, but nooo he had to be all macho!'
Halfway through mentally calling Zuko all sorts of colorful names, her anger began to die down. When it was gone, she stopped and realized that she had made a big scene in the teashop.
'I hope no one discovered Zuko because of that incident,' thought Katara, 'Wait. What am I worried for? Who cares what happens to him?'
Again, her sensible side kicked in.
'Then again, he's Aang's teacher, and a part of the group now… maybe he felt like I was invading a personal area. Ugh, he must think I'm some nosy person. Maybe… maybe I was too hard on him,' she thought.
She went back to the direction of the teahouse, and as she did, she heard two noble women talking.
"If I hear one more thing about Prince Zuko, I swear I will move straight to the colonies."
"I know! It's as if no one was expecting it."
"You mean you were expecting that lout to turn traitor?"
This stopped Katara dead in her tracks. She registered what she just heard, and wanted to hear more out of curiosity. She acted casually, and was pretending to wait for someone.
"Of course, it's like… well it's like dogs you see. When you mix a pedigree with a mongrel, you will, of course, get a mongrel."
"By mongrel, you mean…"
"The mother, of course! That woman could hardly have ever been considered a noble, being what she was. The sole heiress of a disgraced house should have had no business with the Imperial family. Especially since the only male heir she produced was such a…well a mutt."
"But what of Azula?"
"A stroke of good fortune, I say, that's all there is to it. Azula is truly lucky that she tends toward her father."
Katara couldn't stand to hear anymore. She immediately went along to the teahouse, and looked inside to see if he was still there. He wasn't.
"Oh, Miss," began the waitress, "Your friend left. He paid the bill, and went on his way."
"Do you know where he is?" asked Katara.
"No, he seemed to be in a bit of hurry. Perhaps he went to the beach," said the waitress.
"Thanks for the tip," said Katara before leaving.
Katara left the teahouse, and immediately began looking for Zuko.
xXxXx
The gang was working hard to spruce up the old mansion. Toph used her earth bending to make the floor a little more stable, Suki took up Katara's role and began to prepare food for the party, and Aang and Momo were hanging up makeshift lanterns along the ceilings of the corridors and around the old fountain in the courtyard. Sokka arrived back with a package, when Aang approached him.
"Aang? What's up buddy?" he asked.
"Sokka, do you think this party will help Zuko out?" asked Aang.
"Suki and Katara seem to think so. If you can't trust their input, than whose can you trust?" said Sokka.
"Yeah, you're right," said Aang.
"Good, now you and Toph get going, there's no telling when Zuko and Katara will be coming back," said Sokka with his "commanding" voice.
"Yes sir Sokka sir," said Aang before getting Toph.
Sokka decided to get a better view of the party. He put the package aside, and he began to climb on one of the pillars to get to the balcony. Unfortunately, he slipped and fell flat on his butt, and yelped out loud.
"It's alright! Nobody worry about me," he said in pain.
Aang and Toph had just walked into the courtyard when this happened, and Aang immediately went to check on his friend. Toph and Suki were near one another when this happened, and Toph just looked at her.
"I don't know what you see in him."
Suki giggled before going back to work.
xXxXx
She searched along the beach for a few hours, and noticed the sun was halfway down to sunset. She knew that if she couldn't find Zuko before sundown, they would not be able to have the party that the others were working hard to prepare, and it also would be that much more difficult to locate him.
'I have to find him. Sokka and the others will probably think I killed him, or something.'
The real danger though would be if a guard had caught Zuko, and he was being hauled to a Fire Nation Prison. Katara tried to get the worst case scenario out of her head, and looked for him even more fervently.
xXxXx
"Where are they?" whined Toph.
"Do you think they got in a fight?" asked Aang.
"Nah, they probably got hungry," said Sokka.
"You know what I think?" said Toph.
"Or maybe they're having fun. There's supposed to be a lot of beach games," said Aang.
"Nah, they wouldn't-" began Toph.
"No way; Katara probably lost track of time," said Sokka.
"Or maybe they're having a hot make out session in some secluded place in the island!" said Toph.
"What?" shouted Sokka and Aang.
"Just making sure you two were paying attention to me," said Toph, "But in all seriousness, no, that's not what's happening… probably."
Toph had an evil grin crawling across her face as Aang and Sokka became unsettled. Suki walked in carrying a package of her own, and looked at the two.
"What's wrong with you guys?" she asked.
xXxXx
It was sunset and Katara continued looking around the beach, but saw no sign of Zuko. Her worry was quickly turning into panic, but she knew that if she was tired it would be difficult to continue the search. She went looking for a bench to sit on when a poster on a wall caught her attention.
WANTED
THE TRAITOR PRINCE ZUKO
REWARD: 100000 GOLD PIECES, WITH LAND AND TITLES IN THE COLONIES.
"A shame isn't it."
Katara looked to see a hooded Zuko. He looked sullenly at Katara, and she quickly embraced him, an action that caught him off guard just as it had when they got back from their journey to confront her mother's killer.
"Katara?"
Katara quickly stepped on his foot.
"Ow, what was that for?" he demanded.
"Are you crazy? What if you got caught? What would Aang and the others think if I didn't bring you back?" she yelled.
Zuko looked up at her, and hung his head.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled sadly.
Katara's expression softened when she realized she was putting him down again.
"No, I'm the one who should apologize. I shouldn't have tried to get an answer out of you like that. I was… meddling, more than I should have," she said.
"No, you were concerned. I should know by now that that's how you are. I shouldn't have blown up in your face like that."
The two were quiet for a moment.
"We should head back," suggested Zuko.
"Yeah," said Katara.
The two immediately went in the direction of the mansion. Katara noticed Zuko was lost in thought, and decided to, gently, try to know what's going on.
"So, what's a shame?"
"That the only time my father thinks I'm not worthless is if I'm his puppet, or if I'm a traitor," said Zuko.
"Does he really think that?" asked Katara.
"You've heard the gossip about me. What the nobles, and the generals say?" said Zuko.
"Yeah, they said a lot of terrible things about you," said Katara.
"A disgrace," said Zuko is bitter voice, "That is the nicest thing anyone said about me after my banishment."
"Who cares what they think Zuko. All that matters is what you think about yourself," said Katara.
"I don't know," said Zuko, "I mean you're probably right, and I'm making this an even bigger deal than it actually is. But what if-"
"Zuko don't worry about them. They don't know you as well as the rest of us, so whatever they say about you is false."
Zuko made a small smile, which also made Katara smile.
"Thanks," said Zuko.
"So that's what's been bothering you about this place? What a few other people think?" asked Katara in a gently manner.
"Not quite. It's a little more complicated than that," said Zuko.
"Well, we can worry about the rest for another day, when you feel comfortable telling us. For now let's head back," said Katara.
Katara took off to the mansion in a dash, but not before giving Zuko an encouraging smile. He saw the glow in her face, and it brought a sense of joy in his heart. He took off after her with the same enthusiasm as he went back to the mansion.
xXxXx
Toph's senses picked up two vibrations heading for their direction. The heartbeats were fast, and the footsteps were highly distinct. She knew instantly who they were.
"They're coming back! Hide the stuff!" shouted Toph.
Aang perked up as soon as Toph said Katara was approaching. They all got their boxes and put them into another room, except for Sokka who was taking a nap and using his box as a pillow. Toph slid the package from under him with her earth bending, dropping Sokka's head on the ground.
"Ow!" began Sokka before he realized Toph woke him up, "Toph, what's wrong with you! I almost got the meat!"
"Our two friends are back," said Toph before giving Aang the box.
They got themselves ready as the doors to the main atrium were opened. Zuko noticed that a lot had happened since they first got to the mansion. The floors were cleaner, most of the cobwebs were gone, and some of the old lamps were lit. When he noticed the lights in the courtyard, he looked at Katara, who simply grinned at him. Zuko went to the courtyard, and saw small lanterns and some food on a table.
"Surprise!" said the whole group.
"You did this? For me?" asked Zuko.
"Suki came up with the idea," said Katara.
"But Sokka gave me the idea!" said Suki
"Yeah, you can thank me later," said Sokka.
"Whatever, we all played a role in this," said Toph.
"You looked unhappy, so we thought this would cheer you up," said Aang.
"So, what do you think Zuko?" asked Katara.
Zuko was quiet for a moment.
"I know it's probably not what you're used to, but it's the-"
"It's perfect," Zuko interrupted, "I normally don't like surprise parties, but this… this means a lot. Thank you."
The group let out a sigh of relief, and they quickly got to the festivities. For the first time in many years, lights shone in the royal estate.
Author's Notes: Super long chapter, maybe one of the longest ones I've ever made for a story. I hope you guys liked this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Thank you for reading and please review.