Lotus
Disclaimer: I do not own A:TLA or anything related to it this is purely fan made. But this is what would happen if I did.
They all had the fear that Kyoshi wasn't the only town to have a horrible fate. Haru, The Duke, and Taeo had traveled home and Katara hoped they wouldn't have the same homecoming as Suki. They were hovering above the Town of Chin, it was still standing so that was a good sign. They were greeted by a nicer crowd this time, but they missed the Kyoshi guy that would scream and faint.
It was evening by the time all necessary supplies were bought. Katara couldn't wait to plop down on her mat and sleep. She was exhausted from shopping they needed a lot more supplies then usual with their bigger group. Most of the day had been spent in excoriating silence, with a feeling of sadness in the air. They were to stay in a one room house and with all of them lying down there was absolutely no room to move. This resulted in many arguments and kicks to the head.
--O--
The sun was just raising sending pinks and purples into the sky, like an explosion of pastel color. It would have been utterly breathtaking if people weren't already choking on the thick smoke consuming the air. Half the town was being eaten by the vast fire. The Fire benders were out of sight leaving the small town to be consumed and turned to ash.
And it would have if Katara hadn't woken to quench the flames with the cool well water. The group woke to see her covered in soot and leaning over a group of hurt people. She healed most of them but one man was to badly burnt, and couldn't be saved. Katara wouldn't give up on him, even as his heart slowly stopped. She cried over the lost soul. She hadn't known him but she felt responsible for his family's loss. If only she could have woken earlier and prevented the fire no of this would have happened. The town looked at Katara like a hero but she saw herself as a failure.
--O--
Zuko barely acknowledged the mixed atmosphere of mourning and celebration. He was lost in his guilt over his uncle. How he would ever be able to find him? He barley realized the sky darkening as he got an idea. Zuko slipped away from the silent group to the local tea shop. He went to the Pia Sho table and sat down. He wasn't sure on all the rules of the game but had an idea. The game started against a tall man and himself. His first move was the lotus tile, placed in the center of the board. Zuko's opponent looked up.
"You use the ancient lotus tile."
"People underestimate the value of the lotus tile." Zuko repeated this from memory. Zuko's opponent and Zuko moved one tile at a time till the board resembled a lotus flower.
The man smiled and bowed his head. "The white lotus opens wide to those who know our secrets."
The man stood and Zuko followed. This man might know something about his uncle.
--O--
AN: Iroh oh wise Iroh. I have absolutely no idea where this is going so we'll both be surprise by the next chapter. :D Thank you for reading and bearing with my bad writing. :D Hugs & Kisses 4 George :D If you don't get that go back and read my first AN
P.S. Aren't you glad I don't own A:TLA :D
