Kindred Souls
By: ChiaraBrie
Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to Avatar: The Last Airbender. This story is pure fiction, from a fan =]
Author's Note: Made a slight edit to this chapter thanks to my reader Sakarya ! Thanks for catching my obvious accident! This is why authors love reviewers =] Sometimes you get so caught up in your own story, you overlook blatant issues!
Chapter Three: Fire is Life
The wise General Iroh looked down into the blue eyes of Katara, keeping silent after he had heard her question. The torches on the wall sent dancing light over her features, making the shadows of her face harsh and demanding. However, he peered over his shoulder at the few remaining guards who were with them, and knew that this was not the place to speak.
"Lady Katara, you look wearied from your travels and stay in our prison. Why don't we retire to the palace, where you can be fed and rested," said the old man.
Katara was about to open her mouth in protest until she looked into Iroh's eyes, and realized what he was saying. 'We can't talk here, out in the open.' She then plastered a small smile on her face, bowing and thanking the General for his hospitality.
"Yes, you are right General Iroh. I feel so weak and tired," said Katara.
The guards immediately lost interest in their conversation, and began leading them out of the winding corridors of the Prison Tower. Katara kept her eyes to the ground as they passed cell after cell, trying to ignore the dismal and depressing state of the inmates. A few of them called out to her, whistling and catcalling, while others simply looked bored. Katara couldn't help shivering as they reached the end of the hall, and walked out the front doors.
A small carriage was awaiting them down the stone steps, which Iroh helped Katara into. As soon as the door shut them in, Katara turned to the old man. " What was Azula talking about – " But Iroh silenced her with his hands, indicating that this was still not a place to speak about it.
"We are only a short travel away from home, let us enjoy this lovely evening and discuss what you have been up to these past years. Tell me, has the Southern Water Tribe expanded?" inquired Iroh, whose light tone and smile managed to melt the anxious girl's nerves.
"Yes, my brother Sokka is working along with my father to make our village grow," she answered.
"Sokka! The brave warrior. I must admit, he is the only man I have met in my travels whose stomach is as big as mine!" chuckled Iroh as he pat his round belly. At the sound of his laughter, Katara slumped against the window and visibly relaxed; it was the first time since she began this adventure that she felt safe, and tired. There were so many questions burning on Katara's lips that she couldn't wait to get back to the palace, but for the moment she let her eyes close, and the old man smiled and let her sleep.
A while later, the carriage pulled to a stop at a secret back entrance to the palace. Katara, feeling the change, groggily opened her eyes.
" Lady Katara, we are here," whispered Iroh.
Yawning, Katara immediately sat up right and tried to rub the exhaustion from her eyes. The moon was covered by thick passing clouds, making the darkened courtyard coated in a deeper black; no one would see them enter from here.
Two bowing servants met them at the door, which appeared like an illuminated portal against the night sky. " General Iroh, honored guest, welcome to the Imperial Palace," said a tiny girl with dark black hair pulled into a bun. "May I prepare anything for your stay?"
"Rin, please show Lady Katara to the guest room in the Western Wing," Iroh then turned to the other servant, whose attire matched Rin's, "Jinjoo, prepare a small meal for us to be had in my nephew's study. Also, bring tea from my private collection." Iroh gave her a knowing wink, and the girl giggled and left. It seemed Iroh was well liked by the staff in the Palace.
"This way, my Lady," said Rin, and Katara gratefully followed her. The young girl led her through the large palace hallways, which were trimmed top to bottom in hues of red and gold. Adorning the walls were portraits of men and their families, all with stern faces.
"These must be Zuko's relatives," Katara mused aloud. Rin turned over her shoulder to nod at her. "Yes, these are the ancestors of Fire Lord Zuko, dating back to the start of our great nation."
Katara noticed the emphasis Rin placed on the title "Fire Lord Zuko" when responding. 'I better mind my manners here,' she thought. Before long the two stood before grand double doors, exquisitely carved and decorated. "This will be your room, my Lady. Is there anything you wish for me to do for you?" asked Rin.
"No, thank you, you have been most helpful Rin," smiled the water bender. The servant looked startled at being spoken to so kindly before bowing and excusing herself.
Katara swung open one of the grand doors and entered the room. A small gasp escaped her lips as she took in the room around her. In the center of the room was a large bed, big enough for two, ( 'Or five!' she thought) dressed in the finest red silk she ever saw. The windows opened to a small balcony, which overlooked a large lake and garden. Off to the right was another door, leading to a shining bathroom.
"Yes!" she exclaimed as she saw the bathtub, and immediately began running the hot water and mixing in scented soaps. Katara ripped her dirty clothes off and threw them to the floor, and quickly submerged herself into her element.
The water unknotted her muscles and soothed her skin, and she relished in every moment of it. When the water was filled to capacity, she leaned over to turn it off. The golden spout was carved into the shape of a dragon, and she traced her fingers over the fine craftsmanship. The ruby eyes of the creature reminded her of a certain fire bender, a man she traveled all this way to find.
When they were traveling together all those years ago, Katara had asked Zuko about fire bending one night when everyone else was asleep. He and Aang had just returned from their trip to see the fire bending masters, the dragons, and Katara was interested in hearing what they learned. The two sat around the campfire, side by side, having a whispered debate about it.
"Fire is alive," Zuko told her, "It is something that grows, once it's given life. It's…difficult to explain. Water will not move unless you will it-"
"A rock will not be thrown unless you bend it," finished Katara. Zuko's amber eyes widened in shock when the girl finished his sentence for him, indicating she understood. "When Sokka, Aang, and I were traveling through a fire nation colony, we met Jong Jong the Deserter. For a short time, he was Aang's fire bending teacher."
"Aang had another teacher besides me?" asked the prince.
"Yes, but don't get too jealous," she playfully nudged him, "It didn't work out too well. Aang wasn't ready for it, he didn't have the discipline yet. When he was playing around with the flames, he burned me." She held up her palms in the firelight, remembering the agony she felt that day.
Zuko quickly grabbed her hand, turning it over in his own. "But there are no scars. You're hand's are still perfect…" Realizing her was holding her hand a second longer than was decent, he let it go. The firelight hid his blushing cheeks—as well as Katara's.
"That's when I learned I could heal. I dipped my hands into the river, and the water enveloped my hands, and took all the pain away. It was amazing," she recanted.
"I wish I had your gift," replied Zuko, "Fire does nothing but destroy."
Katara whipped her head around and locked eyes with him. "You sound just like Jong Jong. He said the same thing to me when he watched my hands glowing in the water. I didn't know what to say to him then, but I do now. And I'll say it to you"
Zuko was silent as he watched Katara, hanging on her words. " Fire does not only destroy life, but brings life…it is life. It is something that burns deep within us. It makes us feel passion, desire,love…" Katara turned her eyes to the dancing fire before them. " Let me ask you something Zuko. If we didn't have fire, how would we cook our meals? Warm our homes?"
The scarred prince followed her gaze to the crackling wood, letting her words sink into him. "Without fire, we would have no light to lead the way in the darkness. It is something powerful, that is true. And at times, it may be frightening. But I think those that can bend fire, control it, and understand it, are those with enough strength to harness the amazing gift it is to the world. You have that strength Zuko. You have that light within you. Never tell yourself different."
"Katara," whispered Zuko, amber eyes meeting cerulean in the light. " I…"
Suddenly there was a light knock on the bathroom door, breaking Katara out of her trance. "Lady Katara, General Iroh is waiting for you in the study. I have prepared your things on your bed when you are ready," said Rin through the wooden doorway.
"Thank you, Rin, I will be out in a moment," she replied. Katara gave the golden dragon one quick glance as she stood up in the tub, and let the water down the drain.
Entering her room, Katara noticed her backpack and water skin (which was confiscated when she entered the prison) were neatly placed on her bed, along with a pair of fresh traveling clothes. She quickly bent the water from her hair, making it dry and fluffy as if she had been sitting in the sun, and got dressed.
The clothes Rin prepared for her were the traditional red of the fire nation. She had tight black pants, cuffed in golden silk. Her top was a dark ruby red, which crisscrossed over her neck and down her back, exposing the back of her neck and shoulders. She was given black arm warmers which reached her elbows and exposed her fingers to allow for easy movement in her bending. In all honesty, she couldn't ask for better traveling clothes.
When she opened the grand doors, Rin was waiting in the hallway to lead her to the study. "This way please, my Lady. General Iroh will scold me if we are late and the tea gets cold," smiled the girl as she lead Katara once again through the labyrinth.
General Iroh was sitting behind a large oak desk when she entered the room, his face lighting up when he saw her. "Ah, Miss Katara, you look well refreshed!" he exclaimed.
Rin closed the door behind her, and Katara responded "Yes General Iroh I-"
"Come now, enough with the formalities. You may call me Uncle Iroh. General Iroh is for the public…as well as the ladies." The old man gave her a wink, and motioned for her to sit down. Katara giggled, and made herself comfortable in one of the large chairs.
Iroh poured tea into both cups, indicating for Katara to take one. After they each had a sip, Iroh spoke. "Now tell me, what brings you all this way? And into our prisons, none the less."
Katara explained her unjust imprisonment on the docks , which only earned a nod from Iroh. "Yes, the lower levels of the capital have been more dangerous and unruly these past months. I apologize for the inconvenience," he told her.
"Is it really that bad, Uncle Iroh?" she asked.
"Well, that is a matter of opinion. The state of the world has improved greatly since my brother has been defeated and my nephew has ascended to the throne. But tensions run high—the war is not easily forgotten, on both sides. There is so much anger and resentment among our people, as well as those in the other nations. But never lose hope, Katara. In time, the world will heal."
Katara nodded and sipped her tea. "But you have yet to tell me why you have come here," asked the inquisitive old man. He could tell she felt nervous in answering, because she fiddled with the ends of her hair and looked away.
"Uncle Iroh, do you believe in fate?" she asked shakily, looked up through her eyelashes , embarrassed.
"Why of course! There is nothing I put my faith into more," he responded simply. Comforted by his acceptance, she perked up and went on. She explained her feelings of uneasiness these past years, her issues with Aang and the world, and her longing to become the change she wishes to see.
"And then one night, when I was thinking of Zu—I mean, about the nations, I saw this growing in my patch of lunar blossoms." Katara pulled the delicate flower from her pocket, which she placed in there before she left the room. She handed the fire lily over to Iroh, whose warm fire bending hands brought color back into its petals.
"This flower was growing in the Southern Water Tribe?" he asked in disbelief. "Yes Uncle Iroh. I saw it right after I heard about Zuko's disappearance and I felt something…strange. I need to find him. I think he will need my help," she said.
Iroh noticed the ferocity in her eyes as she said this, and he knew she was right. These things did not just happen. He was a spiritual man, and he believed in the signs from the heavens. This flower was an indication of that.
"I think you are right. My nephew has been alone these past years, trying to fight the war out there, as well as within himself. I think it is time he accepts the help he needs to overcome both. You, Miss Katara, are meant to be with him," he said. At his words, Katara felt a shiver go down her spine.
"And while I spoke to Azula, she mentioned overhearing Zuko talk to their father. I know her mind is broken, but Uncle Iroh I swear she was speaking the truth. She told me that Ozai told Zuko about his mother, about where he sent her," rambled the anxious water bender. She was finally getting to the question she was burning to ask.
Iroh's eyes widened. He couldn't believe it! After all these years, Ozai told Zuko about Ursa's whereabouts? It all began making sense—the frequent visits to the Prison Tower, Zuko's unfocused behavior, and his quick departure. He knew Katara was right. But where…?
"The edge of the world," he whispered, finally piecing the puzzle together. "Yes," sighed Katara, relieved he was on the same page.
"Please, tell me where it is and how I can get there. I just know that's where Zuko is going," she begged. Iroh looked at the young woman, who had grown so much since he last saw her. She was indeed a beauty, with a heart of gold to match. And here she was, begging to help his troubled nephew in his time of need. He smiled inwardly for a moment, acknowledging the humorous turns fate could bring. He knew Zuko needed to find Ursa for his inner peace, and only then could he truly rule his nation with an open heart and clear mind. Katara was right. And he would help her anyway he could.
"The edge of the world is not really the edge," began Iroh, "But rather a place we used to travel to when our children were young. Lu Ten, my son, loved to visit the waterfalls. It was he who gave the place its name. He said when he watched the water fall over the side, it would look like it fell into nothingness— right over the edge of the world."
Iroh stood up, and walked over to a map that was hanging on the wall. " That place was beautiful. But as always with my brother, any beauty in the world is immediately destroyed." He placed his finger on a point to the north of the fire nation, almost at the top of the map.
"But Uncle Iroh, there's nothing there. Look, your finger rests on water," inquired Katara.
"Appearances can be deceiving, Miss Katara. Years ago, an entire air nomad island was there—obviously vacated for our use. We had turned it into a summer home. It rose so high above the water." Iroh sighed at the memory.
"So if it is destroyed, how could Lady Ursa be there?"
Iroh turned around from the wall, and responded "That, my dear, is the question. As far as I know, that island is buried underneath the water. But I never witnessed the destruction of it myself. It may be standing there today. It would not be unlike my brother to wipe it off a map, and keep it a secret for himself."
Katara listened intently to Iroh's tale, amazed that one man could literally wipe an island off a map for his own benefit.
"If it has been standing all these years, I can only assume it has gone to rot. There could be no good left on an island that my brother made his own," sighed the old man. There were days when he wished he did not have to remember his relation to the evil Fire Lord, and this night was one of them.
"That's where Zuko is heading, isn't it Uncle Iroh?" asked the water bender. The General nodded his agreement. "Then that's where I am going too. I need to leave right away." Katara stood up from her wooden chair, and made towards the door.
"Wait!" cried Iroh, "You can't leave now, it is the dead of night. If you wait till morning, I will have escorts for you"
"I'm sorry Uncle Iroh, but Zuko has had a head start, and I cannot waste another minute. Thank you for all your help and hospitality," she politely replied.
"Then allow me to prepare you for your journey. I will have my servants pack supplies and prepare an ostrich horse for you to quicken your pace. My nephew is a lucky man to have such a wonderful friend willing to fight with him," smiled the old man, a small twinkle in his eyes. He did not miss the small blush that tinged the dark skinned woman's face.
"He would…and has….done the same for me," was all she said before closing the door behind her.
The rain was coming down in droves, pounding so loudly on the stone ground that Zuko was having trouble falling asleep. It was the third day in a row that the sky opened up and rained down on him, and he has been growing impatient.
The first day it started slowly, not hindering his quest forward towards the north. But by midday, the clouds were so dark that it seemed like nighttime had come early, and he retreated to a small cave a mile off the road. 'It will pass by morning,' he foolishly thought. Now, well into the third night of the torture, Zuko began to fear it would never let up.
The scarred Fire Lord rolled over on his sleeping bag, sighing in frustration. His hair, which he kept relatively short but long enough to tie up when he wished, was matted to his face from the humidity. His toned body, clad in simple fire nation attire, ached from being still for so long.
'Maybe I should have just traveled with the royal guard. I would have carriages, hot meals, and a warm bed…' he thought. But it would not have worked. He knew he needed to travel alone, undetected by his own subjects of his status as their Lord.
If someone knew where he was going, they might try to assassinate him along the way. There have been a few attempts on his life throughout the years, and he was not looking to draw attention to himself. Not to mention, this was a trip he wanted to do alone.
For years after his coronation, he had visited his father in attempts to learn of his mother's whereabouts. The cruel man would mock him, laugh at him, or hurl words that would cut into the depths of his soul. It took all of his strength on multiple occasions not to kill him.
Zuko thought he would never find his mother, until one fateful night a week ago that changed everything. He had made his usual visit to Ozai's cell, ready for another round of cat and mouse. He entered the man's cell quietly, prepared for a new line of questioning, when Ozai greeted him. It was like he was awaiting Zuko's arrival.
"Prince Zuko, what a pleasure it is to see you this evening," said Ozai. Zuko scoffed at the pleasantries his father was going through.
"You know why I'm here, father," was his cold reply. Ozai only chuckled. "This has gone on long enough," began Zuko before Ozai cut him off.
"Yes, it has. For years, and years, and years. It may go on for a few more, unless…"
Zuko perked up at the new change in banter, but his heart dropped at his father's tone. No good could come of it. "Unless what?" he asked, playing his game.
"I've been stuck in this cell for too long. I have no windows, no way to feel the sun's warmth. As a fire bender, surely you understand the pain one could feel from such imprisonment," said Ozai in a drawling voice.
"You are no longer a fire bender, if you remember. Aang took your bending from you. And all the pain you're feeling is everything you deserve," snapped the scarred man.
"Ah yes, but I still had that power for my whole life! Imagine what a few rays of sunlight would mean to your old man…" Zuko did not like where this was going, and decided to end the conversation before it got worse.
He turned to leave, when Ozai called out to him "In exchange for one hour, I will give you your mother!"
Zuko froze. Did he just hear him right? Was he finally willing to tell him what he needed to know?
Ozai, knowing he had his attention, continued. "All I ask is for one hour outside. Let me feel the rays of the sun. Let me remember, for a brief moment, what that warmth feels like. And I swear, I will give you the information you so desperately desire…"
Zuko rolled over in the cave once more, still uncomfortable with the memory of his father's request. After seven years, Zuko knew this was his only chance to find out where his mother was. He was still unsure if he had made the right choice, but he had relented.
When he returned to the Fire Nation from the edge of the world, with his mother, he would allow Ozai one hour in the sun. 'Under heavy guard and chains,' he added. It was the price he needed to pay for his mother, but he was willing to do it.
And so, Fire Lord Zuko succumbed to his father's wishes one last time.
The second the location of his mother left Ozai's lips, Zuko ran towards his home and packed his things. Before he left, he entrusted the care of the nation to his Uncle, who he was sure would handle it, and took off without another word.
However, he only got as far as the first island off the Fire Nation shore before the rain came in, and he was halted.
'And now, here I am, stuck in cave,' he mentally scoffed, while trying to will the rain to stop. A loud crack of thunder and a roaring wind was his reply.
The gust of wind which blew in his cave blew out the small fire he had going, submerging him into darkness. Zuko, sore and stiff, lifted himself up and created another flame, this one stronger than the one before.
As the fire flickered to life, illuminating the small space, he was reminded of a different journey years ago, when a beautiful water bender taught him to view his element in a different way. "Without fire, we would have no light to lead the way in the darkness."
The dancing light on the cave walls were an indication of her truthful words. "Katara," breathed Zuko. Her name still left a warm feeling on his lips. Over the years, after everyone went their separate ways, she was the only one who he still thought of.
The two of them had been through so much together. Their pasts, as well as their journey with the avatar, were so tightly intertwined, it was no wonder that he still thought of her. 'That's the only reason why,' he reasoned with himself 'We just have so much in common. That's why I miss—wait no, I don't miss her. It was just… calming, to be around someone who was like me. And so unlike me.'
And in that instant he thought of Mai. She was Fire Nation, like he was. She was cold, calculating, and at times miserable—just like him. After a short time, they grew bored of each other. It was inevitable, he told her.
How can you love someone who is a mirror of your worst qualities?
There were times he thought he loved her. She was his first everything. First girlfriend, first love, first lover…. But when he thought about it, he was never happy. Their sex life was nothing more than teenage lust, that once satisfied, left him feeling empty.
Emptiness was a common feeling in his life, and Mai did nothing to fill that void. Rather, she fueled it.
When they mutually split ways months after he returned home, he felt nothing. He was tired of feeling nothing. That's why this trip was so important. Perhaps that empty hole in his heart was meant to be filled by his long lost mother. Maybe, once he found her, his soul would stop screaming at the top of its lungs for release.
"There's a raging fire inside of me, and I can't seem to put it out!" he said to no one but himself. His thoughts were driving him insane. 'But you shouldn't want to dim that fire,' a soft voice told him in his head.
The blue eyes of a certain water bender came to his mind…. "But I think those that can bend fire, control it, and understand it, are those with enough strength to harness the amazing gift it is to the world. You have that strength Zuko. You have that light within you. Never tell yourself different."
"Never tell yourself different," he repeated aloud, and somehow he began to calm down. Zuko moved once more to lay down, his back to the floor.
His eyes wandered to the top of the cavern, where a tangle of vines clung to the rocks. There, above his head, bloomed radiant ruby fire lilies, lilies that weren't there before…right?
'Maybe because I made the fire warmer, they decided to bloom,' he mused.
As he closed his eyes to drift to sleep, Katara's words rebounded in his head. 'Fire brings life, fire brings life', and so the flowers bloomed.
Author's Note: I didn't have everything planned out in this story, but after writing this chapter, I see a ton of possibilities of where I could take the storyline. I hope you enjoy! See you soon,
ChiaraBrie
