The Avatar and the Emblem
Chapter 3
Getting to Know You
Everyone turned to the source of the voice. A young man with dark hair and huge intimidating man with him ran up to them. The dragon laguz returned to human form.
"My prince. . .", said one of the dragon laguz.
"Prince", questioned Aang.
"Yes I am Prince Kurthnaga, and I ask that you forigive my subjects for being discourteous, men of beorc", said the young man.
"And you are", asked Ike.
"I am Kurthnaga, the prince of Goldoa", said Kurthnaga.
"The Prince, now we are getting somewhere", said Ike.
Aang ran up. "It's a pleasure to meet you prince dragon", said Aang.
As Aang approached Kurthnaga gasped. "The Avatar!"
"You can tell", asked Ike.
"Yes, most laguz can sense a bender, or spirit, and since the Avatar is a spirit made human form and can bend all four elements, we can sense him immediately", said Kurthnaga.
"Well, that makes sense", said Aang giving his grin.
"Our ship has run aground thanks to some Kilvas Pirates", said Ike. "You think you can lend us a hand?"
Kurthnaga looked surprised.
"What is that", asked Ike, "Are you saying you can't help us?"
"No, it's just I am not used to being spoken to in such a direct manner", said Kurthnaga.
"Oh, I'm sorry, my father always said I needed to watch my etiquette, please forgive me", said Ike.
"Pay it no mind", said Kurthnaga. "I am more concerned with the misfortune your journey has met. Of late the ravens have grown more barbereous, and this cannot stand. I assure my father will lodge a formal protest with Kilvas, I assure you. In the meantime we shall do something about your ship." He then turned to the huge man beside him, "Gareth, instruct our men to aid in moving their vessel."
"Yes at once", said Gareth. He turned to the three men who tried to intimdate them earlier and transformed.
They headed down to the boat and managed to begin pushing it. A lot of the members of the group were astonished at this.
"Dragons!" gasped Mist, "They are all dragons! They're huge! And so strong! It's Incredible!"
"It's overwhelming. . . ", remarked Elincia
"Yes it is", said Ike
"Goldoa", said Titania, "Is the land of the dragons. More than any laguz tribe, they are known for their longevity. I've heard tales of Goldoans still living who flew the skies when the goddess herself walked the land."
"Wow", said Zuko, "I never heard of a species that has lived for so long."
"How do you know all this Titania", asked Ike.
"Everything I learned comes from books", said Titania, "Goldoa no longer has any contact with the outside world." She then went in a daze and added, "Seeing them now, it's like a dream. . ."
"So this is fortunate, is that what you are saying", asked Ike.
"She is saying that we are lucky", said Mist, "For once your recklessness actually got us OUT of trouble!"
"What's that supposed to mean", asked Ike.
"This sounds so familiar", said Kattara and Sokka simultaneously. They then stared at each other realizing they both said the same thing.
"Your ship has been moved without any damage to you subjects or your vessel", said Kurthnaga. The dragon laguz that moved it came up and returned to normal and spoke with Kurthnaga.
"My subjects have confirmed your ship was lodged against a reef, but thankfully your vessel is unharmed, you need not interrupt your journey", said Kurthnaga.
"Thank you", said Ike.
"If you like we can replenish your supplies. If you need any food or fresh water, it will be given", said Kurthnaga.
"Can this be for our ship as well", asked Aang.
"Yes of course", said Kurthnaga.
"Thanks, we have begun to run low on water. And as for food; food, meat, fish, anything fresh will suffice", said Ike.
"Of course, Gareth will you see to this", asked Kurthnaga.
"Yes, at once", said Gareth. He headed off to get the supplies requested.
It wasn't long before he returned with several wagons loaded with water and food. As the dragon laguz started to load them onto the ship, Ike looked to Kurthnaga.
"I know that Goldoa does not trade with the outside world, but will you except gold as payment", asked Ike.
"There is no need for payment," said Kurthnaga.
Aang said, "Why not, you could have left Ike and his comrades to die out there. You should let him repay you."
"Sweet courtesy is ever the herald of hospitality. Would that do best to explain my actions," asked Kurthnaga.
"Makes perfect sense to me," said Aang who smiled.
"But isn't hospitality for guests," asked Ike.
"Since Goldoa is in isolation, it's very rare we see outsiders, especially beorc. It's even rarer that we treat with them. Chance brought us together and I am very grateful for that. I do wish we would have a chance to feast and converse, but I know my father would be against it," said Kurthnaga.
"Man talk about being stubborn," said Sokka.
"You can't expect us to accept such a generous gift. . .," started Ike.
"Please accept this gift from Goldoa's prince. I insist", said Kurthnaga. "However, I understand I made you feel uncomfortable, so if you must decline. . ."
"No we shall accept it", said Ike, "Thanks."
"I am glad you understand," said Kurthnaga.
Titania approached Ike. "Ike, Captain Nasir would like to disembark as soon as possible."
Ike nodded. "I thank you for everything Prince. I must ask you to excuse me. I won't forget your kindness thank you."
"It was my pleasure", said Kurthnaga.
Ike went aboard the ship. Aang and his comrades then returned to their iron clad ship.
Kurthnaga went up to the cliff as they began to set out.
"Farewell beorc, Avatar! May your journey be safe", he shouted.
As their ship sailed on, along with the iron clad fire nation ship by their side, Ike stood on the deck pondering something. Princess Elincia took notice of this.
"My lord Ike, is something the matter," asked Elincia.
"Yes. First a group of ravens attacks us and then a group of Goldoan dragons rescues us. I don't see how they are all considered laguz," said Ike.
"It's simple there are good laguz and bad ones, just as there are good and bad beorc," said Elincia, "of course since they are so distinct in appearance . . . It is tempting to assume which race is, as a whole, intrinsically good or evil."
"Aye it is", said Ike, "The beast tribes of Galia and the dragon tribes of Goldoa seem honorable, and the bird tribes of Phonecis and Kilvas seem so cruel. It seems so easy to reduce them all to good or evil."
Elincia looking concerned said, "I am not sure it's as easy as that."
Ike responsded, "Of course, look at us beorc. Crimians are good and Daeins are evil, it's as simple as that. Oh wait there were those prejudiced fools near the port. They weren't all that honorable, so I guess you are right."
Nasir came up to them, "What seems good and what seems evil is simply a matter of perspective Ike. Many conditions affect our judgement. Drawing a definitive line is nigh impossible."
"Nasir" said Ike in surprise, "Where did you go? You disappeared without a trace!"
"I am uncomfortable around dragons. I thought it was best I waited in my cabin my apologies", said Nasir.
"Now that you mentioned it, Soren has disappeared as well. Have you seen him", asked Ike.
"He may be nauseated. It is common to those among sea travel," said Nasir.
"Right, I will check up on him later," said Ike.
Nasir looked up. "The wind is picking up. I will check on the condition of our sails. If you wish to stay up here, keep yourselves warm, the wind is very chilly in these waters."
With those words Nasir left them.
"Princess Elincia", said Ike, "You should return to your cabin."
"What about you, my lord Ike," asked Elincia.
"I will stay on deck a bit longer", said Ike, "I have a lot to think about."
"Would you mind if I stayed with you", asked Elincia. "I won't be a bother."
"It's all right with me", said Ike
"Oh thank you," said Elincia.
The two looked on and saw the chuffing Fire Nation ship belonging to the Avatar and his companions.
"Such an interesting race of beorc these benders," said Elincia. "Especially the Avatar."
"Yes, they sure were pretty nice to come to our aid," said Ike.
"Are you happy that they chose to come along with us my lord", asked Elincia.
"I am but I would very much like to understand them better", responded Ike, "After all I didn't know of their existence until just a few days or so ago."
"Yes I would like to get to know them too", said Elincia.
A few days had passed since the incident. Aang was up on deck of their ship looking at Ike's ship. Over the several days the crew on board either ship would wave and say a nice hello and ask if they were well and things like that. However, Aang felt they haven't really connected. Not quite yet.
As Aang stood there, Ike then appeared over the helm of his ship he waived down to Aang.
"Ahoy there," he shouted.
"Ahoy there yourself", shouted Aang.
"Hey listen we are going to have dinner soon, and I was wondering. . . would you and your comrades like to dine with us for the evening", asked Ike.
"I know I would but let me check with the others", said Ike.
Aang thankfully found all his comrades in the navigation room.
"Um excuse me guys. That mercenary has invited us to dinner, and I say we accept his invitation", said Aang.
They all think. Then Sokka said, "Food aside, since are going to work together we might as well get to know this band of sellswords."
"Well I don't share Sokka's view on them, but I would like to get to know our allies better", said Zuko.
"Agreed", said Kattara.
"I think it might be fun", said Toph.
"I will go", said Mei.
"Sounds like fun" said Ty Lee
"I would like to see our new comrades too", said Suki.
After Zuko spoke to the helmsmen what they were doing and that they should help themselves to their own meals, they used Appa and flew easily over to the other ship. The red haired knight, Titania, was there to meet them.
"Avatar Aang, Fire Lord Zuko, I welcome you and your companions onto our ship on behalf of our leader Ike", said Titania.
"Thank you, Titania wasn't it", asked Aang as they dismounted.
"You assumed correctly", said Titania.
Toph landed after getting of Toph. "Urgh I prefer metal to wood."
"If you would like I could see if there are some shoes for you to wear", asked Titania.
"No thank you", said Toph. "I prefer to be bearfoot."
They soon enter the ship as they did they ran into Ike.
"Hey there your Ike-ness", said Aang.
"Please, just Ike", said Ike. "Shall we proceed to the dining area."
"Yes of course lead the way", said Sokka.
Katarra laughed, "Forgive my brother he gets anxious when it comes to food."
"By the way who is the cook", asked Aang.
Before Ike could answer they hear a almost, "Hmm now let's see." They look and see Mist working in the kitchen.
"Your sister does the cooking", asked Suki.
"Trust me my sister is a very good cook", said Ike.
Katarra entered the kitchen. "Excuse me but would you like some help?"
"Huh", asked Mist. She then realized who it was. "Oh no Miss Waterbender. You are our guest! I can handle this!"
"Don't be silly let me help you. I used to help Gran Gran with the meals back home and on my journey with my friends", said Katarra.
"Oh. . all right", said Mist, a bit humbled.
Meanwhile the rest of the group made it to the dining hall where the rest of the Greil Mercenaries and their allies were sitting. Aang and the others took their own places at the table. It wasn't long before Mist and Kattarra joined them with the food they had prepared.
Ike said, "I like to take this opportunity to thank our comrades from the four elemental nations for joining us tonight for dinner."
The group raised their hands and/or glasses in approval.
"So without further delay let's eat", said Ike.
As they ate Mist spoke to Katarra. "I couldn't help but notice but that's a pretty necklace you have on."
"Oh you like it? It was something that was passed down to me from my mother. She died back when the Fire Nation was our enemy", said Katarra.
"I have something like that too", said Mist. She held up a small medallion that was glowing. "I always keep it close to me. It reminds me of my mom. It was hers."
Katarra reached out and touched it. "It's beautiful. My necklace reminds me of my own mom too. I guess we have something in common Mist."
"Yeah we sure do Kattara!" said Mist who smiled.
Nearby Mia was sharing a huge story with Suki and Mia.
"And once Ike and I took them down! We made a dash for the exit, freeing Brom, Nephenee, Kieran and the Senator Seraphim."
"Man sounds like you had quite the battle", said Suki.
"Hey it's nothing to people like us", said Mia, "Especially me!"
Sokka pointed, "Why is that Daen still here?"
"Apprently according to our commander, she can't fly back, her wyvern has limited flying and needs rest on land. So apparently she is staying with us. For now", said Soren nearby who took a sip of some soup.
"And you are", asked Mei
"I am a mage, I use magic, but I am also Commander Ike's tactician and I assist on status and tactictions, among other things," said Soren.
"Interesting", said Mei flatly.
The others look to her.
"She doesn't have much of a personality does she", asked Brom.
"No but you get used to it", said Sokka.
Titania spoke to Toph. "I don't mean to get personal but. . ."
"Before you ask, yes I am blind,", said Toph.
"You are", asked Mordecai, "And yet you can see as well as one who can?"
"That's because I use Earth bending to see. I can sense objects using vibrations in the ground, that's how I see", explained Toph.
"Ah that explains why you are always barefoot", said Ike.
"And how you knew the ship was definitely lodged against a reef, and how you noticed Volke", said Rhys.
Jorge was busy looking over Sokka's sword.
"Impressive sword. Where did you get this", he asked.
"I forged it myself", said Sokka.
"I never seen metal like this before", said Jorge.
"That's because I forged it from a rock that fell from space", said Sokka with a grin.
"Impressive", said Jorge. "This would fetch a huge price."
"Uh uh, sorry not for sale", said Sokka.
Over on the end there was clapping. Sure enough Ty Lee was doing some hand stands and acrobatic moves on the table. They were amazed and clapped.
"Interesting person your Ty Lee", said Ike.
"It's all apart of her cheery personality", said Zuko.
"So how did you get to be in charge of this mercenary group", asked Aang.
"My father mostly. He named me as his heir", said Ike.
"Your father", asked Zuko, "What was he like?"
"He was a fine weilder of a ax and he tought me how to use a sword. He was a very loving and kind man. My only wish was, before he died, I could have surpassed him. Why", asked Ike.
"I wish my father was like that", said Zuko, "My father was a tyrant. It was where I got this scar from. During the war, when I spoke out for rookies in the war room, I was challenged to a fire duel, an Agne Kai. I expected the general but instead it was my father, because I spoke out of turn in his war room. I begged for mercy, and when I did, he did this to my face", said Zuko, "He then banished me and prevented my return until I found and brought him the Avatar, and to regain my honer. But I learned thanks to my uncle what true honer is, and I switched sides. I joined Aang's group and I even tought him Fire Bending."
"You were his teacher", asked Boyd.
"Yes practically several people in my group were my teachers. Kattarra originally joined me with Sokka just to help me find teachers and to help me. At first I learned from Master Pakku of the Northern Water Tribe but when we had to leave, she finished my training. Toph over there joined to teach me Earth Bending. She left her rich family life behind to do so", explained Aang.
"I bet this will be a breeze considering how you took out Fire Lord Ozai", said Soren. "How did you do it exactly."
"If you thought I killed him, I didn't. I took his fire bending away", said Aang solemnly. "I don't believe that all life is sacred. That's why I am also a vegetarian and I use combat only as a necessary defense."
Ike said, "I understand. But you must bear in mind, Daen's king, Ashnard makes Ozai look tame, and for him, it's kill or be killed."
Aang looked down in defeat and in sorrow.
"Sorry", said Ike, "I shouldn't have. . ."
"No, it's okay", said Aang. "Anyway thanks for having us over."
"It was our pleasure", said Ike.
"Uh guys not to rain on your parade or anything but. . .", started Zihark who then pointed to the end of the table. Near the end Ty Lee had brought Marcia and Illyia and were in a jig in a circle.
"Weeee isn't this fun", asked Ty Lee.
"Uh yes, it sure is", said Marcia
"Could you please stop I. . uuuuuuh", said Illiya
"Awww you don't look too good", said Ty Lee pouting who brought to a stop. "Sorry about that?"
"No it's okay", said Illiya who recomposed herself.
"Interesting beorcs the elemental nations have", said Mordecai.
"Yeah we sure are", said Aang.
"If it's any help, I share your feelings about killing people", said Mordecai, "I learned to speak so I could prevent fighting if I could."
"That is really comforting to hear", said Aang, "Thanks Mordecai."
"Anytime, Avatar Aang", said Mordecai.
To be continued. . . .
AN: Finally I finished that! Hope you enjoyed it!