A/N: :)
yeah I have no idea what to say now... I've been terrible at this and I know I haven't updated in forever! It has been so difficult and hard to write and update. Ugh, I thought that once summer started I would be able to write more... But summer school requires me to write a LOT of essays and I'm also writing a book which takes up so much time :/
i will really try to update sooner. I was working on three chapters at once haha so hopefully there will be more chapters.
Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender
Katara wandered around the inn, looking for Jia. She didn't quite understand Zuko's sudden hostility, but she knew if he felt something was amiss, it probably rendered caution. Katara continued to wander through the inn, ending up outside near the stables. She heard a distant voice soothingly talking. As Katara neared she began to make out the voice.
"-it must be nice. I know I've always wanted to travel, but mostly fly. I had dreams of soaring over the green plains of the Earth Kingdom, then over the sea to the Fire Nation...and then, back home."
Katara identified the voice as Jia's. She crept closer and slightly opened the door to reveal the little girl sitting in the hay, talking to ostrich horses and a cat-owl.
"Your owners seem nice enough. I can't believe one of them is actually a waterbender. Zuko didn't say anything about them being benders, only that they acted like opposite elements, fire and water. But I don't think they hate each other. After all, fire and water do make steam." Jia giggled as she stroked the cat-owl. "If Katara, more likely Master Katara, is a waterbender, then that must mean Zuko is a firebender. But I can kind of guess by the red scar on his face. Funny though he has such a close relationship with Katara. I wonder-?" Jia stopped and stared off into space.
Wonder what? Katara reluctantly decided to go in even though she knew she would probably get more out of Jia if she remained unseen. But as much as she would love more insight into Zuko's and hers relationship, she knew that it wouldn't really help solving the mystery. But then again, she couldn't just expect Jia to open up to her so quickly. Maybe this was an open door to discover more about this strange little girl. Either way, she knew she had to go in.
"You wonder what?" Katara asked as she stepped through the door. Jia jumped.
"Oh, I'm so sorry miss. I didn't know you were there." Jia sprung to her feet and bowed hastily.
Katara waved her hand. "Its alright. And its Katara, Jia."
Jia smiled softly. "Katara."
"Come," Katara stretched out her hand. "Lets go take a walk." Jia got up and took Katara's hand.
"JIA!" bellowed the innkeeper's wife. "Its time for your lesson!"
Jia froze and looked down. Katara realized her mistake. "Do you have work to do?"
Jia shook her head. "No, not really. I just...have something else to do." Jia nervously looked to the side, avoiding Katara's gaze.
"Maybe we can do it some other time," Katara suggested. Jia looked up and nodded eagerly.
"Yes, that would be perfect." Jia bowed then left the stable quickly. Katara watched her leave with an eyebrow raised. The cat-owl mewed. "You said it," Katara agreed and she walked over and started grooming her horse.
Katara sat brushing her hair, the fire Jia had made earlier barely crackling in the hearth. Even though the sun no longer shone and the stars draped the sky, Katara did not light the lamps. She preferred the dark. Funny however, it was a new moon that night, so Katara could not benefit from the celestial glow, or the power of Yue. Yue...
Katara shook her head. She did not want to think about that night at the moment. Katara let her wavy hair out, not bothering to put it up. She knew she would pay for it in the morning, but with no moon, she felt unmotivated in every way. Katara sighed, wrapped her arms around her shoulders and walked to the window. The town was still alight, with lanterns streaming across the streets, even at the late hour.
Softly, Katara heard the door crack open. She smiled, as she heard Zuko creep in lightly. He was the master of stealth, Katara knew. You would never had noticed his presence unless you were listening for it. She also smiled at how considerate he was, thinking her already in bed, with the low lights and hearth. Zuko mistook a step and the boards creaked. Katara watched his reflection. His golden eyes took in the bed, trying to see if he had awaken her. Katara softly giggled.
"That would not have awakened me," Katara replied, grinning at his startled expression. "I am a log." Zuko returned her smile.
"I thought you were asleep."
Katara scoffed. "Do I ever go to sleep this early?" Zuko smirked.
"Well, I figured since it was utterly pitch black outside, you would have fallen asleep the minute the sun went down."
Katara took a hesitant step forward. "Are you implying that I am weak?"
Zuko's grin grew wider. "Never."
Katara stared hard at Zuko trying to figure out what he was trying to say. Zuko, just as intensely, stared back at her. It was quite some time before Katara spoke:
"Where have you been?"
Zuko produced a a brown pouch and tossed it to her. She opened the bag.
"Out buying pai sho tiles, you wouldn't believe how hard it was to find a complete set that included the white lotus tile." Katara took out the said piece.
"No wonder your Uncle made that specific tile the symbol and password for the society. Its so uncommon no one would expect it," observed Katara
Zuko laughed. "Yes, that would make sense."
Katara put the piece away and tossed the bag back to Zuko. She then asked him if he planned on playing the innkeeper the next day. Zuko replied positively before adding that he actually had not the slightest idea on how to perform the task.
Katara's eye twitched. "You could have mentioned that before you bought anything. You know we're tight on money." Zuko crossed his arms. "Pai sho tiles are an important use no matter what."
Katara's growing anger stopped. Suddenly she began laughing hysterically. "Wow, Uncle has certainly rubbed off on you." Zuko uncrossed his arms and laughed with her.
"I guess hanging around the old guy has taken a toll on me." Zuko turned and looked at the low fire.
Katara walked to the bed and flopped down her stomach. "You miss him."
It wasn't a question, and Zuko knew it. He sighed.
"I haven't seen him since our vacation in Ba Sing Se."
Katara nodded. "So that's why you want to contact him, not because of Ursa, but for yourself?"
Zuko chuckled. "I guess its pretty obvious." He sank down with a giant sigh. "For once it would be nice to contact him without the official seal and everyone looking at our letters. I would like to have personal correspondence, one that's not documented."
"Documented?"
"Yeah. Everything I write has to go through the mail system. As apart of the war effort, the Earth Kingdom made it a habit to read all mail to see if there were enemy codes or information."
"And a messenger hawk would be a little too suspicious," added Katara.
Zuko nodded and sat down.
"Then, I guess it makes sense," Katara continued. "But we still have no idea where Ursa is. It wouldn't hurt to ask for his help. Maybe he can give us the entire story of Ursa's involvement?"
"That's what I'm thinking." Zuko replied. The pair fell silent. Katara hesitated for a moment. She wanted to talk about what had happened the night before, even though it seemed completely off topic. She wanted his input, his advice, but mostly she had grown tired of constantly thinking about it by herself. She sighed.
"Katara?" Zuko asked tentatively. She responded to his voice, shifting her gaze back to him.
"Do you think we will ever find her?" Zuko's gaze wasn't directed at her, but at the fire, a deep sorrow etched on his face. The shadows painted his scarred face into a more morbid expression. Without a word, Katara arose off the bed and moved to kneel next to him. Slowly, she extended a hand to his arm and pulled him into a tight embrace. His head fit under her neck perfectly, his scarred ear right above her chest. They both gazed at the fire.
"Do not give up so easily, Zuko. We will find her no matter what," Katara soothingly whispered. She stroked his tawny hair, slowly and deliberately.
"How do we know if she's even out there?" Zuko choked.
They both knew Katara didn't know the answer. However, she pulled away from him and brought his face up to look at hers. Her blue eyes hardened with determination and she spoke with every fiber of confidence in her petite form. "Lady Ursa is alive. We will find her and bring her home. And you will walk and talk with her every day and feed the turtle ducks and feel her arms wrap around you. She will say good morning to you every sunrise and say good night to you every sunset." Katara gripped Zuko's face firmly between her hands. "Do not give up hope."
Katara smiled encouragingly while Zuko slowly nodded. Unthinkingly, Katara kissed his forehead. Zuko froze at her sudden contact. Feeling him stiffen, Katara withdrew quickly, her face reddening.
"uh...I, ah...umm." Katara had no words to say. She helplessly looked to the side and prayed for the moment to end. Zuko's cheeks equally colored a faint shade of pink, but he knew he had the less awkward end of this encounter. And he had to admit, he enjoyed it immensely. Clearing his throat, though, he replied, "Thank you, Katara."
The girl slightly bowed her head and murmured "Your welcome." She then quickly stood, and climbed into her bed. Zuko decided to leave her and went into the washroom to prepare for the night.
Katara buried her face into her pillow, trying to hide her embarrassment. WHY DID I DO THAT! Because you like him. NO! I lost control, UNACCEPTABLE! Agh!
While Katara was mentally chastising herself, Zuko turned on the water. He quickly disrobed and stepped into the bath, heating the water to a comfortable temperature for him. Naturally, as what always happens when he touches water, steam in thick clouds arose. Sweat began to collect on his body. He submerged his head under the water and then broke through the surface, breathing in slowly.
She kissed my forehead. The thought came unexpectedly. Zuko slowly raised his hand and placed a finger at the place of the said kiss. He sighed. Doesn't she know that stuff like that just makes me go insane? Zuko covered his face and groaned. Keep your composure. She belongs to Aang, and it doesn't matter what happens between us. Nodding his head, he finished bathing.
After he dried himself, he slipped into some loose dark pants and draped a green kimono on and lazily tied it around his waist. When he slid opened the bathroom door, the first thing he noticed was a little makeshift bed on the floor. Two thick dark green blankets laid on the floor with a jade green pillow, facing the window, perpendicular to the bed. He glanced at the figure on the bed. Katara laid curled on her side, her face buried into her pillow. Zuko slowly made his way to the bed.
He glanced at the fire. "Are you cold?"
Katara didn't move. Zuko, walked up to her and touched her cheek gently. Katara shuddered at his touch. Her cheek was icy cold, more than normal. Zuko turned to the fire and revived it. The room became warmer. Zuko touched her cheek again. It was slightly warmer. He brushed his fingers through her hair and watched her sleep.
She really was truly beautiful. Even in her sleep, she was stunning. Her dark brown hair fanned onto the pillow, the dark blanket clung to her body, not in an inappropriate way, but just enough that Zuko could make out her form. Zuko pulled the blanket further over her shoulder. Resting his hand one last time on her face, he left and climbed into his own bed. He gazed out of the window, thinking of the coming day, until sleep overtook him.
Katara awoke to light caress of her forehead. She saw Zuko above her, startled that he woke her.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb your sleep," He whispered. Katara just smiled. "Good morning," She replied. Zuko returned the smile. "Good Morning."
Katara sat up and stretched. She noticed Zuko already dressed and ready for the day. "Where are you going?"
"I was about to go down stairs and challenge the innkeeper, and have some breakfast."
"Ok, I'll come with you." Katara quickly jumped out of her bed, but too quickly, in which she had to sit back down on the bed, dazed. Zuko chuckled.
"Take it easy," he mused. He extended a hand to Katara, which she gratefully took. He pulled her up, and Katara quickly went to the dresser, grabbed a green dress and rushed into the bathroom. "I'll be out in a minute!" she called from the bathroom. Zuko chuckled again and sat on the bed, waiting.
Katara splashed water onto her face. She took off her night gown and pulled on the green dress. It was a deep jade with no sleeves and a high collar, outlined with white. She put on some dark pants and then stared at the mirror. She gasped in horror. Yep, I should have put my hair up last night. She bent water from the basin and drenched her head. She then took a comb and brushed through her wet locks. After it was disentangled, she bent the water out of her hair. She re-brushed it and pulled it back into a half-up half down braid. She stared at the mirror. Something was missing. Katara looked around for anything, but found nothing. Shrugging, Katara clasped on her mother's necklace and walked out of the bathroom.
"Well, that was quicker than I thought," Zuko commented. His back was to her, as he folded his blankets.
"Oh please," Katara retorted. "I'm not that vain."
"Aren't you?" Zuko replied teasingly. He turned to face her but stopped at the sight. Katara looked amazing in green. It brought out her eyes and hair. She looked like an empress, even in something as plain as this. Zuko cleared his throat, as Katara placed her hands on her hips.
"Are you ready, Sifu hotman?"
Zuko nodded and walked to the door. Get over her, she's Aang's. "After you, Sugar Queen."
Katara giggled and walked through the door. Zuko grabbed the brown bag of pai sho tiles and followed suit.
The room was busy with travelers eating their breakfast. Jia and the innkeeper's wife were running around, serving food and clearing tables. Zuko searched for the innkeeper himself and found him in the corner talking with a customer.
"Maybe we should sit and eat first?" Katara suggested. Zuko nodded.
They sat down at a table and Jia, upon seeing them, ran hurriedly to serve them. She curtsied low.
"Katara, Zuko," she addressed, "what can I get you?" Zuko ordered dumplings and tea for the two of them. Jia bowed and then left to get the food. She came back in a minute or so with their tea, and then left again. Katara smiled at her.
"She's so eager," Katara told Zuko. "Its almost she takes pleasure in serving people."
"Like Aang," Zuko admitted. Accidentally Zuko's voice broke when he uttered his friend's name. Katara raised an eyebrow at him. "Yes. Zuko-"
"How are you two enjoying yourselves?" Katara and Zuko turned to the voice of the innkeeper. He smiled a crinkling old smile.
"We are enjoying it very much, thank you sir," Katara replied. Zuko nodded in agreement.
"Splendid!" The old man cried, clapping his hands. "How long do you plan to stay?"
Katara looked at Zuko.
Zuko shrugged. "We will see. Most likely a week."
"Good, good." the innkeeper replied. "I'm happy you are here. Jia's attitude has improved immensely since your arrival. My wife, of course doesn't like it, but I personally can't be happier. That little girl is like a daughter to me." Katara interest peeked.
"How did she come here, if she's not your daughter?" The old man chuckled.
"Its a very strange story indeed." Katara pleaded him to tell the story and invited him to sit down, in which he gratefully obliged. He called for his wife to give him a cup of tea, in which she did, and took a deep sip, before settling into the tale.
"It was 6 years ago. I remember like it was yesterday. Rain was pouring down that night and we had no vacancy. A rap sounded at the door." The innkeeper took another sip of tea and continued.
"I went and opened the door and found a tall, elegant figure, cloaked in black, holding a small bundle.
'Please, sir,' a soft voice asked. 'May I come in? I have no money, but I am in dire need for your protection.'
'We have no rooms left, and I cannot offer you a free space. I'm sorry.'
'Please sir, I beg you. I have a child with me, she is injured and she will certainly die if not attended to.'
I took pity on this person. I could now tell it was a woman, and she was quite sad. I took the poor woman and the child inside. She asked for warm blankets and clothes for the girl, as well as medication. We laid the girl on a table. By the looks of it, something had struck her head. It was covered in blood, a long gash on the back of her skull. My wife quickly came to help, but the woman would not let anyone touch her.
She tended the child, drying and changing her, bandaging her head. The child slept through it all. It was by far amazing that she did not become sick, what with being in the rain for so long. But miraculously she survived. The woman never left her side, as the child was unconscious for many days. We were able to place her in our private rooms, and the woman worked for us to pay for the care. She hardly ate anything, it was mostly for the child. She was a good woman."
"What was her name?" Katara asked.
"She would not tell us. This made my wife skeptical, but when we asked her, the woman just replied 'It is for your safety that you don't know who I am.' And it seemed right, for after the child awoke, two firenation men came looking for her. We knew then, that something was very wrong. But when they were in our inn, the woman was no where to be found. Both my wife and I, however, decided to keep our mouth shut about her, until we could talk to her. That night, after we sent the men away, we found her in the room with the girl. We stopped for we heard her talking to the girl.
'Jia, the time has come for me to leave. I will ask if you can stay here, and work for these people. They are good and will look out for you.'
'Lady, why do you go away?'
'Its no longer safe for me to stay. Don't worry, I will come back for you, someday.'
I opened the door then and looked at her. The Lady met my eyes, with tears in her own.
'Innkeeper, you have been far to gracious to me and Jia. I now ask for one more favor. Please look after her as your own, and I don't know when, but I will be back for her.'
What could I do but accept? The woman gratefully hugged me and bowed deeply. That next moment, she was gone." The innkeeper sighed.
"We are still waiting for her to come back. We hope that the worse hasn't happened to her. But I fear that she will never come back." The old man blinked rapidly then gazed back at Zuko and Katara.
Katara stared at the old man with a sad smile. "And Jia doesn't remember anything?"
"No, the child had no recollection except for when she came here and before, with what had happened to her parents. It seems that injury had tampered her memory," he stated. Katara faced Zuko. Zuko was gazing at the child, seeing her bustle about this way and that. "If only there was something we could do," Katara whispered.
"Innkeeper," Zuko suddenly said. "What if we take her with us, when we leave?"
"I don't think so, sir," the innkeeper replied. "We made a promise that we intend to keep. I'm sorry."
Zuko nodded. "I understand."
The old man chuckled lightly. "She is a treasure. Under different circumstances, I would give her to you. But there are some things that we just shouldn't tamper with."
Silence ensued around them.
"Now," the innkeeper said, breaking the silence. "Is their anything else I can do for you?"
"Yes," Zuko quickly replied. "Would you do me the honor of playing a game of pai sho with me?"
Katara glanced at Zuko. The old man smiled a knowing smile. "Yes, I shall."
The two men stood and went into a corner, where the pai sho game was set. They sat down and began to play.
The old innkeeper bowed his head with his hands extended. "Guests always go first."
Zuko laid the tile with a lotus in the center. In reality he hardly knew how to play the game pai sho, but he constantly tried to remember what his uncle said and what he had done when they were stuck in that tavern in the desert.
"I see you favor the white lotus gambit, not many cling to the ancient ways," the innkeeper said slowly.
"Those who do can always find a friend." Zuko said softly. The innkeeper extended his hands, "Let us play," he replied with a soft smile. He put one down starting from the right side, Zuko did the same except on his right. Katara raised a curious brow as they went back and forth until all the tiles were used.
The innkeeper's grin grew wider, "Welcome, brother." The two bowed toward each other over the game board where the tiles each perfectly made the shape of a lotus. The innkeeper glanced at Katara. She took this as a hint and bowed how Zuko did. The innkeeper smiled again. He quickly stood, followed by Zuko and Katara. They left the room silently but rapidly until they were in a secluded room with a desk and some chairs. The innkeeper closed the door with a click.
"Welcome! I knew you were different yet special. What can I do for you fellow members?"
Zuko took in a breath, "We need to contact General Iroh in Ba Sing Se regarding our mission."
"That can be arranged." The innkeeper sat at his desk and drew up some parchment then produced a brush with a light sort of ink. Katara raised her brow.
"It can only be seen held against a light or fire," Zuko explained.
"Oh," was her reply.
"You must be new in order to not know," the innkeeper commented.
"Yes, I am," Katara replied. "I have only been apart since the final battle against the Earth Kingdom."
Zuko gave Katara a slight warning look before he began to write on the parchment.
Uncle,
Katara and I are staying in the Earth kingdom town of Teo, while resting at the White Lotus Dragon. We were successful in communicating with the members here, but we now ask for your assistance. We know that Ursa was somehow involved with the society. Are you sure no one helped her escape? Is there anything else you know?
Also, we ran into a girl named Jia. There's something about her that I can't quite figure out. But its worth a shot. I will find out more later. The moon and her moods are confusing as ever, but I've realized I can't exist without her. Reply soon.
-Zuko
Katara raised a quizzical brow to the last sentence. Zuko caught her expression and reddened.
"Its just an expression that we firenation people use. Its a form of humbleness...er something."
Katara shrugged. "Alright." She turned and grabbed the black ink, creating the cover up letter.
Zuko gave out a sigh of relief. He had put that sentence in there in hopes that Katara wouldn't see or think it was out of the ordinary. That was way too close. But how else would Uncle know? I bet he's been dying to know how we are. He's such a fangirl. Zuko groaned at the thought.
Iroh was simply delighted when Zuko told him that Katara and he would go together on this mission.
"'Why, that's great news Zuko! I sure you two will have some wonderful alone time.'" the old man gleamed. Zuko shook his head in embarrassment.
"Zuko?" Katara snapped her fingers in front of his face. "You there?"
Zuko blinked. "What?"
Katara rolled her eyes. "Oh pay attention. The innkeeper was telling us more about Jia."
Zuko's eyes narrowed slightly. "What about her?"
The innkeeper cleared his throat. "More and more firenation men have come lately. We had four arrive and leave just before you came," The old man dipped his head.
"I think it would be best if you took her when you leave."
Katara tilted her head in confusion. "Are you sure? What about the lady?"
The innkeeper lowered his gaze. "It would be regrettable to break such a promise. But now that I know you are apart of the society, it will be easier to contact you if she does come back. Besides, she needs more protection than I can offer her. You, being members and young, can surely take care of her, much more than I could."
Zuko nodded. "But we won't leave until Unc—I mean General Iroh replies to us. And even then it might be awhile before we even continue."
"I know," he replied. "But my mind will be more at ease if you will take her. Besides, it would be good for Jia to have a little more subtlety with such a drastic change."
Katara smiled. "Then we'll take her."
A/N: So yep... ah so much more to come. hope it wan't too confusing. Please tell me what you think!
Also, 'Last Airbender' anyone? Really, how much did it suck?