Chapter 4: It Takes Time to Warm Up to You
"Can I sit here?" Katara asked, holding her tray. She smiled faintly as Zuko moved further down the bench. "Thanks." She sat down, placing her tray on the table and began to eat. Several water tribe members across the room whispered quietly, their stares turned aside when Katara made eye contact.
Zuko sighed. "Why are you doing this?"
"I just finished checking on Aang, so I'm a little late to breakfast. Everyone else is finished and you looked lonely over here."
"I'd rather eat alone."
"It's too late for that." Katara sipped her tea slowly. She began to eat, occasionally glancing at the firebender as he sat in silence. 'He's clamming up again. Even after talking to him last night, he still feels like he has to keep everything inside… Her thoughts wandered to another person who had the bad habit of keeping his feelings from his friends. He and Aang have something in common. The loss of her own mother had wrecked her, she couldn't imagine what it felt like to lose everything. She looked at Zuko. Or what it feels like to have my own father banish me. Or...hurt me like that. She resisted the urge to shudder. She finished her meal and turned to Zuko. He hadn't eaten much of anything, his food lay picked around on his plate.
"So...I'm going topside. Want to join me?" Katara asked, getting up from the table and picking up her tray.
"I'd rather not."
"I think you should. The fresh air might do you some good. I don't think brooding and keeping to yourself is going to make anyone trust you more."
Zuko turned away. Katara's people wouldn't trust him no matter what he did, so what did it matter?
"Just come up with me. Pipsqueak and the others are sparing. Maybe a little training will help?"
Zuko sighed and stood up from the table. He grabbed his tray and dirty dishes. "Fine."
Katara smiled as Toph ducked, dodging a swing from Zuko's swords only to be smacked on the hip with the blunt side of one. Toph yelled and rubbed her hip, calling out insults as he circled around her. He moved towards her center and she raised her hands.
"I thought you said you could beat me without bending." Zuko taunted.
"I can! Why don't you put those swords down and we'll settle this with our fists?" Toph yelled back.
I'm surprised they get along so well. He's treating her like a younger sibling. Katara though, crossing her arms. When she called him a name this morning he didn't even get angry. She looked at the map Sokka had left on the bench for her. They were several days into their journey to the Fire Nation. Since they were traveling from Ba Sing Se, it would take them about a month. Katara sighed. What am I going to do on a ship for a month? Her thoughts went to Aang. What are we going to do without the Avatar? She tried to push the feelings of unease and frustration away as she thought about her friend's attitudes towards Aang's continued doing what they had done before. Sokka made jokes. Toph practiced metal bending. Appa and Momo ate. Why weren't they more worried about him? Even though the Spirit Water had saved his life, he still wouldn't wake up. She slumped against the crates, elbows resting on her knees. Aang's condition hasn't change, but it hasn't worsened either. That's good, right? She looked up as yelling reached her eyes. Toph and Zuko's spar was getting intense. Zuko's trying so hard to show everyone he's changed. He probably feels responsible for Aang since it was Azula who hurt him. Her thoughts drifted to several nights ago.
"You're not going to get any rest like this," Zuko said, sitting beside the sleeping airbender. "You should sleep." Sokka snored on the couch across the room, mumbling incoherently. Zuko regardeed him for a second, then turned back to Katara.
"I know. I know. But Aang could wake up any minute now," Katara began, wringing her hands together. "It's just, Aang really needs me right now. I don't want to leave him."
Zuko nodded. "I understand. You've done a lot for your friends. You're always putting them first no matter what. You remind me of my uncle-." Zuko stiffened. An old wound stung his heart that not even the most expensive herbs could heal.
Katara laid her hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry Zuko. I know you're hurting too."
"What are you day dreaming about. Sugar Queen?" Toph asked, as she and Zuko walked over. Katara smiled and held out two cups of water for them. Sweat dripped from their brows as they downed the water. The earthbender punched Zuko's arm and grinned.
"Sparky here is pretty tough. He doesn't joke around!"
"Uh, thanks. Neither do you."
"That was pretty cool guys," Katara said.
"Thanks," Toph said, setting her cup down. She pointed at Zuko. "This guy is pretty cool himself, but I'm tougher and better looking." Katara rolled her eyes.
"Aren't you blind?" Zuko said. Several seconds passed. Katara and Toph burst into laughter.
"You know what?" Toph smacked Zuko on his back and smiled. "You're not so bad Sparky! But you need to learn to take a joke."
"I can take jokes!"
Toph nodded. "Yeah, sure."
Katara stood, swinging her arms, stretching them out. If Toph is going to get some exercise I might as well too. "Why don't I train with you? I can try out some new waterbending moves."
Zuko raised a dark brow at her. "Are you sure?"
Katara glared at him. "It wouldn't be the first time I've fought you. So Toph is good enough to spar with you and I'm not?"
Zuko's expression darkened. "That's not what I meant."
Katara shook her head and walked to the middle of the deck. "Whatever, just get out here." She ignored the concerned stares of the crew as Zuko handed his swords to Toph and came to meet her. He stood across from her, his right arm above his head, his left positioned across from his stomach. His feet shoulder width apart. Katara studied his posture. She had never really gotten the chance to observe firebendering up close. I was always fighting or running away. A sudden wave of heat washed over her and she leapt to the side, watching a spiral of fire sweep past her.
She turned to Zuko. "Zuko! I wasn't ready!"
"Your enemy never waits for you to get ready." Zuko thrust his hands forward, directing fire daggers at her. Kicking high several times spirals of red and yellow seared through the air.
Katara threw up her hands, protecting herself with a wall of water, then pushed her hands forward. The water wall crashed past Zuko as he kicked through it, steam rising from his body. With a flick of her wrist the water turned to jagged spears. She grinned. She threw them at the firebender who dodged them easily, spinning and flipping through the air, landing on his feet gracefully. She ran closer, drawing water behind her into water wips and began snapping them at his feet. Fire bursts shot from his hands, destroying the whips. Katara countered with water shots. Zuko lunged low just in time to avoid one hitting his face. At Katara's surprise, he didn't try to dodge again, instead he ran towards her in full sprint. She yelped and snapped a water whip at his legs. Zuko jumped over it and propelled himself in the air with a fire blast from his hands. Katara's eyes widened as she watched him flip over her with ease. Then, she felt her arms being snatched behind her. A blade of fire was held close to her throat.
Zuko leaned close, whispering in her ear. "If I'd been a Fire Nation Admiral you'd be dead."
Katara shivered as his warm breath fell on her neck. She could still feel the heat rising off his body from his firebending. She struggled against his hold, huffing in discomfort.
"He's finally got you beat, Sugar Queen!" Toph shouted, laughing at her loss. Katara stopped struggling. She grinned. She stomped on Zuko's foot, causing him to stumble. The flames from his hands disappeared. Grabbing his wrist, she twisted it making him hiss in pain, releasing his grip on her. She ducked as he tried to grab her and elbowed him hard in what she thought was his stomach.
"Gods!" Zuko bellowed, immediately falling to his knees. Katara wiggled free and stepped back, a smug smile on her face.
"Ha! Take that you arrogant-ugh...Zuko, are you okay?"
"Gods!" Zuko bellowed, immediately falling to his knees. Katara wriggled free and stepped back, a smug grin on her face.
"Take that you arrogant-ugh…Zuko are you ok?"
The firebender had assumed a fetal position. Tears welled up in his eyes as he shook his head.
"I'm sorry! Did I hit you too hard?" Katara knelt beside him, her hands glowing with healing water.
"Just get away from me!" Zuko continued to groan. His face turned ashen.
"Where does it hurt? Let me help you!"
"What did you do to him?" Toph asked, running to them.
Katara frowned, wrapping her arms around her as she turned to Toph. "I didn't think a punch in the stomach would be so bad."
"Uh, you didn't punch him in his stomach. You punched him in his baby makers."
Katara turned red. "I'm so sorry Zuko! I thought-"
"Just forget it." Zuko hissed.
"Let me help you-"
"You've helped enough! Go away!" His stomach churned as he rocked back and forth, trying to think of anything but the aching pain in his groin. He glared at Katara, his voice low. "That was dirty."
"I didn't mean to!"
"Get it together, Spary. I'm sure you'll still have kids someday." Toph said. Katara tried to smile but winced. Zuko managed to sit up, his face twisted in discomfort. Katara sat next to him, trying to think of something to say that would help him understand how sorry she felt.
He seemed to sense her guilt, because he held up his hand as she fumbled to speak. "You don't have to apologize again. I'm fine."
Katara exhaled. "I'll be more careful next time."
Zuko nodded. "As long as you don't make it a habit we can still be friends."
"If she made it a habit we might have to tell Aang!" Toph joked, hiding a snicker behind her hands.
"Toph! Katara growled.
Katara sat between Sokka and Zuko in the dinning hall next to the window. The day had passed quickly, with the sun barely lingering over the sea, casting rays of red and yellow light across the sky. The scent of noddles filled her nostrils, making her stomach growl. She blushed and wrapped her arms around her stomach.
"I'm starving. I could eat anything now...even Momo!" Sokka stared at the lemar with wide eyes. The little animal chirped and ran up Zuko's shoulder. He smiled and scratched Momo behind the ears.
Katara rolled her eyes at her brother. He could be so immature at times. She glanced at the time dial near the serving line. After dinner, she and the gang were going to the lounge to hang out and talk about their next move. With Aang still sleeping and no sign of him waking soon all they could do was wait...and plan. Wait for what? What if Aang never wakes up? She sighed and rested her head in her hands. Zuko and I watched him for over an hour and he didn't move at all. Katara looked at the firebender. Listening to Toph retell members of the crew about the spar that morning had caused his face to redden, a twinge of irritation forming his brow. Zuko's been checking up on him a lot. He's been stopping by his room after meals. He's really...changed.
"If you were a guy, you'd react the same way," Zuko sneered. Toph laughed. Katara giggled.
"Sokka nodded, "Yeah, Zuko, I don't blame you. I'd scream like a girl too. Our, ahem, very special parts are nothing to joke about." Zuko groaned in embarrassment and covered his face with his hands.
I can't believe Zuko, the guy who chased us around would be the brunt of so many jokes. Katara shook her head. And now that he's not attacking us...he's actually kind of fun to be with. Wow. Zuko fun to hang out with? The prince was always trying to capture Aang and attack them whenever he had the opportunity. She had never seen anything but hate and anger from him. She'd have to get used to this new Zuko.
"Hey, the food is coming," Sokka said. He sniffed the air and leaned back on the bench. A bowl of hot noodles were placed in front of him. Sokka grabbed the chop sticks and stuffed the food in his mouth. "Yow!" Katara shook her head as Sokka sloppily slurped the noodles.
"This is pretty good," Toph said. The group nodded. They ate in silence and listened to the echoing conversations around them. Suddenly, they heard scuffling and voices coming from the corridor. The gang looked at the entrance to see a crewman looking around the room. The man's eyes widened and he pointed at Zuko.
"Ah, Prince Zuko?"
The firebender's gaze sharpened. "Yes?"
"We are picking up some type of encoded message from other ships in the communications room. We need your help."
The buttons in the communications room glowed, giving off flicking light. Zuko sat in the chair next to the speaker and controls. A bulky grey metal box sat on the desk. It had several wires sticking out from it and a red button that flickered on top. A black dial sat in front of the device.
"What is this?" Sokka asked, running his hand over the box. He touched the wires before moving to the knob.
"Don't touch that!" Zuko said, slapping his hand away. "It's a new invention...I've seen it in the newer Fire Nation ships. The light there," Zuko pointed to the beeping light on top. "Flashes a specific number of times and pauses. It's a code." Beeping noises came from the box and the light began to flash. Zuko turned the dial and motioned to a crewman near him. "I need paper."
The man nodded and opened a drawer across from the desk, handing Zuko paper and ink. Zuko wrote quickly, turning the dial after every other beeping session. I know this code. He turned to the crewman. "This is standard military coding. It should be easy to figure out." Zuko pushed his chair back and felt under the communications desk until he felt a drawer underneath. He opened it and pulled out a small book and began flipping through it.
"What's going on?" a voice asked from the corridor. Zuko turned to see Katara, Sokka and Toph in the doorway. He turned back to the book and paper. "We're receiving an encrypted message. There…" Zuko stopped writing. "It's done."
"What's done?" Sokka asked. He leaned over Zuko's shoulder. The paper was covered in dots and dashes and symbols he'd never seen before. "What does it say?"
Zuko held the paper. His expression darkened as he read. "I'm officially a traitor to the Fire Nation and I'm to be killed on sight." Katara laid her hand on his shoulder. Zuko inhaled, looking at the rest of the message. "It's about the Avatar too. It's saying that...Aang is dead."
"This isn't good! This is so not good!" Sokka said. He walked around the room shaking his head. Hakoda placed his hand on Sokka's shoulders, encouraging him to st with the rest of the team. Sokka pulled out a chair and sat next to Toph at the meeting table. He glanced around the room. Zuko's face was blank, though he strummed his fingers on the table. Katara sat next to their father, with Bato on her other side.
"If the Fire Nation thinks the Avatar is dead, they'll try to finish taking over the other nations," Toph began. "Aang was their only challenge!"
Chief Hakoda nodded. "They could be strengthening their armies as we speak. With Avatar Aang gone there is no one to stop them for good."
Zuko rested his elbows on the table. "I don't think so. If the Fire Nation thinks the Avatar is dead, it could actually be good for us in the long run."
"How?" Bato asked.
"Sokka's invasion is planned on the Day of Black Sun." Zuko closed his eyes, trying to dispel the feelings of unease. It's not exactly a day I look forward to. "The Fire Nation will be helpless because of the ecplise. It's even better because they won't be expecting the Avatar to be. We have the advantage over them right now."
"You want us to lie to the world?" Sokka asked, standing. "Aang is the only hope for defeating the Fire Nation and you want to let people believe they've won?"
Zuko stared at him. "The Avatar still unconscious. If the Fire Naiton believes him to be dead, they'll let their guard down and that will be the time to strike." He glanced around the table. "Or we could invite the Fire Nation fleets to play hide and seek with us."
Katara frowned at Zuko's snide remark but what he said made sense. Especially since Aang was in no position to fight anyone at the moment.
Toph shook her head. "I don't know Zuko...people will stop fighting if they believe Aang is dead. He was their last hope against the Fire Nation."
"Do you have any better ideas?" Zuko asked. The group mumbled among themselves.
Sokka crossed his arms. "I guess Zuko is right. If the Fire Nation thinks Aang is dead, we have a better chance of the plan working."
The door opened behind them. A water tribe warrior stood in the doorway, panting heavily. "The Avatar has awakened!"