I'll Follow You Home – A Zutara Story.
Meeoko
Summary : Sequel to 'Eventualities Are Inevitable'. After being captured by a group of Fire Nation radicals and uncovering a secret plot to destroy the Avatar Cycle, Zuko and Katara must work together to find a way to stop the Sila Vatra before Sozin's Comet arrives.
Spoilers : Puppet Master, Day Of Black Sun part 1 and 2, Western Air Temple, Fire Bending Masters and Boiling Rock part 1 and 2.
Author's Note : Sorry I've been taking so long with my updates, guys. It's mostly down to the fact that my boyfriend has just gotten a new flat and I've been spending a lot of time there. And unfortunately, they don't have an Internet connection or a phone line yet, so I haven't been able to work on the fic much.
I might be a little slow this week with updates, due to the new episode's of Avatar airing. I can't believe the finale is so close! It totally sucks!
I'm really excited to see what happens (especially in The Southern Raiders – ninja Zuko!), but I'm kinda bummed that it has to end.
Just a few notes and thanks below.
I'd like to bring attention to a really cute fic I'm reading at the moment. It's a Tokka fic written by none other than one of my best reviewers – Lexabeta.
The fic is called 'Touched By A Star' and there's some seriously sweet Tokka fuzzies in it at the moment. So, go check it out.
Also, much thanks to MusicIsLove92, who has been very supportive whilst writing this fic. She's been reading since EAI and always gives me useful input and advice. So special thanks to you, MusicIsLove92 – for all of your help.
And finally, thank you to everyone who was so supportive of the little one-off Zutara I wrote the other day, 'Union On The Dance Floor'.
The reviews and positive feedback I got on it were incredible considering I'd only written it to try and dislodge my bad case of writers block. But I am still incredibly glad that you liked it.
One-shot's always scare me a little. :P
Zuko hated flying. Strike that – he hated flying when it was on a two ton, inpredictable, smelly bison.
Sighing, Zuko tried not to look down into the canvas of tree's that were passing by slowly beneath them. War Balloon's were perfectly acceptable, because when he was in a War Balloon, Zuko felt that he was in control. It was his bending that powered the small craft. It was he and he alone that had the power to move and direct it. He knew what to expect and when to expect it.
But on a Flying Bison, he didn't have that luxury.
I think I'm gonna be sick.
They had set out that morning at the first sighting of the dawn sunshine. It had been a short, but grave goodbye.
Despite Aang's constant pleading to at least escort them to the edge of the Fire Nation capital, he was finally silenced by a stern look from Hakoda.
Chit Sang had arrived late the night before, waltzing in unannounced and scaring the life out of Aang, who had promptly blasted him into the wall of the temple with a gust of air. After several shocks, realizations and long apologies, Chit Sang had soon begun settling into his new role as Aang's new Fire Bending teacher.
I only hope he knows what he's doing. If he loses patience with Aang and gets him mad...it's not going to be pretty.
Sokka had spent the majority of his remaining time with Suki, both locked in a desperate, but tender embrace.
They seemed to cling together for dear life, drawing strength from each others touch and silent strength. As soon as Hakoda had turned his back, Zuko had seen Sokka draw Suki into a quick, but lingering kiss. Zuko's subconscious flicked through the thousands of faces he had seen along his travels.
Fire Nation, Water Tribe, Earth Kingdom. How many of them had kissed their wives and loved ones like that in farewell?
How many of them had stayed in that same tender embrace, willing themselves to be locked together that way forever?
And how many of them had returned to those same wives and loved ones, with jaws locked together bravely and their eyes blinking back the tears that they refused to spill?
Suki buried her face into Sokka's shoulder, but did not shed a tear as he reluctantly drew away.
She's a warrior. She knows Sokka needs her to stay positive.
Katara had shuffled around awkwardly from foot to foot, looking over at Aang. She was still very conscious of how she should act whilst around him. But Aang's mood seemed to have improved drastically and the two of them were soon bidding their own goodbye's in a tight embrace.
Thank Agni! Now she can stop worrying.
Zuko noticed that as Katara pulled away from Aang to bid goodbye to the others, Toph had been lurking in the shadows behind them.
Slowly, she had made her way over towards the Avatar. There was something in her stance that told Zuko that something was wrong.
Well, maybe not wrong. Just a little...off.
The Earth Bender was always so confident. So cocky and sure about everything - it was especially obvious in her movements. A solid, sturdy force, impenetrable and unmovable. But now, she seemed small and vulnerable, as if she was in water that was too deep for her.
Aang's reaction had been much the same, rubbing at the back of his neck in agitation and prodding at the dirt with his feet.
Zuko had promptly turned away, leaving them to their conversation. He couldn't help but allow the smile tugging at his lips.
The plot thickens...
Zuko stayed strictly out of the way. There wasn't much he could say to those that they were leaving behind.
Everyone he had anything to say to was coming with him, if only for a little while.
Apart from Aang, but he's busy.
Zuko had never been on particularly good terms with Haru, who had seemed to take an instant disliking to him. Zuko had made a point to avoid him whilst around the camp, even though he could feel his scowl prodding him in the back like a dagger when they all sat down together during mealtimes.
The Duke was busy toeing at the dirt beside Teo's wheelchair, obviously too embarrassed to give him the friendly hug that Zuko was certain he was holding back. And Suki.
Although she seemed to have forgiven him for burning down her village and thanked him for helping her escape from the Boiling Rock, Zuko was certain that she'd benefit more from spending her time with Sokka.
Everyone around him was exchanging friendly hugs, tearful words of advice or caution. Goodbye's were being shared by friends, families and lovers. There wasn't a bad thought or feeling anywhere.
Although he was used to this kind of situation, not having that many friends whilst growing up, Zuko couldn't help but feel a little alienated.
Still on the outside looking in, aren't you Zuko?
But Zuko soon felt a tap on his shoulder, snapping him out of his trance. He turned around to meet the Avatar, who was looking up at him with a serious, but determined expression. Zuko bowed his head.
"Aang."
You've never been any good at saying goodbye...
The young boy took a deep breath, as if he was readying himself for something immense and difficult. But when he looked up at Zuko, the hint of a tiny smile graced his features.
"Zuko. I just wanted to say something before you go. I just wanted to...to thank you. I know that you gave up a lot and that you're risking even more by going back to the capital, but really..."
Zuko tried not to rub the back of his neck, as was his habit whenever he got a little nervous or embarrassed.
Uh...well, it wasn't all that much...it wasn't that bad...
The young Air Bender continued.
"...really, I owe you more than you could possibly imagine. I never would have been able to learn Fire Bending if it weren't for your sacrifice. I wouldn't be able to face the Fire Lord. We probably wouldn't have seen Suki or Hakoda again. I just..."
Aang let out an awkward puff of air and bit his lip, as if he was just as embarrassed as Zuko felt.
Obviously, even when united under the banner of peace, exiled, traitorous Fire Nation Princes and Air Nomad Avatar Prodigies still had trouble expressing themselves.
Except Uncle. Everywhere he went, everyone he met, in any situation, he was always good at expressing himself. Though sometimes...that wasn't always a good thing.
Aang swallowed. When he looked back up at Zuko, his gaze was piercing and serious, but grateful.
"Thank you for protecting her. For doing everything you could to help her and getting her back safely. When you were gone...I'm sorry to say that for a while, I suspected you. I was angry and upset and wrong. But you proved yourself more than anyone ever could have. Ozai could never take away the honour you gained during those weeks, even with his entire army. You are more than my teacher now. You're more than that. We're family now, Zuko. Sifu Zuko."
Zuko blinked and looked down at the determined, fresh faced young boy that he had grown so fond of.
Hurriedly, he closed his mouth and tried to regain his composure. He sniffed, feeling his good eye prickling.
What? Don't tell me you want to cry! In front of the Avatar! Get a grip!
"Uhm, yeah well...let's just...you've been a good...uh..."
Oh, forget it!
Clearing his throat and shaking his head lightly, Zuko straightened himself up and clasped his hands together. Aang did the same and they bowed to each other.
The two benders looked at each other, their expressions fixed.
There. That wasn't too embarrassing.
Just as Zuko was about to turn away, a huge grin crept over Aang's face. The light in his eyes had returned, that same happiness and excitement Zuko had been so used to seeing before.
"Oh, lighten up for once, will ya, Zuko?"
And before Zuko could even blink in protest, Aang had shot forward and thrust his arms around Zuko in a tight hug.
Opening his mouth to say something to the plucky young Avatar latched around his waist, Zuko found he just couldn't find the words.
Oh for Agni's sake! Just have a heart and hug the boy back, will you? Who knows if you'll see him again?
Regaining control over the annoying little voice in his head, Zuko sighed happily. Blowing some air out through his nose and smiling, Zuko placed a hand on Aang's shoulder and laughed.
"Sokka never hears about this."
The Avatar laughed.
"Deal."
"I hate flying. I hate flying. I hate flying." Toph chanted over and over again, lying on her back in Appa's saddle and staring up at the sky with unseeing eyes.
Tell me about it...
"So, where exactly are we going to be landing?" Katara asked "We don't want to get too close, in case we're spotted."
A very nervous grunt came from the front of the saddle, where their driver sat uncertainly and truly terrified. Chit Sang gripped onto Appa's reins as if for dear life, his legs clasped a little too tightly around the back of the great bison's neck.
Zuko could see that his knuckles had turned white from gripping the reins too tightly and a small vein in his neck was slowly beginning to turn purple.
Well, he's not Aang, but someone had to fly Appa back to the temple...
"Chit Sang?" Katara asked him again.
"How the heck should I know?" the bulky man snapped, but with a high pitched voice "I don't know how to fly this thing!"
Zuko could hear Sokka trying to stifle a laugh.
"We're going to be landing just over five miles away from the main gates of the capital city." Hakoda answered "That should be a fair enough distance. We shouldn't be spotted and it will help influence our story when we enter the city through the gates at the merchant's quarter."
Toph simply grunted in response, her invisible gaze never once leaving the clouds above.
"Do you really think we'll be able to find the rest of the warriors? And my dad? And Haru's father and Pipsqueak?" Teo asked hopefully, with both hands crossed over in his lap.
His wheelchair had purposely been tied down, fasted to one side of Appa's saddle, just in case they needed to make an emergency landing. He was wearing his goggles, against the gentle breeze blowing past them and rustling their clothing.
There was an awkward silence.
Zuko knew that everybody else was thinking the exact same thoughts.
We may not even find them at all. We can't let our hopes rise too high only to be shot down again.
"I hope so, Teo." Hakoda mumbled, without facing the boy.
They reached their destination by mid morning.
After helping Teo down from Appa's saddle and double checking that they had all of their equipment, the small group bid farewell to Chit Sang.
"You sure you're gonna be able to find your way back to the temple?" Sokka asked him.
"I'm pretty sure that this thing did most of the flying for me! I just sit here and try not to fall off!" Chit Sang replied, repositioning himself at the head of the saddle.
Appa grunted and shook his shaggy head back and forth in protest, effectively dislodging Chit Sang, who had to hang onto one of the great bison's horns to avoid falling off completely. Beside him, Zuko heard Katara giggle.
I love it when you laugh.
"I don't think Appa appreciated being called a 'thing'."
Scowling, Chit Sang awkwardly pulled himself back up into his seat.
"No kidding." he grumbled.
Sokka, Katara and Toph both petted Appa's head and leant into the shaggy fur, each saying their individual goodbye's to the graceful giant they had come to know and love.
"I hate flying on you, but I'll still miss ya, buddy." Toph said tenderly, patting Appa's neck.
"See ya Puffball." Sokka smirked. "Try not to kill Aang's new Fire Bending teacher on the way home, will ya? He's a first time flyer, so don't blame him if he's not doing so great."
"Goodbye Appa." Katara's tone was a little more serious. "We'll see you soon, I promise."
I know what she's thinking. She's wondering if this is the last time we'll get to see Appa.
Zuko hadn't intended on saying his own goodbye to Appa, although he had grown fond of the kindly giant. If he said goodbye, then Zuko felt that it was real. That it would be the last time they parted.
But his initial thoughts were cut short when Appa's huge and slobbery tongue caught him full in the face. The right side of his face and hair was covered in bison spit and Appa's breath smelt putrid.
"Ugh!" Zuko shot a glance at the gaping animal, but it was a tender and joking look. "You just love doing that to me, don't you?"
Appa let out a happy bellow in response as Zuko attempted to wipe away the stringy spit from his hair.
Thanks Appa...I'll miss you, buddy.
"Well, guess I'll be going then." Chit Sang mumbled, obviously not looking forward to getting back into the air.
"Take good care of the big guy, okay?" Toph commented.
"I'll try my best." Chit Sang replied with a joking smile.
"I wasn't talking to you." Toph replied, giving Appa a final slap on the side of the flank.
Chit Sang's face fell into a tight scowl and he grunted. Zuko tried very hard not to smirk at the large, bulky criminal reduced to a temper tantrum by the Earth Bender's sharp wit.
Without looking back, Chit Sang flicked the reins and muttered a very timid 'yip yip'. Appa shot up into the air with a grunt and made a slightly sharp turn in the air. Zuko thought that he could hear Chit Sang uttering a curse word before they lost sight of the great bison over the canopies of the tree's.
"I give him ten minutes before he falls off and crashes into a tree." Sokka joked.
"Nah, I'd only give him five." Toph replied with a smirk.
After they had been walking for about an hour and a half, they stopped to rest and refill their canteens.
Zuko had noticed that since their capture at the hands of the Sila Vatra, Katara had carried a flask around with her constantly and always made sure she was within ten feet of a source of water.
She's scared. Scared she won't be able to bend. That she'll be vulnerable.
The small party had travelled far slower than they had intended to. Mostly, it was due to the rocky terrain, which was proving a little difficult for Teo's wheelchair at times.
At one point, they had reached a particularly rocky hill, where the ascent was so steep, Hakoda had had to unstrap Teo from his chair and sling him over his shoulder, whilst he carried him up the hill. The chair had followed in tow, being pulled along by Sokka whilst Teo complained and moaned all the way.
Zuko could understand his situation.
Teo wanted his independence and didn't want to have people to wait on him hand and foot. He wanted to be able to do things for himself.
Zuko felt a small pang of empathy for Teo, having experienced something along the same lines.
When he had first received his scar at the hands of his father and had been recovering, still wrapped in bandages, his Uncle Iroh had insisted that everything be done for him. Zuko had found the constant sway of servants and sailors asking him if he needed help or getting him things he didn't need to be incredibly annoying. He had felt useless and enraged at his Uncle, for kicking up such a fuss if Zuko ever tried to do anything for himself in those first few weeks at sea. The tedious lulling back and forth on the ship, day after day without being permitted to do anything at all had almost driven Zuko insane.
They all acted as if I was incapable of doing anything. It was as if they all looked down on me. All of those sad, pitying faces – how I hated them!
Of course, Zuko knew that his own situation had been nothing compared to Teo's. Teo had had to deal with the unwanted sympathy and the pity his entire life.
Zuko couldn't imagine anything worse than having people look on you as if you were a helpless infant.
But Zuko knew that that most definitely not the case with Teo.
There was almost nothing he needed help with and he was just as capable and intelligent as any other member of the group. It was of Teo's inventions and craftsmanship that Zuko admired, as well as his boundless energy and an unending curiosity.
If anything, Zuko had found himself feeling a little envious of Teo.
If only I could be as relaxed as he is. If only I could just enjoy myself and let go once in a while.
Taking a bite out of a piece of dried beef, Zuko wandered away from the temporary campsite, wanting to be alone with his thoughts, if only for a little while.
Ever since his return to the Western Air Temple, Zuko had tried incredibly hard not to think about anything more that was to come.
He had tried to temporarily blank out all of the worries. About the comet. The new plan. The Sila Vatra. Even his father.
There was only one thing on Zuko's mind. One thing that seemed to consume his thoughts day and night in a gentle blanket of tranquillity, peace and incredibly beauty.
Katara...
Throughout the entire trip, Zuko had had to physically restrain himself whenever he was around the beautiful Water Bender. He knew the consequences if their true feelings were to be revealed to the others. There were no need for distractions among the group. Especially now.
It killed Zuko not to be able to just walk up to her and touch her whenever he wanted. To breath in her scent, to feel her silky hair under his fingers. To take her delicate frame up in his arms and kiss her over and over again.
Not until this is all over. It would just be a distraction to everyone. Sokka would kill me. Toph would never let me live it down. Aang would fall to pieces. And Hakoda...
Zuko had noticed just how peculiar the Water Tribe Chieftain had been acting around him since their return to the Air Temple.
Everything that Zuko had expected him to do, how he would react, what he would say to him upon their return – Hakoda had done the complete opposite.
If anything, he was...pally with him.
He always made sure to include Zuko in their plans, or even just useless chatter. He reserved seats for him around the campfire at meal times and had even slapped Zuko's shoulder the night before in a manly show of affection. Zuko had only ever seen him do that to Sokka before.
And the way he keeps looking at me, when he thinks I can't see him. That dopey grin. The exact same one Sokka has...
What's it all about? What's his game?
Momentarily, Zuko laughed out loud to himself, now far enough away from the campsite not to be heard. A thought had just occurred to him.
Well, if I'm going to make an impression on the in-laws, it might as well be just after I've helped rescue his daughter from crazed, Fire Nation tyrants.
Zuko abruptly stopped laughing when the full weight of his thoughts hit him.
Wait. In-laws? Why am I thinking about that? It's not anything...that serious yet, is it? No, it's too soon to be thinking like that. At least, I think it is. What age do Water Tribe girls marry anyway?
He could feel his good eyebrow raising at his own question, as if someone had just asked him something incredibly stupid and obvious.
What does it matter? Why am I thinking about marriage? Wait a minute – is that why Hakoda has been acting so differently around me? Does he know what happened between us while we were gone? Does he think I'm going to marry Katara?
Slapping himself hard on the forehead, Zuko tried to dispel all thoughts of marriage, in-laws and babies from his mind. He found it was far more difficult that he thought.
What's wrong with you? If Katara knew you were thinking about this sort of thing, she'd Water Whip you into the next century! Unless, she's thinking about it too...
To his ultimate relief, Zuko heard Toph calling him name through the tree's. Zuko let out a breath he hadn't realised he was holding.
Thank Agni! Don't think anymore. Right now, the only thing to think about is the mission and the mission only.
But as Zuko answered the call and began to walk back towards the campsite, he couldn't help but let the image of Katara's smiling face enter his mind.
Hypocrite.
Author's Note : Haha, Zuko, do you ever let loose and calm down? This chapter was mostly about the initial thoughts and feelings before they enter the city. A lot of character development at the beginning. Everyone has come a long way.
Especially Zuko. He didn't recoil in horror when Aang hugged him! (shock horror!)
I thought that was just too nice an idea not to add in. I kind of pictured it as a reverse role.
Like the relationship he and his cousin, Leu Ten (may have spelt that wrong) had before he was killed in Ba Sing Se. Aang is the young and impressionable kid Zuko used to be and Zuzu was the awkward, big brother figure. Kind of like Hero-worship.
Anyway, hope that the idea worked out.