A/N:
BEWARE! THIS WILL BE RATED "M" FOR MATURE!
"Katara," Zuko growled, leaning over her as he shook her, desperately trying to wake her up from her sleep. She grumbled, waving him off as she turned, facing her back towards the fire bender. Zuko huffed and rolled his eyes at her. "Katara, you have to get up. We have to leave, now!" Katara glared at him over her shoulder just as Azumi came into the room.
"Word is that they've just arrived at the village to the South. If they find your trail, they will surely find you soon! You two must hurry!" Katara sat up as she brushed some fallen strands of hair out of her face, startled by Azumi's rushed, frantic words she couldn't quite make out due to how fast she had been speaking. Katara looked up to Zuko, silently asking him what was going on.
"The pirates." He said lowly, helping her out of the bed. Katara let out a gasp and quickly discarded the robe, leaving her in her wrappings to change into something that actually fit her. As Zuko left the room to retrieve their bag, Katara shoved the robe into Azumi's arms, thanking her for her kindness, hoping the pirates would bring her and the village no trouble or harm of any sort. Azumi nodded and wished them the best of luck for their journey, and offered them one of her ostrich-horses to aid in their escape. Katara was of course hesitant about the offer, but accept anyways, knowing they needed it desperately to make a quick and easy get away.
Zuko, already mounted on the ostrich-horse, held his hand out to help Katara up onto it. He thanked Azumi for all she's done before he turned to face forward as he commanded their new steed to start moving the Northern tree line.
About thirty minuets after setting off and entering the forest, Katara huffed and rested her forehead on Zuko's back, closing her eyes as she did so. She felt as if she hand't slept at all.
"Did we even get to sleep?" She whined.
"We slept for about a good five hours, the sun will be rising within the next couple of hours." Katara sighed and turned her head to rest her cheek on his back.
"Why did we have to leave so suddenly?" She asked. He furrowed his brow at her question. She nearly sounded as if she hadn't wanted to get off the pirates stolen cargo boat, as if she didn't want to leave that traumatizing hell hole.
"They were going to capture the avatar, sell me to Zhao, and start using you for themselves." He informed, glacing at her over his shoulder. She sighed and looked down, disgusted. They continued on in silence for a bit longer before she began to giggle behind him. Zuko leaned back and turned to face her, shocked by her sudden fit of laughter.
"You know what I just realized?" She asked, lightly placing her fingers over her lips. "You did save me from the pirates after all, Zuko." He scoffed and shook his head light-heartedly, turning to face forward again. 'I'll save you from the pirates' rang through his mind as they continued moving North at a steady, fast pace.
!
"Katara," Zuko said softly as he leaned back a bit to wake her. She groaned as she slowly placed her chin onto his shoulder. "Look it." She opened her eyes and realized that they were perched on the top of a hill, looking down to a sea port village. The sun was now high in the sky, and they had finally made it to the Northern shoreline of the Earth Kingdom. It would still take a while to reach the village, they had a couple of more hills to go over before they were actually in town, but seeing the sea that separated her from The Northern Water Tribe was a big relief. Just one, big body of water to cross and she would be there, hopefully reuniting with her brother and friends.
Hopefully she would finally be back with her friends and family and hopefully she would finally be able to master waterbending. She knew there must be more healers up there, so she could learn more about that as well.
Zuko could hear her breath being caught in her throat and could feel that she had been overwhelmed with the sight of the village. He leaned a bit and turned to be able place a small kiss on her temple. "It won't be long now, hopefully we can find a decent place to rest. Perhaps someone has a ship well enough to go to The Northern Water Tribe?" She nodded and rested her head in the crook of his neck as she wrapped her arms around his torso.
After about another hour or so, slowly making their way up and down the hills that surrounded the port, they finally got onto the trail that led to the actual entrance of the village. Zuko found a good post to tie the ostrich-horse to and hopped off before helping Katara by gently lifting her off. She smiled at his kindness and took his hand, lacing their fingers together.
They weaved their way through the busy streets until they reached what they figured to be the middle square, seeing as that it had a decorative fountain in the middle with only the finest of shops, restaurants, and a nice looking Inn bordering around it. Zuko nudged her with his elbow and used his free hand to point at the sign that read 'Hitomu's Inn'. They looked at each other and nodded before making their way into the open door.
Katara stopped at the front counter, crossing her arms as she rested them on the smooth stone. Zuko stood behind her with an arm on either side of her, hands gripping the edge of the stone as he looked at the man at the counter over Katara's shoulder. The worker raised his brow as he rested his own arm on the counter, leaning towards them.
"How may I help you?" The man was well aged, but he still stood tall. His hair was white as snow and very thin, leaving multiple bald spots atop his head. He also had a terrible scar running up his right arm from his small finger to his shoulder and one on the left side of his neck.
"For the both of us, how much for one night?" Zuko asked. The man examined the couple, noticing Zuko's wounds and Katara's tired, darkened eyes, sunken in cheeks, and them both wearing dingy looking clothes. He sighed and leaned back, keeping his hand on the counter.
"You've been the war, boy?" Zuko nodded. The man squinted his eyes as he pressed his lips together, obviously thinking hard about something. "You look strong, I'll tell you what," He began, leaning over the counter, using his elbows to prob himself up. "You two do some work for me in the back- some repairs, some organizing, and you'll earn your stay through that? Hm?" He asked, eyes shifting back and forth between the two, waiting for either to answer.
"Of course, sir." Zuko exclaimed, thrilled that he was about to get off easy once again. Why couldn't the people of the world be more like Azumi and this man? Things would be much, much better.
"Names Hitomu, this is my Inn." He paused and moved to the side, pointing at a decorative wooden sign behind him that also read 'Hitomu's Inn'. He plucked a key from the key wall and placed it onto the counter in front of the young couple in front of him. "Down the hall, up the stairs, second room to your right. You'll have a nice view of the shops and port from there." He said as he motioned to his right. "I'll let you settle today, but I expect to see you first thing in the morning tomorrow." They both nodded as Zuko placed an arm around Katara's waist, holding her close as they began to make their way down the hall and up the stairs.
Zuko unlocked the door and held it open for her. She glided into the room and looked around. It was nice. Dark wood flooring, probably made from tree's of the forest near by. Nice, cream colored walls. The front room was made up of a small kitchenette to the left, straight ahead was a small dining area. To right was a wall with one door that opened a small coat closet and another door that opened up the bedroom. A comfy looking bed was placed against the far wall, a good sized window on the left wall with a built in window seat, on the right wall was a door that led to the washroom.
Katara sighed and rolled onto the bed, sinking into it. She was still so exhausted. Zuko came up and stood by the side of the bed to inform her that he was going to go and ask Hitomu if he had anymore work, even if it just resulted in a few measly copper pieces. Just as he was turning to leave, terrible worries began to rush into Katara's mind.
What if Hitomu had some of connection to the pirates? What if his kindness was a set up? A trap? What if the pirates were in the village now, roaming the streets in search of her and Zuko? What if he left her and they got him? Leaving her all alone without him? Without Zuko?
"Zuko!" She cried, sitting up. He turned and looked at her over his shoulder with obvious concern on his face. "I'll go with you." She breathed, swinging her legs over the side of the bed to stand and join him.
"Katara," He started softly, placing a hand on her good shoulder. "You should stay and rest."
"No, I'm okay. I want to go with you." She said, pressing past him. Zuko quickly swooped his hand under her upper arm, grabbing her and twisting her around to face him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her gently to make up for his sudden roughness.
"You need to stay here and rest." He growled. She knew this wasn't a suggestion and sighed, glaring down at the bed. She groaned and placed her forehead onto his chest. He tightened his arms around her, closing the space between them. "They're not going to get me." He assured softly, giving her a bear hug. She let a squeak when he began to squeeze too hard, causing him to slack his arms down and take a step back to look at her. She continued looking down, away from him. He gently placed his fingers under her chin to lift her gaze up to him. He smiled and suddenly bent down, placing an arm at the bend in her knees to cause her to fall backwards into his other arm. Holding her bridal style, she laughed as he gently placed her down on to the bed. Zuko placed a hand on either side of her shoulders and leaned over her. "You're such a worry-wart." He pointed out. Katara lightly placed her hand on the side of his neck, gently pulling him down to her. He stopped just about an inch or two away from her and stared at her lips. "Sleep," He ordered softly, bringing his gaze up to her eyes. "And don't worry!" He stood abruptly, rejecting her kiss.
Katara gasped and crossed her arms over her chest as she let out a 'hmph' sound, glaring at Zuko as he turned and left the room. She didn't sleep, and she worried about him terribly while he was out.
!
Zuko made his way down to the front counter. Hitomu raised his brow at him, silently asking him what he needed.
"I was wondering if you had anymore work I could do for a couple of spare pieces." Hitomu ran his hand over his mouth and chin in thought.
"No, but Master Takumi just got a new load of tree bark in. He's old and frail, I'm sure he could use your help. But tread carefully, he doesn't take too kindly to... well, anyone, if you're not buying or learning from him. He owns the store directly across the middle square." Zuko nodded and gave Hitomu a small bow before turning on his heel to leave.
Zuko crossed the square carefully, keeping an eye out for any unusual behavior. Everything seemed fine, no one seemed to be alarmed or frightened in kind of way, no one seemed to be crowded around anyone, or excited by a certain's persons appearance. There was no sign of pirates, but there was also no sign of the avatar which meant there was no sign of his uncle.
A sign on the door of the shop read 'closed for clean up' but Zuko ignored it as he sighed and slowly pressed the door open anyways. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a small bell the door was supposed to hit when someone entered, but because he hand't opened the door wide enough it hadn't rang. Zuko paused and wondered if he should he ring it to alert the old man of his presence, but before he could decide a small shout started him. He turned and noticed a small, old man at the back of the shop trying to lean down to pick up some blocks of wood he dropped.
Zuko took long strides to get to him faster. "Sorry," He said, kneeling down to pick the wood blocks up himself. "I got it." He put on the sweetest, most innocent facade he could muster up to try to get on the cranky old man's good side quickly. "Sorry, I should have rang the bell." He said as he stood to put the couple of wood block he had gathered up onto the counter to his right.
"Damn straight ye should have!" Master Takumi growled as he slowly stood, one hand trying to ease his aching back, and the other holding a couple of wood blocks he had managed to pick up. "What the hell is wrong wit' ye, boy! Cain't ye read the damn sign? Ye too stupid to?" He growled as he tossed the wood up onto the counter, turning to send eye-dagger's Zuko's way over his shoulder.
"My apologies." Takumi gasped and his eyes widened as he caught sight of the condition the boy before him was in.
"You ain't from 'round here, are ye?" He asked as he turned to face Zuko, leaning on the counter behind him.
"No, sir." Zuko answered simply.
"Well," He growled out slowly, "What the hell ye want?" He asked, leaning his head down to look at Zuko over the top rim of his glasses.
"I heard that you could perhaps need some help with a new shipment of wood that just recently came in. I'm in great need of some pieces to get by, even if they're just copper, sir." Master Takumi growled and snarled at Zuko as he looked him up and down, examining him. After a good minuet of thought, Takumi turned and motioned for Zuko to follow him.
Zuko followed Takumi though a back room of the shop that was filled with different shelves covered to the brim with carefully organized small blocks of all kinds of wood, then farther back into a different room filled with crates.
"Ye get to unload, cut, 'n sand as many wood blocks ye can today. Do a good job 'n perhaps I'll pay ye in gold." Takumi cackled, then quickly taught Zuko how to cut them and sand the wood. This was going to be long, hard work and Zuko figured that he should be paid in gold pieces to begin with!
As he began to cut his first block into slices, Takumi plopped down into a chair that was placed in the corner of the room, surrounded by wood shavings. He grabbed a block of wood and a tool he had stashed underneath the chair and began whittling away.
Zuko worked hard and tried to keep his worries about Katara and the future out of his mind. What the pirates went into the Inn and Hitomu told them where she was? What if they raped her there? Killed her? Took her away from him? What would happen if they did manage to get to the North Pole? Find the avatar? Would the avatar welcome him with open arms? What about Katara's brother, Sokka? What if they couldn't defeat the Fire Lord? What if they lost the war completely? Where would he go? Would he stay with Katara? Would she stay with him? Could he even function properly without her now? Zuko growled and forced the thoughts from his mind, focusing solely on his work.
After hours upon hours of cutting multiple blocks of wood into slices and those slices into smaller blocks, Zuko paused when he realized he had been there all afternoon and the moon had already made it up into the sky.
"Sir," Zuko paused, massaging his hands. Takumi looked up at Zuko from his project and raised his brow. "If I stay here any longer, my girl is sure to begin worrying about more than she already is." Takumi's eyes widened when he looked passed the young man in front of him, and realized just how much work he had done in one day. Zuko had literal piles of different woods stacked up against the wall.
Takumi stood slowly, still in awe. "Do ye know how long it would take me to get this much work done by meself?" He asked, pointing to the different stacks, hand shaking in his old age. "Come 'ere, ye certainly have earned yer gold pieces." Takumi waddled out of the room and back into the front of the shop, to his money drawer.
Zuko followed and informed Takumi that he hadn't sanded the small blocks of wood down just yet and that he figured he'd get the cutting out of the way first, seeing as that sanding each one individually before cutting the next would take a terribly long time.
Takumi groaned and unlocked his drawer, shoving a copper and silver colored box out the way to grab a golden one hidden in the very back, having to use a key to unlock it as well. He plucked five golden pieces from the box, that to Zuko's astonishment, was nearly chock-full with pieces. This old guy was set for future lives!
"Ye'll earn the other half later." Takumi informed as he shut and locked the box, placing it far back into the drawer and locking it as well. Zuko stuffed the pieces into his pocket, nodding as he made his way out of the shop, returning to the Inn across the middle square.
!
Zuko quietly glided through the first room and into the bedroom. Katara lay in the bed, sleeping peacefully as moonlight poured onto her face. He remained silent as he picked out a change of clothes before he slipped into the shower.
As the warm water hit him, he realized just how tired and sore he was going to be the next day. He could already feel his muscles getting tighter in his upper body. 'Great', he thought. While working for Takumi, he had forgotten all about his previously made arrangements with Hitomu. He rolled his eyes at himself and finished showering.
Zuko left the washroom and noticed Katara sitting up in the bed. "Zuko!" She called. "You scared me." She turned and looked out the uncovered window, noticing how high the moon was now in the sky. "You stayed out too late!" She cried, clinging to the bed sheets.
He laid down onto the bed and pulled her down with him, turning her onto her side so they could face each other without having to twist. "I made five gold pieces today." He mumbled as he closed his eyes. The bed was so soft and cool against his skin, so inviting.
"Oh," She furrowed her brow as she rubbed his shoulders, feeling just how tense he was. She sat up and turned him onto his stomach as she swung a leg over his back to straddle him. His back was still covered with cuts, but most have them had healed a great deal since she last had a look at them. She ran her hands over his back muscles, putting her weight down onto them as she did so, massaging him. He let out a groan in relief.
After a few more minuets of this, she snickered and leaned down to him. "Feel better?" She asked as she dug the pads of her thumbs into his shoulders.
"So much better." He admitted, dragging his words out. She continued until she was sure he was asleep, then she lay down next to him onto the left side of the bed. She pulled the covers over both of them, stopping at her chin as she had done the night before. She ran her fingers through his hair before tucking her hand under her chin, ready to fall back asleep.
Azumi let out a sigh of relief once she was sure the young couple she had helped was out of the village and into the surrounding forest, but just after she had lit a nice fire in her fireplace and sat comfortably in her favorite chair, picking up her most recent knitting project as she did so, she heard a knocking on her back door.
It was very early in the morning, the sun had only been in the sky for a couple of hours and she wondered who it could possibly be. She huffed and placed her knitting needles and thread back into the small basket next to the chair as she stood. She slowly opened her back door and saw two odd looking men standing before her.
One in a green outfit with a green headband to match, sporting a long hair cut, and a big, golden hoop earring in his right ear. The other man wore a blue outfit and kept his hair up in a bun.
"May I help you?" She asked kindly, looking towards the man in green.
"Yes," He hissed. "We're looking for two fugitives. A young waterbender girl and a young firebender boy, an ugly scar covering the left side of his face?"
"Oh, no, I'm sorry. I haven't seen them." She watched as the man in blue nudged the man in green with his arm and pointed down to the tracks in the mud of her back garden. The man in green took two blades from behind them and held them at his sides.
"You're not lying, are you, old lady?" He warned as he took a step towards her. She glanced over when she noticed a small group of men coming up to the side of her house. She immediately noticed the one in the middle, wearing a large hat with a reptile-bird perched up on his shoulder. These men were the pirates the couple had been fleeing from!
"N-no, I-" She hesitated and struggled as her eyes darted around the group. The man in green continued to press forwards, towards her. "No, I - please!" He lifted his blade and took another step towards her. "No! Please!"
A/N: Hitomu means "One Dream". Takumi means "Craftsman".
