Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar
Chapter 9:
The Cave and The Truth
Lu Ten sat on his bed in his room at the inn he and his friends were staying at. It had taken a few weeks, but they had finally made it to Omashu. They were all aching in their rears, so lying on a bed all day didn't seem so lazy. But even when they were relaxing, Nianzu always had work for them.
Nianzu was out in the city with Varun, searching for supplies; while Shin was practicing his bending forms. Lu Ten, of course, was given the assignment of researching the relics.
Lu Ten didn't know why, but Nianzu seemed more determined to find these relics. Lu Ten had seen this before though. Nianzu knew they were close to completing their goal. But to Lu Ten, they were far from that.
Lu Ten skimmed through the books, searching for anymore of the relics. Just when he was about to quit for the time being, he found the Spiritual Earth Relic. It seemed to be a amulet. Lu Ten read the calligraphy, discovering it's location and it's origin.
Lu Ten gasped in astonishment; closing the book and holding the page with his fingers. He left his room, heading out into the city to find Nianzu and Varun. Shin would obviously be no help in finding Nianzu, so Lu Ten simply just roamed around the city.
It took a while, but Lu Ten was able to find Nianzu. The only thing that surprised Lu Ten, is where he had found him. Nianzu was in a weapons store, and he seemed to be looking at daggers. Lu Ten watched as Nianzu handed the clerk some money and put the daggers in a box; concealing it in his bag. Once Nianzu turned around, he saw Lu Ten and he smiled.
"I'm guessing you found something." Nianzu said as he and Varun walked over to Lu Ten.
Lu Ten nodded, opening the book, "It's actually quite amazing. I found the Ancient Spiritual Relic of Earth." Lu Ten told them.
"Alright, well where is it at?" Varun asked eagerly.
Lu Ten chuckled, "You're not gonna believe this, but it's held in what is known as, 'The Cave of Two Lovers'." Lu Ten explained.
Nianzu's jaw dropped, "You're kidding me!" he exclaimed.
He was thankful to know that Lu Ten had found the relic, but he was disappointed that it was held in the largest labryinth ever created. He was now more determined than before to find the relics so that he could save those creatures he had dreamed about. But now he knew that those creatures were definitely in need of his assistance, considering the Relics were hard to obtain.
"No. It is said to have been a gift from Shu to Oma when they first began building the labryinth, and it also said to be held in their tomb at the center of the cave." Nianzu explained.
"How are we supposed to find it anyway?" Varun asked in an annoyed tone, "Everyone gets lost as soon as they enter it, and so far only the Avatar has been able to escape it." Varun pointed out.
Nianzu chuckled softly, eying Varun deviously, "But you forget; the Avatar didn't have an earthbender, and a firebender with him." Nianzu stated.
"So what? We have Shin make a bunch of tunnels until we find the tomb and then we just bust out?" Varun asked sarcastically.
Nianzu shrugged, "Actually, yes. It can't be too hard. We have an unlimited amount of light, unlike the Avatar."
"True, but what if Shin can't get us out?" Lu Ten asked. "As from what I've learned the cave is at the bottom of the Kolau Mountains, so it's gonna be hard to earthbend our way all the way out of the Cave." Lu Ten stated.
Nianzu rolled his eyes, "I'm sure Shin can handle it. I didn't befriend him because of his strength, I befriended him because he would be a useful earthbender." Nianzu told them.
Varun crossed his arms, "Okay, so when do we leave?"
Nianzu turned his head to his friend, "Immediately." he said simply.
Hakoda stood in his home at the Southern Water Tribe. There was no one around but him, and he hadn't seen anyone in a long time. In fact, he didn't even remember how he had gotten here. Last thing he could remember was being in the alley, trying to crawl away for his life. He had felt something hit his back, and after that he didn't remember anything.
Just as Hakoda was becoming suspicious, the entire room began collapsing, as if sinking into a hole of darkness. Next thing he knew, he was lying on the floor of a black world.
The chief looked around curiously, trying to figure out how he had gotten here.
All of a sudden a black, shadow like figure appeared in front of him. The figure seemed to be a man, with a short thin beard hanging off the bottom of his chin. The warrior gasped in shock and fear, crawling backwards before finally stopping.
"Don't be afraid, Chief Hakoda. I can't hurt you...not here at least." The figure said.
Hakoda recognized the voice instantly, "Nianzu?" he said in disbelief.
The dark figure now filled with color, revealing Nianzu. He smiled sinisterly.
"You were lucky to survive...that is if you ever come out of this coma." Nianzu said in a menacing tone.
"I'm in a coma?" Hakoda asked in disbelief.
Nianzu nodded, "Yes. And if you ever want to come out of it, you have to agree to do one thing." Nianzu negotiated.
Hakoda raised an eyebrow, "Which is?" he demanded. Hakoda didn't know why Nianzu would make him agree to do anything, especially after trying to have him killed.
Nianzu knelled down to the warrior, grabbing his chin and shaking it left and right, "Tell your future son-in-law, that you lied by not telling him you knew another airbender was born." Nianzu told him, smiling menacingly.
Hakoda could tell there was something else Nianzu wanted.
"What else?" the warrior asked.
Nianzu let out a soft laugh, "I want you to lead the Avatar off track. As far as you know, me and my friends are heading to Ba Sing Se." Nianzu ordered, shaking the man's head once more before standing back up.
Hakoda grew angry, "And why should I do that?" he demanded.
Nianzu took a dagger out of his shirt, "If you don't, I will make sure your daughter and son visit your long-lost wife." he said menacingly.
Hakoda looked down in thought. Could he really do it? Could he really betray Aang, the Avatar, just to protect his children? They were his children, yes, but Aang would keep them safe. Finally, Hakoda came to a heart-breaking decision.
He looked up to Nianzu, "I-I will do as you ask." he said in defeat.
"Good, now wake up." Nianzu said, and suddenly he disappeared. Just as he did, the black world that he had found himself in seemed to collapse and he found himself in a hospital room.
Sokka lied on his bed in his room, staring up at the ceiling with his hands behind his head. He had been distracted the last few weeks by one thing, and one thing only: his father. He had been in a coma for almost three weeks now, and Sokka was becoming worried. Ekna had told them that from the looks of his injuries, he would be lucky to come out of his coma in the next few months.
Since then, Ekna had been force feeding him; but Ekna knew that even if he came out of his coma, he would never be the active man he once was.
Tears began forming in Sokka's eye as images of his dad passing away filled his mind. He tried to think of something else, but right now his father was the only thing that mattered to him.
Moments later, an excited knocking came to Sokka's door. Sokka got off his bed and went over to the door, opening it to find Aang, smiling.
"He's awake. Your dad's awake!" Aang said excitedly.
Sokka's face immediately filled with happiness as he rushed out of his room and over to the hospital. Unknown to him, Katara, Suki, and Toph were already there. Since Aang could run the fastest, thanks to his airbending, he volunteered to be the one to get Sokka.
It didn't take long for Sokka to get there, and when he pushed away the curtain the first thing he saw was his dad smiling at him.
Because of his injuries, Hakoda had been wrapped around his waist, wrist, and his head in bandages. His black eye had already healed, but it was clear that he had one recently. He had a small bandage on his left cheek, which Sokka assumed was where it must have been cut.
But Sokka didn't care how beat up he was right now, all he cared for was that he was alive. Katara brought Sokka into a group hug with their father, and Aang stood on the outside, smiling at his future father-in-law.
Hakoda noticed Aang out of the picture, "Come here, you're part of my family too." Hakoda told him, smiling.
Aang blushed slightly, joining Katara and Sokka.
Hakoda smiled, finally seeing his children for the first time in what he suspected to be weeks. But one thing still clouded his mind: Nianzu's orders.
He was beginning to think he should ignore them, but something inside him said that he'd be making a grave mistake. Right now, he would rather tell them where Nianzu was, rather than...Nianzu's other order.
Ekna smiled at the family before deciding she needed to break the news to them.
"Um, it pains me to say this, but we think you're father may have been given brain damage during his mugging." Ekna confessed.
Everyone seemed to go from happy, back to depressed.
"What?" Katara said in disbelief.
"We aren't completely sure. Only a healer could make it clear." Ekna explained.
Sokka, Suki, and Aang all turned their gaze to Katara. Since Toph couldn't see, she didn't have to look at her. Katara could tell why they were looking at her and she nodded.
She bended some water from the air, making two small pools in her palms and placing them on his ears. The water began glowing as Katara began her healing. She didn't know what brain damage would feel like, so she didn't know what she was looking for. She could feel a little bit of energy twisted up near the center of his head, but that was all.
She ceased her healing, flowing the water into a water bowl that laid beside Hakoda's bed.
"So? Does he have it?" Toph asked curiously.
Katara shrugged, "I-I don't really know. I did feel a little bit of energy twisted up in his head, but I'm not completely sure." Katara explained, unsure of herself
Hakoda placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder, "You did your best. It doesn't matter anyway, as long as I'm still here that's all that matters." he assured her, casting her a comforting smile.
It soon faded. He came to the conclusion that now would probably be the best time to tell them where Nianzu was headed. But he was still unsure, his children were worried about him, and they weren't even focusing on their enemy. But Hakoda made his decision, even though he would be leading them off track, it would at least give them more hope of finding Nianzu.
"What is it dad?" Sokka asked curiously, noticing the thoughtful expression he had on his face.
"I-I know the man who attacked me." Hakoda confessed.
"Who?" Suki asked eagerly.
"His name is Nianzu. I met him a few weeks after we left the tribe after Kya had died. He helped me and the other warriors fight off the firebenders that were sent to capture the village." Hakoda explained.
"Why would he attack you, if he helped you?" Aang asked.
"We were heading to the boats to retreat, but the soldiers captured him and his friend, Varun. We rushed back to help; but when we never found him or Varun we had to assume he was killed." Hakoda finished, letting the guilt run through him.
"So what, he thinks you left him?" Toph assumed.
Hakoda nodded, "Whenever I was lying on the ground in the alley, I heard him say he was heading to..." He paused. Was he really gonna do this? Betray his children? Betray two future members of his family?
"Where?" Katara urged. She wanted to know, she needed to know. She had to find these two men and bring them to justice, but right now, all she wanted to do was get revenge.
Hakoda breathed through his teeth, "Ba Sing Se." He finally answered.
They all exchanged confused glances.
"Why would they head to Ba Sing Se?" Sokka asked.
"Refugees." Aang suddenly exclaimed.
Everyone turned their gaze to him, including Katara.
"Don't you get it? They don't want anyone to find them, and Ba Sing Se is the best place to hide if you don't wanna be noticed." Aang stated.
Toph tilted her head in thought before bringing it back up, "He's gotta point. Even Zuko wasn't noticed, and he's the only man in the world with a huge scar on his left eye." Toph pointed out.
Since Toph couldn't see, she hadn't even known about Zuko's scar until a few days after they fled Ba Sing Se when Aang had been shot with lightning.
"True...but Nianzu doesn't have a scar." Hakoda pointed out before adding, "He has gray eyes." Hakoda murmured under his breath, hoping Aang hadn't heard him.
Aang suddenly turned his attention to Hakoda, "Did you say-" Aang began before Hakoda cut him off.
"Katara, Sokka, Suki, Toph, would you mind if me and Aang had a few moments alone?" he asked politely. Inside his head he was figuring out how he would break the news to Aang, and he could tell Aang wasn't gonna be all too thrilled.
They all glanced at Aang before nodding and leaving the room.
Before Katara left though, she gave Aang a quick kiss on the cheek, "I'll wait for you outside." she said lovingly before heading out.
Once they left, Aang turned his attention back to Hakoda, "Gray eyes?" Aang finished.
Hakoda sighed in disappointment, "Yes. Sit down, Aang" Hakoda told him, turning his arm towards a chair that sat next to the bed.
Aang did as he was asked and he took a seat, keeping his eyes on the chief. At first, Aang was hoping the gray eyes meant he was blind, but even Aang couldn't lie to himself about someone being bind and still being able to fight with a sword. Toph was an exception; she used earthbending to see. Any normal blind person would have to have somebody help them.
"Now Aang, you have to understand that I didn't tell you this for a reason." the warrior said in a calm, respectful tone, knowing that Aang wouldn't respond as positively as he normally would.
"Tell me what?" Aang urged. He wanted to know what Hakoda was keeping from him. The chief had never kept anything from him, he had his trust, and the chief had his.
"Nianzu is an airbender." Hakoda confessed. "A very powerful one, in fact."
Aang's face filled with shock. Another airbender? And he didn't tell me!
Hakoda could see Aang's expression, and he felt all the guilt running through him. The same guilt he felt when Bato had told him that his children were traveling with the Avatar. He was both proud, and guilty. He had been assuming Nianzu was the Avatar after that, untill Bato explained the boy's appearance. Hakoda had felt relieved, but now guilt was taking that away.
"He's an airbender? And you didn't tell me?" Aang said, raising his voice
"I assumed he was dead all these years, so I didn't see the point of telling you." Hakoda confessed.
Aang stood up from his chair, "You still could have told me." Aang said harshly, walking from the bed and placing his hand against the wall.
"I didn't want to hurt you. All your people were already dead, and if I told you that another had been born and that he had died, it would've just made it worst for you." the warrior explained, his voice filling with guilt and sadness.
Aang growled silently before turning around, "But it still would've been nice to know that my people lived on, even if it was only for a few years! Even if he had died before I was found!" Aang exclaimed angrily..
Hakoda looked to his lap in guilt, "Aang...please forgive me. I-I just didn't want to hurt you."
Aang clenched his eyes in anger, "Why should I forgive you? You lied to me. I love your daughter and you just lie to me? My people were alive, and he was placed under your protection and you just left him to die!" Aang shouted angrily.
Now he knew why Nianzu wanted him to tell this to Aang, so he would be filled with guilt and have his future son-in-law angry at him for as long as he lived.
"I know you're angry with me, but I didn't leave him to die. I would never betray a friend, especially if they were an airbender." the chief assured, but he knew that inside he was also lying. He was lying, lying to his children and his friends about Nianzu's whereabouts.
Aang clenched his fists, "Whether you let him die or not, it's probably because of you he's a murderer. I bet he was a peaceful, loving man before you entered his life." Aang insisted angrily.
Aang was leaving the room, but before he did, he turned his gaze towards Hakoda, "I'm part of Katara's family, not yours. I may be dating your daughter, but you will never be my father." he said harshly before finally leaving.
A tear fell down the chief's cheek. It was because of him the man had become a murderer. If he had made sure Nianzu and Varun were right behind him, they would've never been captured. But that wasn't what hurt the most, it was what Aang had said before he left. Now Aang would never trust him again, let alone speak to him.
Aang left the room in anger, and Katara instantly noticed the rage he was feeling inside. She rushed to comfort him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"What happened?" she asked curiously in a comforting tone.
Aang glanced down at the ground. Should he really tell her that her father had lied to them? One thing was for him to be angry with the chief, but spreading that anger to his children would just be wrong.
"Nothing..." Aang said simply, "But we need to find Nianzu." Aang said sternly.
He had to find Nianzu. He had to help steer him back into the right direction before he did something he would regret.
Katara smiled, "We'll find him. Trust me on that." Katara assured, bringing him into a sweet kiss.
"I know, I'll make sure of it." Aang said darkly.
Katara stared at him worriedly as he continued walking. He usually never talked like that. She couldn't even remember the last time he used that tone. She tried to set it off to the side, but it was unlike him to talk that way. In the end, she was able to get her mind off it; but that voice didn't leave her mind for hours.
After that, the gang went back to their home and began packing their stuff. It wasn't until they began loading their stuff on Appa that they noticed Toph didn't have any of her stuff.
"Toph, aren't you coming?" Katara asked quizzically
Toph shook her head, "Sorry sweetness, but the Earth Rumble tournaments are coming up in a few days. And I'm going for my four-year winning streak." Toph said excitedly, pointing her thumb towards herself.
Aang and Katara exchanged smiles. They had assumed Toph was going, but they understood why Toph wanted to stay. Now that her parents had accepted her, they always cheered her on at the tournaments. There was no reason to take her away from that, it was what she always wanted.
"Okay. I hope you decide to join us later on." Aang said hopefully.
Toph shrugged, "I might, but right now you guys are needed in Ba Sing Se."
"Thanks, Toph." Aang said before whipping Appa's reigns in the air, saying the usual 'yip, yip' to get him flying.
Aang was still feeling angry about Hakoda's lie. He had tried multiple times to think of something else. But how could he? There was another airbender in the world, and right now he was on the path of a criminal.
Katara could tell Aang was bothered by something, so she crawled onto Appa's head with him, bringing him into her comforting embrace. The waterbender gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek.
"It's okay, we'll find him." she assured him once more.
"I know we will." Aang responded, giving in to her comforting arms. Aang was still angry with Hakoda. Aang had always told himself that forgiveness was the first step to begin healing. Now he knew how Katara felt after she faced Yan Rha. She would never forgive him, but she wouldn't hurt him. Just as he would Hakoda.
The ostrich-horses marched through the mountains, causing clouds of dirt to follow in their tracks. There were four of them; Nianzu's stood in the front, while Varun and Lu Ten's rode a few feet behind Nianzu side to side. Shin was in the back, grunting annoyingly at the fast bouncing of the animal.
They had left Omashu a few hours ago, and they seemed to be nearing the entrance to the cave. Lu Ten had explained to them about the creatures that were said the lurk the dark cave, but Nianzu didn't care about them. The only creatures he cared about right now, were the ones from his dream.
The ostrich-horses came to a complete stop at what seemed to be the site of an avalanche. Dozens of rocks covered up what seemed to be the entrance to the cave. Nianzu could make out a small sign at the top of the boulders, but the calligraphy was too old for him to understand, so of course he asked the professional.
"Lu Ten, is this the place?" Nianzu asked, demanding an answer.
Lu Ten stared up at the cave, then back at the sign. It took him a while because of the calligraphy's age, but he was able to translate.
"Yep." Lu Ten said simply, "'The Lovers' Cave'." he read.
Varun scoffed, "I still don't see why someone would hide a stupid old amulet inside a tomb that's in the middle of a labyrinth." he complained
Nianzu turned his head to Varun, "They obviously didn't want anyone to find it. Right now all I'm worried about is finding it." Nianzu stated.
"Alright, alright. So when can I start destroying stuff?" Shin asked excitedly.
Lu Ten shot his head towards Shin, "You aren't going to destroy anything!" he exclaimed. "All you're gonna do is make a tunnel straight to the tomb, and once we find the amulet, we leave." Lu Ten told him, a bit irritated.
Shin groaned sadly, "I thought I was gonna destroy stuff." he complained sheepishly.
Nianzu rolled his eyes, "Well you aren't. Now let's get started. We have a lot of ground to cover." Nianzu said as he jumped off the animal, followed by Varun, Shin, and Lu Ten.
"Specifically, nine miles." Lu Ten added boastfully.
Varun turned his gaze to Lu ten, "You know, there are some things we're better off not knowing." he said irritably.
With that, the group walked over to the entrance of the cave. Shin placed his hands on the ground, sending a small burst of energy into the ground and towards the collapsed entrance, causing the boulders that blocked the entrance to crumble into smaller rocks. He had to repeat this process several times before they were finally able to move on.
Once they were inside, Lu Ten held out his palm, producing a fire that gave them enough light to see.
"Alright, Shin. Remember, we have to go straight forward. No turning, no turning back, and absolutely no distractions." Nianzu commanded.
With that, they began walking deeper into the cave. Nianzu was concerned about the tomb though. What if the entrance of the cave wasn't correctly lined up with the tomb and they ended up digging their way all the way through the mountain? Nianzu set this aside. Lu Ten knew everything about the cave. Surely if Lu Ten knew they were going the wrong way, he would let Nianzu know.
I apologize for the length of the chapter. When I had the chapter's contents in mind, I didn't anticipate it would be this long.
Guess What? The Darkness is taking over Facebook! That's right, Avatar: The Dawning of Darkness now has a Facebook page. For More Information, visit my Profile.
Anyway, please read and review. I appreciate all the readers and your support. Also, I am now working out a schedule with a new Beta Reader so the normal update schedule may change. Until then, normal schedule.