"You're doing very well Katara, but the moon is getting low. We can continue tomorrow…as long as nothing unexpected comes up," I said when a shadow fell over me.
Katara opened her liquid blue eyes, the glow remaining. "All right. So when exactly will I be learning…you know." Still hesitant.
"You've bonded with your element, so that's good, but I don't think you've really accepted that Bloodbending is just another form of Waterbending that is used to heal. Once we overcome your fear of Bloodbending, then I can begin to teach you," I told her, offering my hand to help her out of the pond.
"I can't help being afraid of it. Hama tried to kill Aang and my brother just to get me to Bloodbend. And it hurts the person you use it on. I know from experience. I just can't get that out of my head." She hugged herself as she recalled those memories. "And I used it to hurt someone too."
That last part was a whisper of guilt. So that's why she was so afraid! She had been subjected to the slight insanity that Bloodbending could bring the wielder.
"I know it's frightening when you lose control. Trust me, it's happened to me too. But together we can help you overcome your fear of being controlled and of Bloodbending in general. We'll help you. Aang and I." Aang stood then, offering her an encouraging smile. "We'll help you overcome your fears and give you the courage that will allow you to Bloodbend without the full moon."
I held out my hand, and though she was still afraid, she took it and gave a small smile in response. Aang took her other hand, and together we returned to the palace for the remainder of the night.
As I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling, I thought of the two thugs and what I had learned from them. First off, why was Zuko telling others about me and what I can do? That's kind of dangerous to begin with seeing that there are those who'd want to just experiment on me and whatnot. Then there's the really concerning part: the guy who is hunting me is close enough to be a part of daily life here. He could easily hurt Aang or Katara or Zuko to get me to do his bidding.
Speaking of his bidding, how does he plan to use my powers for himself anyway? There's no way that they can be taken from me, and I could subdue him in an instant, so what's his plan? It's just so strange! But there's nothing I can do right now. I have all the information that I can get, so the only thing left is to wait and see what happens.
Sorry for the such a short chapter after that long of a wait! I was actually doing things this weekend (gasp!) and didn't really have time to type all that much. On the bright side, the next chapter is just about done, so I'll put that up tomorrow :)