New Chapter, and I don't own A:TLA.
Zuko didn't know what to expect when he ordered the prow to be lowered and he went below deck to disembark, but the last thing he thought he would see was the Avatar presenting himself to face him without even bothering to hide or ambush him. Before he could ponder the implications of that, however, he noticed that the Avatar was short - short, even for his old age of 112. As he was trying to make sense of this fact, the swirling mist that was billowing out of the ship suddenly parted and he tumbled back hard into the hangar, the loud *thump* audible even from outside of the ship. Well, what did I expect? It's the Avatar! Zuko gritted his teeth before he sat up and stumbled back to his feet. I better go wake up Uncle, he'll know what to do.
"Hold the door, make sure nobody comes in!" The other two soldiers, still recovering from their shock of seeing Zuko tumbling through the air, nodded in unison and scrambled back into the hull before they met a likewise fate.
That was too easy. Aang stared dumbly at the retreating figures of the firebenders while Sokka hurled taunts after them.
"Yeah, run and never come back!" Sokka yelled loudly, but inside he was plagued by a similar worry as Aang. They'll be back.
Katara was surprised as well by the ease with which Aang sent the firebenders running, but it soon turned to admiration. How does he bend air like that? I wish I could learn to bend water!
Aang felt a hand on his shoulder and tensed.
"Aang, it's me." Sokka reassured him. "Good job." Sokka tried to sound unimpressed but to be truthful he was glad that they had a real bender on their side to fight the firebenders.
Aang nodded and relaxed slightly as he shifted into a defensive posture, but he suddenly noticed that he was missing his staff. "Hey, Sokka, can you get my staff? I might need it."
Sokka nodded and was about to do just that when he noticed Katara still gazing at Aang in awe. Ok, now is not the time for this..."Hey! Katara!"
Katara snapped out of her thoughts and glared at Sokka. "What now?"
"Go get Aang's staff! He said he needs it."
"No, you go get it! I'm staying here to fight." she stubbornly insisted.
"You...fighting? Are you serious? I'm your older brother and the warrior of the tribe, and I'm telling you to go get his staff! Do you want Gran-Gran to get it?"
Katara opened her mouth to protest, but closed it when she realized that Sokka, of all people, was right. Ok Sokka, she thought grouchily, you win, but you didn't have to rub it in my face like that! Katara quickly returned with his staff in hand.
"Here you go." She held it out horizontally above the ground.
"Thanks."
Aang grabbed it with both his hands without looking away from the ship.
"Uncle! Uncle! Wake up!"
Iroh moaned groggily, but when he noticed the wet stain of drool on his robes he sat up with a start. That's embarrassing...and what's that I heard? 'Uncle'? Is that Zuko? Wha-
"Good, you're awake. I've found the Avatar!" Iroh looked up to Zuko's stern face hovering above him.
"That's great - did you capture him?" Not likely, but it's worth a shot, Iroh thought grumpily as he laid back into his snug cocoon, repressing the urge to yawn noisily. I wonder if he'll ask me for help. That'll be a first. Iroh cracked open an eye and looked at Zuko expectantly.
"No! And..." Well, I'm here and there's no time to waste - "I need your help."
"Is that so?" Iroh suppressed the urge to outright smirk at his Nephew. Now you ask for my help. "Very well," he said in his best grim voice with a matching scowl. I wasn't expecting to be needed so soon...what happened out there to make Zuko so antsy, even more so than usual? "I will prepare myself."
Zuko nodded thankfully and abruptly left the room to gather more men to help him. Hopefully this will be enough...I can't fail, not now!
Garbed in his faded General's uniform, Iroh slowly made his way to the top of the ship and looked over the metal railing and the swirling mist at the 'Avatar' below. His clairvoyant eyes identified the lead figure as a airbender... a master one, if judging by the tattoos on his head. That's interesting. But of course, the Avatar has had a hundred years to master airbending...It'd be a travesty if he hadn't! Why is he so short? Iroh leaned over closer to get a better look.
On the periphery of his vision, Aang noticed a bearded figure leaning over the side of the ship looking at him. Who's that old man...and what is he doing here? Doesn't he know that-
Iroh suddenly ducked when he saw a man in blue robes throw something at him...and stood back up when it passed over his head. That was quite the long shot...I've never seen anyone throw th-
His thoughts turned to panic when the boomerang hit him in the back, the dull *thud* of it on his armor tipping his balance forward and over the ledge, the hard metal ramp dozens of feet below suddenly growing closer...
Sokka held his breath as the old man began to tumble head over heels in slow motion down towards the ground. What- how did I do that?
Aang leapt forward at the sight of the falling man and produced a gust of wind to cushion his impact to a dull *thunk*. Instead of a fatal injury, the man was merely incapacitated, his head rolling to the side as his chest rose and fell.
Uncle!
Zuko watched in horror as his Uncle tipped over the side and began falling, frustrated at the thought that he was once again helpless at the moment he was needed the most.
He felt his impatience and annoyance melting away at the thought of actually losing his Uncle, the one person who had accompanied him for so long, through good times and bad - and he was caught off guard by the gust of wind that saved him. What? Why would the Avatar save my Uncle?...It doesn't matter. I need to capture him before anything else happens.
Zuko rushed out with his fists blazing at his sides, ready to parry any blow. He beat back a gust of wind with a hasty punch of his fists and leapt onto the icy ground.
"With me!" he bellowed over his shoulder. "Get my Uncle inside!"
His dozen or so gathered men roared their assent and fanned out behind him on the ice, forming a semicircle behind their leader.
Zuko stared ahead at the airbender opposite him and noticed the unexpected.
He's a kid...probably younger than me! Is this the Avatar? This doesn't make any sense! Zuko could feel his confusion stirring and he clamped down on it before allowing his warrior mentality to take over. It doesn't matter - I'll capture him; Either way he probably has some information on the Avatar.
Aang narrowed his eyes at the firebenders fanning out behind their leader. So I saved his Uncle...nice way of saying thanks. He dodged an errant blast of fire and leveled his staff at the firebenders. I didn't expect it to end like this, he thought sadly. It doesn't matter now. Either I'll beat them all - not likely! he mused, or else I'll die fighting. He jumped over the racing edge of a wave of fire and began preparing his own blow, effortlessly using his agility to avoid the barrage of attacks raining down on him. I need to get away from here, he thought at the sight of his friends cowering, their lack of fighting ability having led to their defeat.
"Hey! Over here!" Wait, I didn't need to say that...they're already paying full attention to me.
Aang skirted around the crescent of firebenders on his airscooter and emerged on top of a large snow drift. He twirled his staff and funneled the snow into the midst of his opponents, showering them harmlessly with the wet precipitation until Zuko melted it all into steam with a jerk of his arms.
"Enough!" He's barely fighting...what is he doing? Why doesn't he bend the ice?
Aang involuntarily stopped at the sheer authority in Zuko's voice. What am I doing? He cleared his throat before yelling back down in response.
"No! You killed all my people! I'll fight until I die!" Aang leapt into the air and came crashing down onto the ice, generating a shockwave of air that seemed impressive until the firebenders jumped in unison over it. Dang...
Zuko took his chance to clarify himself. "We're not here to fight you, but to capture the Avatar." Got that? Good! Actually, if you're the Avatar, we are here to fight you. But then that's not likely...you're just a kid! Where's the real Avatar?
Aang's surprise was etched all over his face. What? Is that what this is about? Still, they're firebenders! Why should I trust anything they say?!
"Prove it!" Wait, that doesn't make any sense.
"Um..." Zuko trailed off awkwardly. What? How am I supposed to prove that? He turned desperately to his men but they shrugged. Great.
"Yep, that's what I thought!" Although, what was I expecting? Aang crouched and twisted his body in preparation for another strike when a bolt of lightning arced over his head. Whoa! Aang lost his balance in his surprise at the suddenness of the strike and fell forward face down onto the hard ice.
Iroh panted heavily and leaned against a wall, suppressing a yawn. This is taking too long...what is Zuko doing? It's just a kid, for Agni's sake! He needed my help with this? I want to go back to sleep. He thought back to the involuntary slumber he had recently emerged from and rubbed his head, trying to clear the haze swirling around his conscious. No, in a bed. And without my overly tight uniform! Iroh saw Zuko relax and he stumbled a few feet before laying back down on the hard floor of the hangar. But this will have to do. And I'll be close enough if Zuko needs to call me for help.
Sokka watched the fight with bated breath. He, nor anyone else in his tribe for that matter, had never seen such a display of bending. That kid's good...who would've thought! In his mind, he weighed helping Aang fight versus protecting the other villagers. He thought back to what happened during the previous Fire Nation raid, six years ago. Dad went to fight them in front of the village. That's what I should do...but - he jerked painfully at the memory of the loss he and his family had experienced, burned into his mind - we lost Mom. Dad went to fight, and he couldn't protect Mom. If I go, then who's going to protect Katara, or anyone else? Aang's doing his part - Sokka blinked and looked up to see the firebenders jumping lazily over Aang's latest ring of wind - well, he's trying, and I need to do my part. Sokka felt his resolve hardening before it was shattered by a flash of bright light. Lightning! What?! Aang!
"Aang!" No!
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Katara racing after him.
"Katara, stay back! I'll take-" Oof. A firebender stepped into his path and tackled him to the ground, knocking the air out of his lungs.
Sokka wheezed for air before speaking in a small, pained voice. "Hey! I'm trying to save my friend!" Friend? Yes, friend! He is now. Sokka spit out the snow in his mouth but he realized with a start that he was already pinned to the ground.
"Nice try kid, but I'm wearing fifty pounds of armor." The man sitting on top of him glanced down at Sokka, his features obscured by his face mask, and shifted his weight before settling into a more comfortable position. "You make a nice cushion...must be the fur." And that reminds me, where can I get one of those? They are quite handsome, I'm sure my wife-
"Argh!" Sokka screamed in frustration. Great, a talkative guard.
"Whoa kid, are you hurt? I didn't mean t-"
"No, get off my back so I can help my friend!" Sokka watched helplessly as the leader of the firebenders crouched down by Aang and held a flame dagger to his throat. No...No! Sokka felt his insides contorting in sheer desperation. I just met him...NO!
His captor noticed his prisoner squirming desperately below him.
"Hey, if you don't stop I'm going to knock you out!" And take your nice parka, he added mentally. "Prince Zuko isn't going to kill him, if that's what you're worried about." Well, duh, of course, he thought at the sight. He shivered involuntarily...the sight of the Prince holding a flame dagger to the airbending kid's throat was a chilling one to see.
Sokka stilled under the weight of the man. His insides felt like they were turning to jelly under the weight of the man above him.
"Aang, don't try to fight! Be careful!" And wake up soon, he added as an afterthought when he noticed 'Prince Zuko' trying to shake his friend awake for the third time.
Aang blearily cracked open his eyes to find a pair of fierce golden orbs boring into him. Oh no...I'm done. He shifted his gaze downwards to find a flame dagger at his throat. I guess this is the end. He slumped back onto the snow, preparing himself for the inevitable.
"Good, you're finally awake! I have some questions for you!" Zuko moved his dagger away after the airbender didn't try to resist. About time, too!
"I'm not answering any questions. Just make it quick." At least he doesn't look like the patient type, luckily for me...
"Make what quick?" Zuko looked around for the obvious meaning of his prisoner's words and didn't find any. He scowled and turned back to the boy. "What do you mean?"
Great, he's playing dumb. 'Guess it won't be quick after all. "Just be done with it." Let's make it obvious. "The killing." This is actually kind of awkward...what is he waiting for?
"Ugh," Zuko groaned exasperatingly. "I'm not killing you, I'm trying to ask you some questions."
I'm still not answering my questions. Why am I even talking with him? His people killed my people! "You killed my people!" Aang yelled suddenly. "I'm never answering your questions!" Although, it might be worth it to lie if I can get away with it. Well, I'm not really good at lying, but still...
"You don't get it. I've captured you. If you don't answer my questions..I'll find a way to get answers from you!" Wait, that's not what I meant, Zuko protested at the meaning of his words. I sound like Azula! "Not that I like doing that, but I'll still do it if I have too!" That was...well, it's better than sounding like a psychopath.
Aang considered his options. I might as well hear what he has to say...I can still try to lie. "Alright, you got me. What are your questions?" Ask away...
"Who is the Avatar, and where is he?" If that wasn't obvious before...Zuko resisted the urge to wave his hands in mock emphasis.
"Er..." What? Aang thought back to what he had told Katara...that he thought she was the Avatar. I can't let them take her...it's the least I can do."I don't know! But I do know there aren't any Avatars here!"
"Are you the Avatar?" Zuko narrowed his glare and peered appraisingly at his prisoner when he didn't respond. "Well?"
The airbender could barely control his surprise, but he paused before blurting out a response. If I tell them I'm the Avatar, they'll take me for sure, and Katara will be safe. But then who will train her in Airbending and take her to the North Pole? If she's the Avatar, she'll need me...I can't give up that easily! I have to try to get out of this. There might be a chance he'll let me go if he doesn't think I'm interesting.
"What?! "Me, the Avatar?! I'm twelve years old...can you count?!" Aang held up his fingers exasperatingly. This should work.
Zuko could feel his face reddening. Oops, I guess he's right. He can't be more than twelve or thirteen...What was I thinking?! The Avatar is over a hundred years old!
"Ok, I get your point." He noticed the airbender rolling his eyes. "And stop being so obnoxious."
"Oh, sorry." Aang shifted uncomfortably on the ice. "Can I...go now? Since I'm not the Avatar, and-"
"No, I have more questions...but I'm going to have to take you aboard the ship." Zuko turned towards one of his men. "Get me some good rope!"
"I told you, I don't know anything about the Avatar!" Aang sighed dramatically. If he doesn't let me go, I'll have to escape later. Better bring my glider then.
"No, I've captured you and I'll give you more questions if I want to!" Gah! This kid is so stubborn!
"Like what?! What could be so important about me?!"
"Well, you're an airbender, and I want to know about the-" Zuko quickly caught himself before he gave away any more of his facts. He huffed angrily before continuing. "I could just knock you out if I wanted too, so are you going to cooperate or not?!" I'd normally feel bad about knocking out a little kid, but this one is so infuriating!
"Ok, fine. Come tie me up," Aang said, glancing at the man holding the rope behind Zuko. He kicked his staff over for Zuko to pick up. "Take my weapon too. It's very powerful," he said without a hint of sarcasm. The glider part, not the staff part.
"Jee, tie him up and walk him to the ship." Zuko got up from his crouch, the cracking of his knees a sharp sound in cold air. Ouch! I should've just sat down... He absentmindedly grabbed the staff, surprised at its light weight. Is this hollow or something? No, that's ridiculous.
"As you wish, Prince Zuko." Well, this is a first...tying up little kids. I wonder what General Iroh would have to say? Hmph, and now we'll have even less rations...oh well, he sighed as he tied the final knot.
Zuko began to stalk back to the ship, his hard boots making small indentations in the ice. "Men, back to the ship! Make sure to-"
"Hey, I'm the Avatar!"
Zuko turned around at the sound of a girl's voice.
Katara watched Sokka race off as she whiffed the smell of the burnt air from the lightning strike.
"I'm coming Aang!" At least I don't smell burnt...flesh. That's a good sign, I guess.
"Katara, stay back! I'll take-" Sokka's voice was cut off when he was knocked to the ground.
Great job Sokka...what a warrior you are. I have to do something! She made her way to sneak around the group of firebenders but a man with graying sideburns stepped into her path.
"Miss, for your own safety, I would-"
"No! My friend is in danger!" Katara weighed her dwindling options as she noticed a few other soldiers turning towards her voice. Great, now what!? She fidgeted uncomfortably and prepared to try to outrun the man in front of her, no matter how laughable the idea was.
"No, he's not in danger. The lightning didn't hit him, he just...was surprised and knocked himself out." It's not like General Iroh was even aiming for him! But then, I would be scared to if someone shot lightning at me.
"Oh, ok...but what are you doing here?" There aren't any waterbenders...well, there's me, but I don't really count. And how would they know anyways?
Lt. Jee cleared his throat before repeating his carefully rehearsed statement. "We're here to capture the Avatar." He paused before continuing in a gruff voice. "No harm will come to you or anybody else, so please go about your business as usual. We only have a few questions." That was the...547th time I've said that. First time at the South Pole too.
"So you're not here to capture...waterbenders?" Katara shuddered slightly and looked up fearfully at the intimidating soldier.
Lt. Jee grimaced at the thought of capturing waterbenders. No, of course not! But then, there are the Southern Raiders...and that's why I left. One mission, and I couldn't take it any more! I'd be the captain of my own ship if I - well, that doesn't matter now.
"No, of course not." He peered curiously at the girl anxiously leaning to get a glimpse of the unconscious airbender. "Although, I have just a question. Are you a...waterbender?" I've never met one, but then I've never been to either of the poles! It's too darn cold, even for a firebender - especially for firebenders! He noticed his other men beginning to approach him to hear their conversation. This could get bad if they heard that she was one. But then, if she was she wouldn't tell me. Why did I ask that question again? I'm on a mission and I'm a soldier, not a tourist! He nonchalantly waved his men away.
"I got this, go attend to Prince Zuko. And get back in formation!"
His men groaned disappointedly and moved away from him again. Jee noticed that the water tribe girl hadn't responded the entire time and had been shuffling nervously. Could she be any more obvious? If I hadn't called my men away, they-
Katara finally forced a laugh at the man's expectant expression. "No, of course not! There haven't been waterbenders for decades!" she said a bit too loudly. And it's all your people's fault, she added mentally. But this guy seems nice and I don't want to make him angry - Aang's still in danger, even if he won't be physically hurt!
Lt. Jee ignored the obvious deception coloring the girl's voice. "Well, that's a shame." He noticed the girl's distraught look turn into a bitter one. She thinks I'm being sarcastic, he thought exasperatedly. "Miss, if it means anything to you, I don't like what they're doing either," his voice turning into a whisper. "When I saw what they were doing, I gave up my rank." He pointed to his graying sideburns. "But I'm loyal to my country," Well, more like to General Iroh now, thinking of all the conversations they had had over the years,"and there's nothing else I can do."
"Lt. Jee!" a cry floated over from one of his men. What is it now?
"Prince Zuko wants you to tie up the...airbending kid over there!"
Wait, is he not the Avatar? What's going on? And did he say kid? Jee looked sideways at the man - no, kid - in blue robes still squashed under one of his men.
"Him?" Jee pointed incredulously at Sokka.
Sokka looked up with a frown. "I'd love to go with you, but do I look like an airbender?"
Jee sighed dejectedly. I guess not... "I'll be right there!" He looked back to see Katara's stricken expression. I didn't sign up for this! He sighed heavily and tried his best to reassure the girl. "Miss, we're..." he paused to consider the possibilities, "just going to ask him some more questions about where the Avatar is. He'll be safe, sorry for..." I can't take this anymore, he thought as the girl's face turned into a mortified expression. He turned back towards the ship forcefully. "...taking him away like this." He bit down on his conscious and stalked off towards the soldier holding a bundle of rope for him. Duty calls...and I must answer...Although I thought I could avoid this kind of stuff by joining General Iroh!
Katara balled her fists at Jee's retreating figure. I thought he was being genuine...but now he's going to tie Aang up! I bet he was just trying to get a reaction out of me! She thought back to what Aang had told her about the Avatar. He doesn't know anything about the Avatar...he's been frozen for a hundred years, how could he?! And now they're probably going to...do who knows what to get answers out of him! Katara shuddered at the thought of the Fire Nation interrogating the young airbender. I can't let them! - and he's the last airbender, and why would he- Katara froze, horrified by the puzzle she had pieced together. He does know who the Avatar is...he said so himself!
He said that I'm the Avatar! He's sacrificing himself for me! She could feel her guilt already clawing at her, and she knew that if she didn't act now, it would soon turn into regret...and shame.
One person has already sacrificed themselves for me. I can't let this happen to him too! Mom... Katara took a shuddering breath before clenching her jaw with newfound resolve. I'm not repeating that mistake again.
She thought fondly of her overprotective brother. Sorry Sokka, but I have to do this...I know how hard you tried - but Aang deserves better than this.
She shakily recounted the way he had carried and sheltered her from the exploding shipwreck. He saved my life...and now he's giving himself up to do it again. I can't let that happen.
She warily approached the ring of firebenders guarding Aang, who shuffled halfheartedly behind the man she had met earlier. His sandals pattered almost noiselessly against the metal ramp as he was led away by his arms.
This is it.
Katara looked up at the bright blue sky, imprinting it forcefully on her eyes, and breathing in the pleasant sea-breeze wafting in from the ocean, trying to hold enough of it in her lungs for the rest of her life, and memorizing the soft, familiar *crunch*of the ice, trying to preserve a thousand other sensations and feelings before they were turned into memories forever.
I'm ready.
"Hey! I'm the Avatar!"
bs13: Thanks, your review gives me hope!
Thanks for reading!
The author forcefully clamped down on the emptiness expanding within him at the lack of other reviews, fighting to prevent a feeling of hopelessness from consuming himself and his story. I have to go on...without hope, there is nothing. Iroh would want me to. He furrowed his brows tightly before opening a new 'Google Doc' and thinking desperately of a suitable title for the new chapter.
