Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The events are leading up to the final battle!
Chapter 25: Beseeching
Katara had expected the Lady and her friends to all emit some sort of shock. At least one or two gasps, maybe. But as she studied each expression on the faces of her companions and superior, she didn't know what to make of it.
They were all grim, and their jaws were set in an especially tight way. What is going on? Did they know of this already?
After a few moments, Lady Maska turned slowly to Katara, and beckoned everyone else out of the room as well. She motioned for Terke, her former Apprentice, to explain things.
"It happened not long after you left. As you know, Kokoro has never been too strong-minded. Do you remember Kendall? That woman, she – I never suspected her to be such a bad, bad apple – she became friends with our Kokoro. After a while, Kokoro stopped taking her meals with us, and ate with that girl. We didn't mind at first, because we all thought that Kokoro would do that woman some good. Then, it started to go in the reverse. Kokoro was always in Kendall's shadow, doing errands for her. She never talked to us anymore. Hana tried to talk to her a few times, but she just ignored her.
"Then, a huge scandal occurred. An Apprentice found Kendall smuggling strange drugs into the Society, and selling them to a few people. Apparently, she gave some to Kokoro for free, who at first rejected them. Then, she started taking them, and got really addicted. She couldn't hide them anymore, and somebody found her out too. They, and the other addicts, were all banished from the Society for about 9 months already."
Katara felt tears building up behind her eyes. She tried to hold them in, but it didn't seem to work. They started to drip down slowly, until it all built up into a sob.
How could she cry now? Of all times, and in front of Lady Maska too! She felt so ashamed. What would Zuko s –
Zuko!
In a bang, Katara realized how selfish she'd been. In the midst of mourning her former friend, she'd completely forgotten her friends battling the Fire Nation.
What if, all because of this, Aang, Sokka, Toph, or Zuko got killed?
Oh, the stupidity!
She allowed herself to wallow in self-pity for a moment more, then quickly composed herself before addressing Lady Maska.
"Lady Maska, coming back here to see you all was not my only purpose in returning."
At that, everyone present turned to stare and listen to her, aware of the presence of important news.
"During my journeying, I went to see the Northern Water Village for myself. Not long after my arrival, we saw a fleet of the Fire Nation Army at our doorstep. Everyone launched into battle immediately, including my new friends, but I could see the odds were highly against us. I have come back here to ask if anyone would be willing to come with me, to fight. I know you will be none too willing to help, but think about it this way. After they conquer the Village, they will have conquered most of the Earth and Water territories. Of course, the Fire Lord will not stop at that. He will hear about us, sooner or later, and will enslave us sooner or later. If he defeats the Village, the next most likely target will be us."
A small murmur rose from other people who had overheard. Certainly, this girl was brave to have entered the Northern Water Village, insolent, even. What did they care whether the men were having a hard time defending themselves? They had never treated their women as humans. But she had made a few points that made sense…
Katara remained silent, waiting for Lady Maska's answer. She was feeling very impatient already, and anxious.
"I will have to think about it, Master Katara."
Katara's bubble of self-control burst at that.
"Lady Maska! Forgive me for saying this, but we simply cannot wait! Even now, the Fire Navy will be driving the Village fighters further and further back!" She turned to address other people in the room. "Your men may have been cruel to you, but amongst them are newer men! I know some of them, and they are not all that bad! Would you stand by and let them all be murdered by your enemy, out of a century-old grudge?"
More argument and discussion broke out. The noise level grew higher and higher, until Lady Maska shouted:
"ENOUGH! SILENCE!"
The sound ceased. Rarely was the Lady's voice raised to such a loud extent. In fury, the Lady rounded on Katara, and reprimanded her.
"Master Katara, if you expect me to help you, then it would be better if you were to treat my words with more respect!"
"I – I'm sorry…Lady Maska. I spoke out of turn."
"Indeed you did! Look, I understand the urgency you feel, but you must let the Council consider."
"Yes, Lady."
Katara couldn't help but blurt one last plea in a tiny, tiny voice. "L-lady Maska? W-would it be possible for you to give me an answer b-by tonight?"
The Lady stopped, turned, and fixed Katara with a scorching eye. "Young ones like you should learn how to keep your mouths shut. But yes, I will give you an answer tonight, when I have consulted the others."
Katara smiled sheepishly as the Lady resumed her cold-hearted demeanor and walked on.
Her old friends flooded around her the moment the Lady left the room. They all remarked on how absolutely brave she'd been, and that they'd all go with her to fight.
"Besides, we might meet some handsome men," giggled Hana.
They all laughed at that.
It was suppertime, and Katara grew continuously nervous. She knew that Lady Maska would almost definitely give her answer at this time, or after. Most announcements were made at this time.
Katara slowly picked at her food, her appetite slowly fading by the moment. She'd never thought about what would happen if they refused. She'd have to go back, having come out all the way here for nothing at all. Maybe she would be able to gather some old Earth Kingdom friends, but they would be few. Well, at least Terke, Hana, Sair Lin and Anata had all expressed their wishes to come with her. Maybe they'd be a force to be reckoned with!
Stop dreaming, she told herself. That's just impossible.
The evening drew on. Then, the desserts started to come in and suddenly it was time for Lady Maska's announcement time, if she had any.
It's all happening too quickly, she panicked. I'm not ready!
"Sisters, I hope that you have all enjoyed your meals. You may have noticed that we have one more than usual amongst us at dinner tonight. She is Katara. Katara, stand up. Many of you probably know her, but not why she is back here with us after a year."
It's been a year already? I had no idea. I must be 18 now, then. Katara held her breath, not daring to breathe lest her breath blew Lady Maska's help away.
"However, she is not here just for a reunion with her friends, and her teachers. She has an important task to undertake, of which our help is required. The Northern Water Village is being attacked."
The last sentence drew gasps and raised eyebrows from the crowd.
"Yes, it is. Katara has come to take any of you who are willing to go to battle with her."
The Lady gave a meaningful look at Katara, who was standing, and sat down. All eyes in the hall then turned to look at her, expecting some kind of speech.
"U-um..Hi. As Lady Maska just mentioned, the Northern Water Village is being attacked. It would be great if some of you would come with me to help with the battle. It may have been the place you felt you forced to run away from, but still…it was your home. The men you knew then have been replaced with a new generation. I myself know some of them, and I believe they would not make you feel as you did before. There are still families out there, with other females in them. Sisters, mothers, daughters…would you forsake all their lives for an old grudge you hold against the men?"
Katara took a deep breath, cheeks flushed. She was getting caught up in the moment, with pictures of all her friends flashing in her mind. And Zuko…she prayed that he, nor any of the others, hadn't died. Please, please, almighty gods, keep them all safe!
"I'm leaving at noon. If you are coming, please meet me here and…be prepared to face separation, despair, and death. But in light of it all, think of the damage we could do the Fire Nation together, and how many innocent lives we'd save."
She hastily sat back down, keeping her head down. The elders had given her the chance to persuade as many of them as she could…she just hoped that she hadn't flunked it.