The Fateful XIII
Chapter 23
Lessons Over Tea
Disclaimer: DOOM! DOOM! DOOOOOM! D-DOOM! DOOMY! DOOM!
Okay, my break from this story is over and I'm back again. Remember, this is after the timeskip, so Roxas has been gone for quite some time and both he and Hikari have been doing some growing up. Just keep that in mind.
Let's not waste any time and jump right in!
Six months…six months Roxas had been serving Kysrel hand and foot just to keep his sister alive. He'd gone through rigorous training and brutal exercises, and he had the dozens of jagged scars to prove it. For six months he never left that dark, pale world that he'd been brought to all that time ago, and he'd spent all his time improving his skills. Skipping meals, losing sleep, refusing to treat his injuries, all so he could become strong enough to fight Kysrel one on one and win. He was close to his goal, he could feel it.
Today was different than the other days though, because today, Roxas was on his first mission; his first for Kysrel anyway.
He hadn't been told where he was going, nor was it all that important. All Kysrel wanted was for Roxas to find a place with large amounts of people, then cause as much havoc as possible. It was an opening shot, and Kysrel had ordered him to take out any members of the Fateful that may and probably would show up.
He wasn't proud of what he was about to do, nor did he want to do it, but if he didn't, then Namine was in danger. That was something he couldn't allow, so for the time being, he shut off his emotions, and just focused on doing what he had to do.
It was late in the evening and raining, not a heavy rain, just a drizzle at the moment. He was walking along a long road on a flat countryside, a gigantic stone wall behind him. The guards had let him pass without any trouble, and now he was on his way to a large city, one that he had heard was supposedly impenetrable. Apparently they never expected a teenage to show up with an army of being that could instantaneously transport anywhere in the universe at the snap of a finger. Then again, who would?
From what he'd seen, the people here were pretty primitive compared to the other worlds he'd been to. The guards wouldn't be much trouble if all they had were those green tunics, light armor, and crappy spears. He secretly hoped however, that there was someone strong enough to stop him, to give him an excuse to leave without causing too much damage.
Sure Hikari and some of the others might show up to stop him, but if that was going to happen, it'd still take time. Within that time, he'd be forced to most likely kill a few people, which was again, not something he was looking forward to.
He could have just used a dark corridor to get into the city, but he was trying not to rely on any of his powers pertaining to darkness unless it was absolutely necessary. Like making a quick escape or if he was in a situation where he couldn't use his keyblade. And so, he walked in the rain, the falling water lightly tapping his leathery coat, his hood up, obscuring his face in darkness, and his fingers twitching in anxiety.
He met a few people on the road who were going in either opposite or the same direction. He never conversed with them, but picked up a few interesting tid-bits of information about his immediate surroundings. Like, that this city he was about to attack was named Ba Sing Se. An odd name to him, but apparently it meant "Impenetrable City" in one of their more ancient languages. He had heard good things from the travelers. The city was divided into three areas; the lower, middle, and upper rings. Apparently the lower ring was poverty stricken for the most part and had the most people, and the upper ring was the richest but had the fewest people.
He decided that the upper ring would be his target. If there were fewer people, then he would have an excuse for Kysrel for the high collateral damage but lower amounts casualties. Besides, he wasn't going to make the poor peoples lives harder by attacking them with legions of heartless, they had it rough enough already.
He approached the gates to the lower ring, four guards standing watch over it; they all eyed him suspiciously. He stopped in front of them, waiting for them to complete all if any security protocols they had.
The guard closest to his right approached him.
"Where are you headed?" he asked gruffly.
"Just visiting," Roxas said, trying to keep his time in one spot short.
"We'll need you to remove your coat sir, we need to make sure you don't have any concealed weapons or the like," explained the one to the left.
"I have no concealed weapons. Let me pass," he said in a low but demanding voice.
The guard to his right looked to the one on his left and he nodded, as did the other two on the the edge of the group.
"I'm sorry sir, but you'll have to turn back," said the guard.
"No."
"It wasn't a suggestion kid, get outta here!" said the one on the edge to his right, who made a grab for his shoulder.
Roxas' training from both his father and Kysrel kicked in, and he grabbed the mans arm with his right hand and twisted, popping it out of its socket. At the same time, he twisted to the side and kicked the guard in front of him in the stomach, knocking him back into the gate. He swung the guard who's arm he injured, and twirled him around once and tossed him at the next nearest guard, causing them both to hit the ground, then lastly shot the farthest guard with a small blast of dark energy. Not enough to kill him, but it knocked him on his butt.
"I'm sorry about all that," he said as he used a dark corridor to get into the city. He figured the damage was already done, and he might as well just skip ahead to the upper ring right away.
He popped back into the world in a small park. A small tree and a tiny lake with lily pads and weird duck turtle hybrids that utterly confused Roxas, but ignored them after a few seconds pondering. It was late so no one was around this area, which was lucky he guessed. He didn't want to do any more damage to the multi-verse balance than he was already going to do.
After leaping through some trees, he emerged out of the park and into a street made of stone that was white as stone and sturdy looking wooden buildings. He walked into a square that was deserted for the most part, save for what looked like a restaurant nearby that still had a few people lingering. He prepared to summon the heartless to do their thing when a voice rang out behind him.
"Well, I've been to many lands and seen strange things, but I don't think I've seen anyone dress quite like that before," said the voice.
Roxas turned around to see an old man, quite large, but didn't look the least bit unhealthy. He had gray hair and had balded a bit on the top, and a matching beard on his chin. He had a kind smile and an inviting expression.
"It's all a matter of perspective. I could say you looked strange, but that would only be my opinion based on my perspective," he said, realizing that Kysrel's penchant for clever comebacks had rubbed off on him. He prayed that was the only thing.
The man only laughed and nodded. "That is quite true. Come, my tea shop is just up those steps, we can continue this discussion there if you like."
Roxas actually thought it over. He had plenty of time to complete what he came her to do, and this old man, whoever he was, seemed like an interesting man. Besides, he'd always liked tea ever since his mother introduced it to him when he was a kid.
He shrugged and nodded. "I have some time, why not."
His smile grew. "Splendid, I'll pour us each a cup of Jasmine. It's my favorite and I'm sure you'll love it as well."
He chuckled to himself, he liked this old man. "I'm sure I will."
Elsewhere in the upper ring, a certain airbending monk sat in the mansion the Earth King had granted him last time he'd been in Ba Sing Se, meditating in peace. It'd been a few months since the Fire Lord had finally fallen and things were almost completely settled down. Zuko had a stable enough seat on the throne, Sokka and Suki were spending some time with each other on Kyoshi Island, Katara was in her room as she'd been traveling with him on his visit here, and Toph had gone home and made peace with her parents...mostly.
All in all, everything had smoothed out. He was here just as a formality and planned on leaving tomorrow, heading back to the Southern Water Tribe for a while. He didn't have a care in the world at the moment, which was just how Aang liked it.
His peace was broken though, when in his meditation, he sensed something. He wasn't sure what, but something unknown and foreign was definetly in Ba Sing Se. His connections with the spirit world were still pretty fuzzy, so his spiritual senses weren't as sharp as he would have liked, but he didn't need any help in telling that something was here that wasn't supposed to be.
Whatever it was, it had dark intentions, but it didn't feel evil. In fact, quite the opposite, could sense good in it, lots of it. Whatever was happening, he had to find whatever or whoever was causing all this.
He sat up and knocked on Katara's door. She answered a few seconds later.
"Katara, I think we've got some trouble somewhere in Ba Sing Se," he said seriously.
"What is it?"
He shook his head. "I'm not sure exactly, but I know something is here that shouldn't be. I'd have to guess it's nearby, so it's in the upper ring somewhere."
"Alright, let's check with Iroh. I'm sure if something fishy is going on, he'll know about it. He always seems to know about everything that goes on in this city."
"Right, let's get going."
Katara grabbed her water-skin and Aang took hold of his staff. The two rushed out of the house and into the streets, heading for Iroh's tea shop.
"So my friend, what brings you to Ba Sing Se?" asked the old man who Roxas had learned was Iroh.
They sat at a table against the wall, Iroh carrying a small white teapot and set it between them where two cups sat in front of them. His place was nice; sturdy wooden tables, a few pieces of artwork on the walls and a high quality rug on the floor in the center of the shop. He'd done pretty well for himself.
"Business. I'm not looking forward to it, bit I don't have much of a choice," he said, trying to hide his sadness about the subject.
"Well in that case, maybe this will help you relax," he said, pouring the tea into his cup.
"You know, it's not polite to keep your hood up indoors," he said pleasantly.
Roxas laughed a little and pulled down his hood revealing his slightly more mature face. His hair had grown a little longer, and now fell into his face a bit, but not enough to impair his vision. His chin was a little more defined, but his eyes remained the same deep pools of blue they'd always been. For that he was thankful, it was his last connection, he felt, to who he used to be. The Roxas he was proud to have been, and wished to be again someday.
Iroh chuckled. "With a face like that, I bet you have girls swooning over you eh?"
"There aren't many girls where I've been for the last few months, and I didn't get out much anyway."
"Hm. A pity, I can think of a quite a few young ladies I know who would jump right at you," he laughed.
Roxas laughed a little to as he lifted the liquid up and swallowed a swig, relishing the warm drink. It'd been a while since he'd had anything with much flavor to it. Kysrel, he'd learned, was a horrible cook. Either that, or he just didn't have any taste-buds and didn't care what he ate.
"This is really good. You run this place all by yourself?"
He nodded after taking a drink himself. "I started this tea shop a few months ago with my nephew. He's off doing a bit more important work right now, but I don't mind. I'm happy for his success; he deserves it after all he's been through."
"What about you, what do you do?" he asked.
"Some time ago I guess you could've called it an odd jobs service. I just went where things needed fixing and fixed them. I'm not so proud of my change in career though."
"What is it that you do now?"
Roxas put down his cup and sighed. "I'd rather not say. Like I said, I'm not proud of it."
"I'm doing it for the right reasons, that I'm sure. It's just...I hate the things I have to do to achieve that reason. I don't know if my family could ever forgive me for what I'm doing; that is if they knew I was alive."
Iroh nodded. "I see."
"I've been many places, and I've met many people in my lifetime. If there is one thing that I've learned from recent events however, it is that no matter what you may have done in the past, if you apply yourself and your intentions are honest, you can always achieve redemption. "
"I don't know," he groaned.
"Well, if you don't mind me asking. Why are you doing whatever it is you're doing?"
"...it's to keep my little sister safe."
He nodded again. "A noble purpose. Defending ones sibling, younger or older, is always a cause worth the sacrifice. The only advice I have to give you is this; you may only see one road in front of you for now Roxas, but that does not mean there are not other paths simply hidden from your view."
"So you're saying that there might be more than one way of keeping my sister safe?"
"Exactly."
"So you think my family will ever forgive me?" Roxas asked.
"I have no reason to think otherwise. The only real question is, can you forgive yourself?"
Roxas lowered his head. "I...I'm not sure."
"Guilt is a constant companion in our lives Roxas. You simply need to find the difference between the guilt that is rightly placed on your shoulders, and the guilt you unjustly place there yourself."
Roxas laughed after finishing his tea, causing Iroh to raise an eyebrow in confusion.
"Has anyone told you you're one smart old man Iroh?"
At this he laughed as well. "On occasion, yes."
Their laughter was interrupted though, when a pair of footsteps were heard running up the stairs. Roxas and Iroh looked over at the entrance to the shop, seeing two people rush in.
The first was a girl who seemed only slightly younger than him with extremely tan skin and a blue dress. She wore a belt with what looked to be a water-skin strapped to it. Her hair fell down her back except for two looped braids hanging near her face.
The second person however, was who really caught his attention. He was younger than him maybe by a year or so, but his face was familiar. He wore orange and yellow robes and carried a staff at his side. He had a blue arrow on his head, which as what Roxas recognized the most, but couldn't quite remember where he'd seen him before. He'd never been to this world before, of that he was sure, but he still couldn't shake the feeling that he'd seen him before.
"Aang, Katara, to what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?" asked Iroh happily.
"Aang felt something funny was in Ba Sing Se and we came to see if you saw anything unusual around," explained Katara.
"No need Katara, we've already found him," said Aang.
She looked over at him with a confused look. "What do you mean?"
He raised his hand and pointed at Roxas. "Whatever I was feeling, he's where its coming from, I can just tell."
"He seems fine to me. He's done nothing but sit here and talk," said Iroh.
Roxas scooted out of the seat and rose, straightening out his coat. "They're right Iroh, he can sense me because I stink with the power of darkness. That business I told you about was to cause as much havoc as possible here in Ba Sing Se, and as much as I hate to say it, I still have to go through with it."
At this, Aang got his staff ready, and Katara fingered her water-skins. Iroh stood as well and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Must you really do this?"
He nodded. "Unfortunately. If I don't, my little sisters life is forfeit, and I won't let that happen."
Roxas stepped forward and raised his right hand, preparing to summon the heartless. "I'll try not to harm anyone if possible, but I can't make any promises."
"You won't hurt anyone because we won't let you!" protested Aang.
Roxas looked straight at Aang. "Are you absolutely sure you'll be able to stop me?"
"You bet!"
He nodded. "Good, I was hoping I would meet people here capable of fending me off. I'll hold back as much as possible, but I have to make this seem convincing. I never know when he's watching."
They all gave him a curious look.
"Who?" asked Katara.
Roxas merely shook his head. "It's nothing you'd find important. I suggest we move to the square outside; I don't want to destroy Iroh's shop."
They both nodded in agreement. Roxas calmly walked back down the steps, Katara behind him, while Aang eagerly leaped down and waited for the two of them. One they both reached level ground again, Roxas and the pair stood on opposite sides. Roxas snapped his fingers, and out of no where twenty Neo-shadows warped in front of him.
"Go, cause damage, but avoid harming anyone of you can resist the urge," he ordered them, that snapped his fingers again, and they leaped off in different directions in groups of two's and three's.
"What were those things?" asked Aang.
"Heartless; creatures you'll hopefully never see again. Now, let's begin," he said, his hands beginning to glow black and dark purple with the power of darkness. He didn't want to use his keyblade, that would be too suspicious of one of the Fateful, or worse, Hikari were to show up out of no where.
Instead he would stick with his dark powers and hand-to-hand; he hated using them, but better safe than sorry at the moment.
Iroh stood on the stairs leading to his shop and sighed as the three prepared to battle. He just knew from talking with him that Roxas had no intention of killing or even severely injuring either of them, and got the feeling that he was no stranger to defending himself. He felt pity only for those unfortunate souls who ran into those black creatures, and the young boy himself.
"I just can't seem to have conversations with anyone normal," he mused to himself.
Yes, we've finally hit the Avatar world. This was another thing I was doing over the few days I'd been gone; research. I don't really watch this show at all, but I have friends who do, so I borrowed the DVD's and watched pretty much every episode in preparation for this arc. While I feel the show is a bit too kid oriented for my tastes, I can appreciate it's original story, rich cultural background, and frankly, memorable characters. Plus, even I have to admit that the battle in the last episode was kickass.
I find that my favorite character would have to be Sokka, for the same reason I like Axel; he's sarcastic, and I can appreciate sarcasm. I may go see the movie adaptation that M. Night Shyamalan is doing; he said in an interview that it would easily be PG-13 so who knows, maybe he'll be bringing that more mature tone that I crave.
Only time will tell, see ya'll later.
Review and such.