Autho'rs Notes: I'm back, and no longer homeless: YAY!!!! I don't even know where to begin. It was a long, arduous journey and it still hasn't fully processed even though I've been here for a few months. I'm trying to write more often now, with the hope and prayer that I'll one day be able to complete all my fanfics and maybe even (Self) publish a novel or two. I'm thinking about revamping my to that end, but that's a tomorrow problem.
Anywho, I'm just so glad to be back.
Giving this app a try, so let's see what we got.
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Suki beamed at the group as they rushed from the inn, arms full of their scant belongings and ready to leave. No time would be wasted: They were all ready to go home. Suki was ready to have her own room again, where she could be as loud as she wanted without fear of disturbing the younger members of their team.
"I don't think I've ever seen Toph so eager to get onto a boat, before," Katara chuckled, still dripping wet from her hours of sparring with Zuko. She reached for Zuko's sweat and ocean slick shoulder to draw his attention and point.
His attention came with a slight jolt, revealing his attention to be elsewhere. It took Zuko a sluggish moment to even realize that Katara was even speaking to him. His eyes and mind were still held captive by Katara's sultry form. His tunic was pasted to her skin to caress her every curve. Every step augmented by the seductive sway of her hips. Her every breath came with the rise and fall of her breasts.
Gods, he wanted her. Licking his lips, it took all the mental strength he had to change his focus from Katara's bewitching beauty, and the ways her dripping curls would twist around the contours of her body.
All it took was a moment.
Another moment of distraction- of being so consumed by his want of her that Zuko was almost too late. The writhing mass of darkness danced in the corner of his eye, marking where Katara's image had been captured by a passing merchant. Polished metal gleamed in the sunlight as wares of silver, copper, and bronze were carried passed them.
A heavy groan of strain preceded the snapping of ropes and astonished cries. The pulley system hoisting crates of goods splintered, fraying the ropes until the sailors could do nothing but watch in horror as they ripped away from them.
Zuko could only react, jumping forward to tackle Katara out of the way as crates crashed down onto the pier. Controlling the fall, he had his body cushion her landing before rolling her beneath him. In the second that followed, Zuko had to bite into his lip to keep from crying out in pain. A length of wood speared into his arm. Any slower, and it would have stabbed into her neck.
It was this terrifying reality that tore into his heart: If he had been a second too slow... Panting above her, Zuko searched her for any sign of injury- near panic stricken by the thought of losing her. "Are you alright?"
"Forget about me- your arm!" Katara gasped, trying to call the sea to her so she could tend to him.It shouldn't have shocked her to no longer feel it there, yet it was a rush of bile to her throat. Zuko's blood dripped down the length of his arm, soaking into the wood embedded deep in his flesh and down into the sandy road.
"I'm alright," Zuko insisted, trying to ignore the sharp pain that meant to rob the strength from his arm. "I've suffered worse than this: it's a flesh wound."
That didn't matter. She had allowed herself to be consumed with her want of him that she ignored her surroundings. Her wanton desires had never lead her to be so careless, and yet... Katara reached up to caress his neck, seeing his pain in spite of the effort he put into offering her a smile. The other gingerly padded around the wound.
"Zuko, I…" It was only for another split second, but Katara couldn't fight back her grief and sorrow at being the reason he was hurt again. She sat up as much as his body over her would allow, cradling Zuko's head against her neck and shoulder. "Oh Zuko, I'm so sorry." There was no way to make this better, not even as necessity and obligation hardened her nerves to what needed to be done.
"It's okay," he repeated. In this moment of weakness that Zuko allowed himself another theft. His lips descended onto the available skin he could reach in a bid to soothe Katara. "Do it."
There was no warning, or plea for Zuko to brace himself for the new onslaught of pain. Gripping the length of wood, Katara yanked it free from his arm to rip a cry from Zuko's lips. His weight dropped onto her completely before Zuko thought to roll to the side, gripping his arm to staunch the bleeding. She followed after him, holding him to her still to soothe him. Sympathetic pain raced through her as she nursed him to her neck, cooing passed the lump in her throat.
"What happened?!"
"Are you alright!"
"Zuko! Katara!"
At the rush of approaching feet, Zuko pulled from Katara with an emotionless mask. His pain and fear were hidden away as a crowd of strangers approached. Cold and distant, Zuko lifted himself from the ground just enough to hover over Katara. His bloodied palm dropped to hover at his hip where his Dao swords were lashed.
Katara's palm slid from his neck to hover over his heart, searching the crowd for the familiar faces of their loved ones shoving their way through. My bending will be back soon. Katara had to remind herself. She would be able to heal him properly, but anything could happen between now and then. When her eyes finally settled on Sokka, she allowed herself to relax. Her brow rested against the hollow of Zuko's throat.
Zuko finally relaxed enough to return his sword arm, palm braced against the wound again when Sokka finally reached them, feeling safer now that the warrior drew near.
Sokka helped his sister to stand first before clasping Zuko's good arm and pulling him up onto his feet. Panic darkened his cobalt eyes to indigo as they swept over their surroundings. His shoulders were squared and his stance remained wide in preparation to defend while Ty Lee shielded his back. When Zuko wavered, Sokka braced him against his shoulder to take claim of his dao blades- having received some instructions on their use during their travels. "I got you," Sokka assured him, the water tribe lilt creating a soothing purr that eased some of the tension from Zuko's spine.
Katara felt her body get pressed against Zuko's back by Suki, still wet from the errant wave unleashed that morning. This allowed another theft on Katara's part- another moment to feel Zuko's body against her own. An apology tumbled from her lips as they were pressed to his shoulder blade.
It wasn't long until the rush of brine and fresh fish chasing away the stale stagnation of Koh's malice. She didn't need Aang to announce to the others that he was gone: She had watched as Koh's shadow slithered through those of the onlookers until he was swallowed completely by the afternoon sun. "Let me treat him." Her voice was steady in spite of the tremor that still shook through her body.
Sokka offered a low rumble in the affirmative, walking Zuko to a nearby bench where he sat him down. Just shy of placing him on his lap, Sokka angled himself to shield Zuko from the onlookers that still surrounded them.
It wasn't the body he wanted, but Zuko was grateful for it as his hand found the wound again. His eyes never left Katara's form, still ready to sacrifice himself for her sake. Her image was all he could focus on as he fought to steady his breathing.
Katara was fine.
He made it just in time.
The pain he suffered was worth it.
Yet as more of his blood- deep, red riverlets escaped from between his fingers, Katara could only wonder how much more he could suffer for her sake. The threat of tears burned at the back of her eyes, but Katara didn't allow them to fall. "Let me look at it," Katara commanded, taking to Zuko's other side to box him in.
Zuko wouldn't- Not with so many faces he didn't know hovering around them. Years of pain and suffering made it easy for him to ignore it.
As if she hadn't watched him die already. "Please Zuko, let me look at it."
"I'm fine," he managed through clenched teeth.
"No you're not." Katara turned to Sokka with the hopes that Zuko would see reason if it came from her brother's lips, knowing how Zuko got when he was hurt. They didn't have the time for him to slink off into the shadows to lick his wounds. Katara hated it every time he tried. Not that she blamed him- Zuko has been hurt so much in life. Now, Katara couldn't even protect him.
If at all possible, that hurt far more than her inability to bend.
At her look, Sokka turned from the pair so he could level a vicious glare onto the bloodthirsty crowd. "Nothing to see here," Sokka declared. "Everything's fine."
That seemed to be enough for the onlookers. Most of which were hoping for a little more bloodshed to distract them from their usual routine. The crowd dispersed with little more prompting, much to Katara's relief. Again, Katara's sight and mind became consumed by Zuko's wound.
"Katara, I'm fine," Zuko tried to shatter the inhuman focus she had on his concealed wound. He knew that nothing would console her, save for the act of nursing his injury. Without her bending, there was little she could do: medicine had yet to catch up with her capabilities. Still, she would not waver. With a defeated sigh, he finally allowed his palm to fall and reveal the severity of torn flesh and muscle.
Sokka sucked in a breath, growing pale at the sight of it now that he was so close. "Damn, Zu," was the following breath. The injury was bad. Worse than bad. Even as the bleeding slowed, without Katara's healing abilities Zuko could face irreparable damage.
Katara would not allow that. Zuko was scarred enough on her behalf. Her bending was going to come back. It had to. Until then, she would make sure that she could preserve as much of Zuko's shoulder as she could. "Aang, I need my medical bag," she told him without sparing him a glance. It was probably one of the only items spared from Koh's touch.
Fingers shaking, Aang fumbled with his pack to do as she asked. The sight of Zuko's blood churned his stomach and left him gasping for breath. The morning's breakfast sloshed upwards with the threat of its possible return. Eventually, the Avatar could only turn away to rid himself of its image. Aang held the bag out at his arm's length.
Katara took it with a low thanks, setting it next to Zuko as she twisted to straddle the bench. Her feather light touch danced around Zuko's wound in search of wayward splinters. His sharp, desperate breathing was the only sound he made, holding back a scream. His fingers curled tight into fists, bleaching his knuckles as white hot pain assailed him. Blood beaded at the corner of his mouth where he bit through his cheek.
Reaching forward, Katara gripped his cheeks to draw his forehead forward so she could press hers against it, ignoring the cold sweat misting his brow. "I'm so sorry," she breathed. She could only give him this one more moment of comfort, knowing that he was going to hurt more before the hour was done. "Ready?"
Zuko could barely nod his head in consent. He tried to school his features in a bid to pretend that the pain wasn't that bad. He didn't want her to pull back from him. He knew what was to come next once she withdrew.
Ruffling through her bag, Katara extracted poultice of honey mixed with Blue Snake-Poppies, and a bottle of potent alcohol. Gifts from Song's mother for situations such as these, they should prevent any further harm and kill the pain. It would hold him over until… Shaking her head, Katara forced herself not to think of how powerless she was. Instead, she took a clean cloth from the bag and soaked it liberally with the alcohol.
This time, Zuko did cry out when the cloth pressed into the wound. Darkness danced in his eyes before they sealed shut. The sting of the alcohol was only marginally lessened by Katara's cool breath blowing over the wound she so delicately cleaned. It took all he had to force his eyes to open again to survey his surroundings.
It was a hard task to complete: Sokka, Suki, and Ty Lee were a solid wall between him and the rest of the world. Even Mai, Aang and Toph were kept at bay. A pointless effort to protect them from the horror of his injury. They knew how little Zuko liked being fussed over- how he hated to appear weak.
Turning from them, Zuko watched as Katara popped the wax sealing the poultice. The golden honey was discolored by the poppy tubers and other herbs until it was almost a red clay-like substance. In spite of the pain, Zuko couldn't help but scrunch his nose as liberal dalops of it were scooped into Katara's fingers to be smeared over his wound. Each stroke of her finger painted his skin, spiralling inwards as Katara tried to lay the torn flesh flat where it belonged.
It was subtle at first: the searing pain dulled down to a dull ache. Then there was only the pressure of her fingers relaxing the tension from his shoulders as the pain subsided. For a moment, there was a surge of panic as the following numbness mirrored the void that took hold of his face. Would it scar? Was this yet another addition to the growing collection that deformed his body?
Will she be too late to spare him from such a fate?
Was this her thought as well?
Only her hands were sure and steady as she wrapped a clean bandage around his arm. Katara's lower lip was sucked into her mouth where she nibbled on it. Starlit eyes focused through thick lashes that fluttered with every change in her thoughts.
"Is he alright?" came Aang's voice, his back still turned as he gripped his sour stomach.
"He'll be fine," Katara hissed, making Aang flinch as he turned to face her. Her words were ice as she pressed closer to Zuko's form.
He wanted to defend himself from the accusation in her eyes, but what could he say? His failure in sending Koh away had left them all in harm's way. Katara was able to put her medical knowledge to use this time, but what of the next?
"Katara?" Zuko tried, knowing the frigid cold of her voice. Her rage and guilt were as familiar to him as his own. "Don't blame Aang. Like you said: I'll be fine." Zuko tried. Despite how bad it looked, Zuko's wound wasn't life threatening.
It was the fear of 'next time' that gripped Katara's heart. Anger and self loathing created a new tension in her spine. It was wrong of her to want to hold Aang responsible, but Katara wanted to lash out at something, anything. Yet she knew that the fault somehow lay with her: Koh was after her, the others were just collateral damage in his bid to have her.
What made her hate herself more was how happy she was the night before. She was giddy to share a bed with Zuko- to have his arms wrapped around her as she slept. His hard body pressed against her back. She wished for more of it. She had even wished for Koh to come after her so she wouldn't have to feel this way, as if it cost nothing. Katara didn't even care that the alternative was her own life. She just...
"I'll be fine." Without direction, Katara's anger carved into her own spirit. If only he could offer himself as target for the tempest that was Katara true being- Like this morning, and every other time before. Zuko's arm was now useless, and he had little else to offer her other than his body and comforting words. To that end, Zuko reached out with his good arm to palm the back of her head, drawing her closer until their brows were pressed together again.
Almost instantly, her breathe synced with Zuko's while his lengthened to a deep, even pace. The racing of her heart slowed. The tension on her spine released with each exhale that shuttered passed her lips. "Sorry," she said finally.
"It's okay," Aang canted his head, feeling every bit deserving of her contempt. Still, there was a small voice in the back of his mind that felt a level of loathing as jealousy took hold. For Katara, Zuko's actions may be a simple platonic touch between friends and family- another habit all of them had adopted to varying degrees during their travels with the Water Tribe siblings. Like the kisses and hugs freely given. For Aang, it was much more than that: He had failed Katara again, and again she was seeking comfort in Zuko's arms.
Aang wanted to pull her from Zuko's side. He wanted to remind her that the entire situation wasn't okay. She was his, yet he had to tolerate these too friendly embraces and intimate touches- touches that Katara would never allow Aang to entertain. "I'll try harder next time. I'll stop Koh," Aang promised, if only to take Katara back.
"I know you will," Katara lied, her faith shaken.
Zuko shared her doubts, but dared not voice them. He wasn't as convincing of a liar as Katara was- not where his heart was concerned. Tucking her under his chin, Zuko only prayed that Aang somehow managed to pull through. If not for his own sake, than to keep Katara from shedding any more of her sacred tears while fearing for his wellbeing. "We should go," Zuko declared, finally. They were too exposed. Katara's image could be captured again if another merchant decided to pass by with polished wares.
"Here's hoping someone on the ship recognizes us," Sokka agreed, helping Zuko to stand. Keen eyes watched as the darkness in Aang's heart consumed him all the while, noting with some guilt that it had grown from the small ember of doubt that it was before. In spite of the guilt, Sokka would do nothing to remedy the situation.
He didn't say anything when Katara chose to remain tucked into Zuko's side, as if to lend her strength. Sokka could easily dismiss her into Suki and Ty Lee's care so they could shield her from reflective surfaces. He didn't. He let Katara pretend that Zuko still needed her to walk the length of the docks. Zuko's injured arm hung uselessly over her shoulder, now completely numb from the poultice. It was Katara that gripped his wrist to hold it around her neck.
The others were quick to redistribute their supplies, making it easier for Sokka to set the pace. In time, Zuko was able to trust his own strength as they walked. Zuko's refractory time was the stuff of legends, so it didn't take long for the adrenal crash to subside. Not even a quarter the length of the dock? Less? Zuko's weight shifted as he withdrew from Sokka's side, keeping the closeness even as his strength returned. All for appearances.
The truth of the matter would not pass his lips. Sokka would give them a few more moments with their joint fantasy. Soon, the lie would be seen for what it was. Watching Aang as he lead the way down the dock, Sokka couldn't help but count each suspicious glance he sent back their way.
Jang Hui's seafaring vessel wasn't that far away, with its nets full of freshly caught fish for trade. The wooden vessel floated proudly amongst the Fire Nation ships of iron and steel. The rich crimson of the fin-like sails and polished black huali wood set it apart from the Earth Kingdom's pale teak.
Though stylized, The Painted Lady's depiction was unmistakable across the sails. Her likeness repeated in the ship's figurehead- a feature unique to the region and not seen anywhere else within the Fire Nation. Head thrown back in an expression of euphoria, her hands buried deep into her hair. A crown of fins and shells pushed voluminous curls back to wrap around the bow of the ship.
Silver mica and deep crimson were sealed onto her face in a reflection of tribal tattoos that followed the contours of high cheekbones, full lips, and slender neck. The tribal marking continued down over her exposed breasts and farther still until they were lost to immaculately carved scales. More mica gleamed over a serpent's tail that extended from full hips to become the ship's handrail. The circuit had a fish's tail curling around the other side.
"She looks like Sedna," Katara breathed in awe- captivated by the beauty of the figurehead. Vengeful and passionate, the Goddess of the deep sea was mother to the creatures that swam within it, and Queen of the Underworld. To her people, she was the one they prayed to the most, knowing that she decided if they lived or died. She was the one that gave them fish to eat, and kept the seas calm.
"She looks like you," Zuko breathed, shocked to see her depicted proudly. Boldly. Free and unfettered by the dark history of his land that sought to erase her from its pages. Watching the light of the setting sun caress her cheeks stole the breath from his lungs. The Great Sea Goddess, Sedna: Most beloved Mistress of Agni during a time when the many gods of the world intermingled as a single pantheon.*
"I wouldn't go that far," Katara tried to argue, flattered just the same.
"She really does, though." Aang added, slowing his stride so he could join the trio. The likeness was uncanny. So much so, that even the others couldn't help but stare slack jawed. "The Fire Nation used to worship her as Agni's most beloved. Some of the fishing villages even called her his wife." A practice that had entered the throes of death even before he was lost to the ice.
"But she's ours." Why would the Fire Nation worship a Goddess of the Water Tribes? Katara wanted to ask. The reverence Zuko looked at the Goddess with went beyond a simple history.
His movements were subtle, almost secretive. So close, she couldn't help but watch with rapt fascination as his lashes fluttered closed when he gave a silent prayer. Katara knew that if he could, Zuko would have bowed before Sedna as she'd seen him do at alters to Agni. Yet unlike the practiced and mechanical motions of worship, his actions were genuine in his devotion. His good hand lifted to press his fingertips to his lips before lowering them down to his heart.
With his head bowed, Zuko gave Katara the whisper of a smile as he gave her a wink. Nothing was said to his actions. This was a secret he would not yet share. It was all she needed to know that Sedna's worship was not yet lost to the Fire Nation's history of erassure. That only made the question burn deeper into her mind: Did Zuko worship Sedna, or the Archipelago's version of her?
"Lady Katara?"
Katara jerked her attention from Zuko's image. Her palm dropping from his wrist so she could palm his heart, angling her body to act as a shield.
"It is you!" Massive and burly despite his young age, it was his eyes that were easily recognized even at such a distance. Barely younger than Aang and Toph, he seemed to rival them in size and exuberance as he ran forward with his arms thrown wide.
Recognition had Sokka letting the youth pass as he charged full speed to embrace Katara. His calloused palm clapped over Zuko's good shoulder preemptively, knowing how protective of Katara he was. Normally it was appreciated, but it wouldn't do anyone any good if Zuko cut one of his own citizens down out of a war-made reflex.
Katara almost wished Zuko could intervene.
It was the little boy from Jang Hui. No longer malnourished, the boy had strength enough to almost crush Katara in his exuberance. The need for air had her patting the boy's shoulder to cut off his indecipherable babble of joy. "That's nice, honey. I can't breathe," she gasped out finally.
It took Zuko taking a fist full of the boy's tunic to pull him free. He couldn't quite glare at the boy, but one of Zuko's now patented stern frowns was aimed in his direction.
The youth had the decency to look sheepish. His stormy hues crinkled at the corners with what he hoped was a charming- and disarming smile. "I've missed you, Lady Katara." He declared boldly.
"It's good to see you too, Xing," Katara panted between deep gulps of air. "What are you doing here?"
The youth didn't answer right away. His attention was on Zuko. His eyes narrowed on him as if trying to piece the puzzle together. There was recognition there, but he couldn't quite connect the dots as to why. "I'm with my step-father on a fishing trip. We're trading some of the fish we caught," he finally explained once he deemed Zuko not that important by comparison.
Clearly, he didn't recognize him. A small favor that Zuko found himself appreciating as he released the boy. "Who's this?"
"He's one of the kids Katara healed last time we were in Jang Hui," Sokka explained since Katara was the forced captive of Xing's mile long tail. He almost cringed with sympathy at Katara's predicament. Almost. It was better her, than him.
"Ah." It would explain the star's in the boys eyes. "Think it would be worth asking him for passage to Jang Hui?"
Sokka just gave Zuko a look, gesturing to the child as if he was proof enough to the answer. "If he could, the kid would probably carry us all on his back and swim us to the island if Katara asked."
"Asked me what?" Xing piped up, craning his neck to look Zuko in the eye.
"We're looking for passage to your village. Do you think you can help us?" Katara answered in their stead,
Xing lit up at the opportunity to serve, nodding enthusiastically before capturing Katara's hand to pull her the rest of the way to the ship's gangway. This in turned tugged Zuko along due to Katara's refusal to let him go.
"Lady Katara?" Again, Katara found herself to be the first one greeted even though she shared the company of both the Avatar and Fire Lord. It was… .strange. The entire crew seemed to stop everything they were doing simply to bow to her- as if she were the one of royal lineage.
Zuko had the audacity to laugh at her. Though just as confused as she was- maybe even more so- the dragon-moose in torchlight look was adorable for a lack of a better word. Better her, than him. So far, it seemed that no one was able to recognize him.
"Hey Xing," Sokka called back to the youth, equally confused by all of it. "What's with the Katara-worship?" More importantly, how did they turn it off? It wouldn't be so bad if it was Aang getting all the attention. That, he was used to. Having his baby sister the center of attention in such a way was scary. As if she didn't have enough people obsessed with her already.
Blinking at him, Xing had to take a moment before he could answer him. "She's the hand of the Painted Lady," he answered simply. "She healed us when we were sick, and brought our guardian spirit back to the village."
"Since you came, the river has given her bounty ten fold," another fisherman added as he drew near. Slight in frame, and wrinkled with age, Dock's wide and slightly unhinged smile greeted them jovially.
Sokka and Aang both flinched at his approach while static smiles stretched across Toph and Katara's face. Zuko and the rest eyed the four of them with an air of trepidation- not used to such expressions. This was especially so when Aang and Katara were concerned.
Ever kind.
Ever diplomatic.
They greeted everyone like family, but this Dock had them on edge. A series of codes were volleyed between them before Katara was shoved forward as the "sacrifice."
"It's been a while, Dock," She greeted with that same painted on smile.
"My Lady, Katara," he crooned, catching both her hands so he could kiss her knuckles repeatedly. His sun and sea salt cracked lips brushed against each knuckle with reverence before his brow was finally lowered onto them. He would have knelt at her feet if she allowed it.
Katara's spine was rigid as she makes a gentle attempt at pulling free. The painted on smile did not waver, even as freedom was denied. Instead, a huff rushed through her lungs in the only other outward sign of agitation. Her lashes fluttered. She cocked her head to the left. A practiced code she and the other girls created to announce discomfort around "too friendly" men.
Zuko knew this code and made the attempt to step in, but the older man seemed adamant in acting as her escort onto the ship. Zuko tried not to feel uncomfortable with how deep the man's respect for Katara went. He didn't know how much of it was a strange form of idol worship, or a schoolboy's infatuation. Zuko placed a palm on Dock's shoulder to try and shift his attention, but the older man was more interested in showering Katara with praise for saving his village.
"It was a joint effort. Aang helped me clean the river, I did nothing special." Katara's attempt at deflection fell on deaf ears as the fishermen bowed out of her way to grant her passage onto their ship.
When Xing announced that they would be ferrying her to the village, it was as if a new life was injected into the crew. They moved double, triple time the usual speed to get their wares safely from the ship and to the scales of the merchants. With the value already brokered long before, the exchange took no time at all.
Convenient.
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What wasn't convenient was how quickly Zuko and Sokka were roped into helping out on the ship.
Apparently, no one recognized Zuko as their Lord: Something that another of Zuko's patented frowns ensured was not corrected. That stern frown of his may work on the others, but not Katara.
Her silence was maintained strictly because she respected his choice to be treated like a normal human being for once. That did not stop her from glaring at Zuko when he used his injured arm as if nothing was wrong. Even though her bending had returned a little less than an hour ago, she hasn't been able to pin Zuko down long enough to heal him.
She gave another huff from her rather dignified perch.
A pile of cushions were arranged in front of the wheelhouse for her and the other ladies to sit. Out of the way, it was insisted that they rest and let the men do the work. That point couldn't be argued either, since there were enough hands on deck. Anymore would be more of a detriment than a blessing.
Mai and Ty Lee took to the lazing about easily enough. The others weren't as grateful. Toph had a few choice words since this left her on Tom-Tom duty. However, it was Suki that looked on the verge of having a fit. Right up until the heat of exertion overpowered the chill of winter and had Sokka pulling the tunic from his body. She'd been in her own little world since that point on.
A hungry smile pulled at her lips as Suki watched Sokka work the riggings. He dug his heels hard into the deck and gave the ropes another pull. His muscles flexed as the weight of the full fishing net fought hard against the joint strength of the fishermen and himself. "Pull!" he commanded, taking charge and guiding the crew to pull in tandem.
Behind them was Zuko. His shoulder length hair was plastered to his neck by the sheen of sweat that caught the light of the setting sun. Lengths of rope wrapped around his good arm as he pulled. A powerful leg hooked around Sedna's tail for extra leverage.
Finally, the net was secured to the port side exterior. As the mechanisms were locked in place, the ropes were dropped onto the deck as the men allowed the tension in their bodies to release.
Sokka leaned heavily against the ornately carved rail with his arm thrown over Zuko's propped up thigh. Drinking in the sea air, he took a moment to catch his breath. He only needed a few seconds. Long enough for Zuko to laugh at how tired he was, as if he wasn't on the brink of exhaustion himself. Subtle hints of pain furrowed his brow. It earned him a swift elbow into his side before Sokka had strength enough to stand straight.
Suki almost whimpered when Sokka pulled his hair free to retie it. The band was clenched between his teeth as he combed his fingers through his hair, allowing two of his dreads to fall free at his temple. The stretch pulled his glistening flesh taught over his abdominal muscles and the cut of his hip bones. His pants hung low, revealing crisp dark hairs that descended from his navel to vanish beneath the waistband.
A lazy bead of sweat followed the trail, leading hungry eyes down to the barely hidden prize.
Suki was enraptured.
Katara was starting to feel a little uncomfortable by the little purrs the warrior was surprisingly capable of. Behind her, Ty Lee and Mai were both held captive in equal parts by Sokka's exotic form and the sculpted marble of Zuko's body.
Like gravity, Katara's gaze was pulled from the lusty stares of her friends to make their way back to Zuko. The perfected mask of haughty displeasure was slow to return. The steady rhythm of her hand rubbing circles on Aang's back faltered. It took every ounce of self control she had to resume her motions. Her boyfriend had long since fallen asleep with his head pillowed on her lap.
Zuko swung his leg back over the rail so he could pull a bamboo bottle from his hip. It was held out to Sokka first, offering him the first swig which Sokka took gratefully. The spigot of the bottle was then brought to his own lips before Zuko tipped his head back to let the cool, clean water pour over his face and hair.
Calloused fingers raked across his scalp to fix his hair off of his face. The silken caress of rivulets raced from the ends of his silken tresses to follow the contours of his face and chin.
Neck.
Broad shoulders.
Downwards the water raced as if to act on the innermost desires of those that watched. One in particular stole all thought from Katara's mind as it clung to Zuko's nipple.
Katara licked her lips, wanting a taste.
Her burning shame returned in a rush. The heat of it seared her veins as it crashed through her core to create that familiar ache within her sex-- A need that blinded her to everything save for the selfish longing for a man that wasn't hers. Her thighs clenched shut as Katara withdrew into herself as if to hide.
Aang's head fell hard against the pillow, startling him awake. "Wha-? What happened? We there yet?" He managed to stammer, pulse racing even as exhaustion remained a constant weight on his eyelids. His fist scrubbed at his eyes as if to unhinge them, but this only agitated them further and left his vision hazy.
"No, Aang," Katara managed finally. Eyes downcast, she couldn't bring herself to look at him. The guilt of her one sided infidelity was a weight in her heart. She knew what she had to do to alleviate her guilt, but when?
Now, even with Koh breathing down her neck? Or later, when they finally returned to the Fire Nation? Her heart didn't know how much longer it could handle the brevity of her emotions. "Go back to sleep," she told him. The mask of matronly warmth settled into place to conceal the darkness of her desires.
Aang was so trusting, sweet and almost innocent now that he felt secure in his ownership of her affection. Katara did nothing but stare forward as Aang nuzzled into her cheek before placing a kiss there. Like swallowed glass, it hurt more to stomach it. The lips she wanted, she could not have in the light of day. Repulsion kept Katara curled into herself to keep Aang from settling across her lap again.
A small hand found its way into hers to pull her from her dark thoughts. Katara didn't need to look. Only Toph could have hands so strong. Katara laced their fingers together and clung to the slight earthbender.
"Whatever you decide, you should do it soon," Toph breathed as she crawled to Katara's side. She settled the fussy toddler between them before leaning solidly against Katara's available side. Even through the hazy canvas of her senses, Toph could feel Katara's pulse race. The flinch that followed preceded the lie Toph knew was forming.
"I don't know what you're talking about." It was bile on Katara's lips.
She knew.
Everyone seemed to know what- who Katara wanted. Her infatuation for Zuko was becoming harder to conceal with every passing day.
Soon, not even Aang would believe her lie.
Soon, everything would change because Katara could no longer hide the pain of her greatest mistake.
Soon, not even Zuko would be able to remain ignorant to the woman lusting for him in the shadows.
What would happen then? Would Zuko still want her in his life, or will the friendship she so cherished be destroyed? This scared her more than the warring emotions corrupting what little was left of her innocence.
Katara resumed the calming circles she rubbed onto Aang's back. She didn't want to think about it any longer, yet she could not stop the persistent fantasy from forming.
It was his own fantasy that drove Zuko to search for another distraction from his longing. He knew that without it, he would slip again. The approaching moonrise only augmented his need, filling him with a new rush of energy in spite of the ache in his abused limbs and the resurging pain burning into his shoulder.
He wanted Katara. He wanted her feverish passion and fury bearing down on him in the heat of her moon fever. The morning's sparring match wasn't enough. He needed her at her peak- at her most savage and sadistic. The most beautiful, unrestrained self she kept hidden from the world.
Against his will, Zuko's eyes were drawn back to where Katara and the others were allowed to lounge about. He almost laughed at the blatant lust across Suki and Ty Lee's faces, giving Sokka a quick tap to draw his attention to the sight.
A wolfish grin stretched across Sokka's face. His ego flexed his muscles before he slung an arm over Zuko's shoulders. "See something you like, ladies?"
"Very much so," Suki lilted, no longer caring about what was proper in their current setting. She couldn't wait any longer, and stood from her cushion sharply. It took all of three strides to have her gripping Sokka's wrist to drag him away to their given cabin. She didn't need dinner, or much of anything else. What she needed was to have Sokka between her legs, now. She had half a mind to drag Zuko along as well- would have if Zuko didn't belong so completely to Katara.
"If you don't hear from me by dinner, know I died with a smile on my face!" Sokka called behind himself before he was lost to them.
Lucky, Zuko couldn't help but think. He was glad that at least one of them was getting laid. More than that, he was envious. His eyes darted back to Katara, wishing that the longing in her eyes was for him.
He knew the ache that had her shifting in place was the moon's call. It didn't matter. The fantasy in his mind had the temptress buried deep within her calling for him. In his mind, only he could satisfy her most carnal desires.
There were times when Zuko could even delude himself into thinking that maybe Katara wanted him just as much. Maybe his ardent affection for her wasn't one sided? Was her squirming against him last night intentional, or another glorious accident? A part of him wanted to ask, but to what end?
In asking, he would reveal how much he wanted her- how much he both loved and lusted for her until he was consumed by her completely. What if she didn't want him in such a way? What if asking her ruined everything and lost the part of Katara that he had? As painful as watching her love another was, Zuko couldn't breath passed the thought of losing her friendship.
But then, what if she did want him? Zuko was ashamed of the thought that followed. He knew it was wrong; if she did, then he wouldn't hesitate. He would dishonor them all by loving her.
"Looks like we're going to have to Koh-proof another cabin," Katara sighed out loud. Her own envy added a new heaviness to her voice. It had Zuko tilting his head to the side. His traitorous and hopeful heart thinking that maybe her melancholy was for the same reason as his.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Memo to me: ban Ty Lee from alcohol. Zuko groaned to himself as the girl bat her lashes at another member of the crew. He could feel the sharp pain of a migraine forming in his temple, which resulted in a twitch in his left eye. His calloused fingers reached up to massage it in vain, knowing that nothing would stop it from forming. "Mai, can you please keep an eye on her?" His glare found his ex as she tried to approach him, thinking herself stealthy in her current surroundings.
The evening's hanfu was draped low around her to expose her pale shoulders and the flush the sun had painted over the tops of her breasts. In her hand she held a pitcher of the spiced rum served with their meal. "She can take care of herself," she lilted. Her husky tone sank in lieu of a sultry smile that did not quite reach her eyes. A mask of charm settled over her face. Rehearsed to perfection.
It was a matter of seconds before Katara stole his attention like a Siren's song. The clack of silver beads woven into Katara's wild curls, winking like stars among spun copper. In the torchlight, she moved like an ephemeral being. Forever the temptress, she held Zuko's heart and mind captive as she and the blind one danced together to the tune of some generic jig.
She had Zuko's tunic secured tight around her torso in spite of the fact that she still had the tunics from Makapu Village. As if she needed to further showcase her ownership of his heart.
Mai despised her.
If Katara died in that moment, Mai would throw her hands to the heavens in celebration. Such was the depth of her hatred for the ill-bred waterbender. She ruined everything.
Looking down at the polished metal of the pitcher, Mai angled it so Katara's image would be distorted. Broken and engulfed in flame, Mai entertained the fantasy of Katara burned alive like the witch she was.
Not even Koh would touch her, even as his oppressive darkness slithered along the edges of the reflected image. Or maybe it was just wishful thinking on Mai's part; he may not be there at all. Regardless, the others were right: he could not touch her on the open sea.
"Hey guys," Aang greeted, crimson faced and with a napkin pressed firmly against his nose. Dock followed close behind, clutching at his stomach as he fought back his guffaws at his expense.
Zuko didn't even need to ask. "I told you to leave them be," he smirked. Suki was far from done with Sokka, nor would she be after only a few hours. "They're old enough to worry about their own dinner."
Aang would usually beg to differ, but he was suffering trauma from witnessing Sokka and Suki…. Doing things. It was only by some miracle that they didn't notice him, or didn't care enough to acknowledge him. Either way, Aang wished to scrub the image of Suki riding Sokka hard into the mattress from his memory.
Zuko could only roll his eyes at him, again wondering how Katara could handle the boy who failed at being a man? "It could always be worse: you could be sharing the room with them." A vicious smile stretched across his face as scandalized horror bloomed onto Aang's. The horror only mounted as the implications of the statement fully dawned on him.
"You don't mean…. They wouldn't?" Have sex while someone else was in the room?
Yes. Yes they have. Zuko stopped pretending to sleep through it on the rare occasions they had to share sleeping quarters. "Sometimes they let me watch" or join.* Voyerism wasn't among his kinks, but beggars can't be choosers.* This much, Zuko wasn't too keen on sharing since Zuko had definitive lines he did not cross when it came to teasing those younger than him.
"Stop picking on Aang," Katara called from the edge of the drum circle. Even from afar, she knew that teasing smirk anywhere. Since Toph was with her, that left only one person to fall prey to Zuko's brotherly antics.
Throwing his hands up in the air, Zuko feigned surrender before hopping up onto his feet. He knew that he had a task to complete, but he only had so many opportunities where he could indulge the selfish part of his heart. This one presented itself in the form of an exhausted Toph, who could no longer keep up with Katara's near limitless energy.
"Tag, you're it," she panted once she and Katara were close enough. Toph dropped herself hard onto the pile of cushions that was meant for Lady Katara with a sigh. Her feet angled in Ty Lee's direction to compensate for her dulled senses over the wooden deck.
"Oh, the sacrifices I make for you all," Zuko tried as he passed, shrugging off his tunic to drape it over Toph. He took a moment to watch as she tucked the tunic around her feet before stretching the collar up to her neck. The endearing sigh that followed robbed him of a chuckle. Toph truly wasn't equipt for the cold.
"Better you, then me," she finally sighed once she settled. Toph could really get used to this whole Lady Katara thing. Between the extra helpings of crab cakes, dessert, and the mountain of cushions, Toph was having a hard time fighting the lethargy that came from being surrounded by good people and a welcoming atmosphere. "Aang and I will watch Ty Lee, you keep Her Royal Highness occupied" she yawned.
"I'm not that bad," Katara huffed indignantly, not seeing what the big deal was. Yes, she was usually restless so close to the full moon, but dancing with her was decidedly better than Katara accidentally destroying the ship by bending.
"Keep telling yourself that, love," Zuko chuckled, ignorant to his slip of the tongue as he chugged the last of his rum. He relished the sweet, smooth burn that worked its way down his throat to relax the tension from his spine. It distracted him from the flush that darkened Katara's cheeks and the bashful smile that tugged at her lips.
Aang noticed.
He knew that look, and the way Katara twisted one of her curls around her index finger. Aang had seen the way Katara's lashes fluttered as she nibbled her lower lip, trying to hide how affected she was. It was the same look she had when Jet showered her with affection, or when Haru praised her. Worse still, Katara never looked like that because of him. The closest he'd ever gotten was close to a year ago- a cherished moment when he was Katara's dancing partner and Zuko was little more than an afterthought.
"We'll ask about Baoli in the morning, yeah?" Zuko's voice pulled him from the memory of happier times- times when Aang didn't feel compelled to scrutinize Katara's every interaction outside of their relationship.
"Baoli?" Dock piped up from his stolen seat. His arm was extended towards Mai with the hope that she'd fill his mug with the rum she carried. It was the name that drew his attention from her sneer of denial. "What do you need my brother for?"
"Brother?" Zuko repeated, noting the flinch that snapped through both Aang and Toph.
"Yeah, he's a real piece of work," Dock frowned, nodding to himself as he recounted many of his brother's past acts of cruelty. "Wait- he didn't do something to you, did he? If you're looking for reparations, I can save you the trouble: You ain't gettin nothin out of him."
A blink had Zuko surveying Aang and Toph's reactions. The flicker of Aang's eyes in Toph's direction. The shift of Toph's heel against the freshly mopped deck. The tension in their spines as if bracing for a sudden shift in dynamic. Katara's palms gripped Zuko's forearm, fingers lacing to allow for her pulse to skip against his skin. "We have a letter to him from Aunt Wu."
"Ah, that figures," Dock shrugged again, not at all surprised. "You gonna top me off, sweetheart?" His interest in the conversation was lost to Mai, holding his mug up again for her to fill. It was contempt that had her dropping the pitcher altogether. Dock was quick to catch it, dropping his mug so he could drink directly from its mouth.
Both Aang and Toph relaxed. Toph snuggled deeper into her cushions with her feet parted at a wider stance. One of her dainty feet peeked out from beneath Zuko's tunic with her toes pointed in the direction of the older man. Her heel tapped twice.
Zuko didn't move until Katara's fingers unlaced to allow her dominant hand to slide down to his wrist, fingers tapping against his palm. The other reached up to rest against his shoulder, now healed without a mark to prove otherwise. He looked over, noticing the shift from playful nymph to predatory direwolf. The aquamarine of her eyes darkened to deep sapphire.
"Dance with me," she commanded of him. Not quite the husky tone that threatened his life, her voice was the lilting coo that came before Katara lost herself to a mission. The low hum thickened her accent to a breathy purr.
Licking his lips, Zuko followed her bidding. It lead him back to the circle of dancers and performers, his arm slipped around her waist. "Something I should know?" He asked her as they followed the flow of musical notes into a Fire Nation's waltz.
Katara didn't answer right away. Nibbling her lip, she focused on the inuksuk resting in the hollow of Zuko's throat. Her traitorous heart couldn't help but feel hopeful at seeing a visual testament to their closeness.
Maybe she was reading too far into it?
Zuko was sweet enough to indulge those closest to him. What would make this any different? Katara found herself closing the space between them so she could rest her cheek against his collar.
This was nice. The step was slow enough that she could get away with this one more moment of comfort. Soon it would have to end. Soon, she was going to have to resume her role of just his friend even as her heart longed for a little bit more.
Zuko couldn't help but enjoy having her so close. Her body relaxed against his as they waltzed around the deck. If only they could stay like this forever. But, as with all things, the song ended and the stamina of the musicians returned to pick up to a faster pace.
With a smirk, Zuko gripped Katara's hips so he could lift her from the ground. His laughter joined hers as he spun them around. Her palms braced against his shoulders, sliding down to his pectorals once her feet were returned to the ground. "You were going to tell me something?"
Katara nodded, but waited till their dance had them lost behind the sailors brave enough to share the dancefloor. Their inhibitions lowered just enough to allow them a jig or two with close shipmates. "It's about Dock," she finally began.
"What about him?" What was it that had the group so on edge when he popped up?
"He's… not well," Katara floundered with a way to put it that didn't insult the older man. Her limited knowledge on the matter made it difficult to put into words. "His brothers are not real. They're all Dock's... alter egos? Baoli must be another one of them."
A frown stole the smile from Zuko's lips as his heart sank. "I see," this wasn't good. His lips pressed into a thin line when Zuko looked over Katara's head to see the man. Even without Katara explaining as much, he could tell that there was something off about him. This, however, was not something his conscience was equipped for.
If Baoli was an unmet alter ego, then it would mean…..
"Have any of these personalities presented violently?" The palm on her back drifted lower as Zuko questioned her, drawing Katara tight to his chest before guiding her into a shallow dip.
A delighted purr broke the seriousness of the conversation as she slowly rose back up, Undulating against him before allowing herself to be twirled. "No? He's been nothing but kind to us. He's just strange. Why do you ask?" Another twirl had the two resuming their dance across the ship's deck.
Zuko felt compelled to answer her, but remembered himself. "Not here," he offered. With so many ears around, it would be easy to be overheard. What he had to say wasn't entirely a secret, but such dark topics would ruin their time together. Zuko didn't know how much longer he'd have to enjoy Katara before Aang sought to separate them. It was only a matter of time.
A quick glance revealed hard stormy eyes watching them across the deck. The pair had gotten too close again. Zuko's hands were too close to intimate places. Katara fit too perfectly against him. Zuko moved to pull away- to create some distance between them. "We should talk elsewhere."
Back turned to Aang, Katara was oblivious to the darkness festering behind her. Her focus belonged to Zuko completely. The selfish part of her heart caught Zuko's wrist between her palms, unwilling to let him pull too far away. "We can go to our cabin." Chances were that Sokka and Suki were far from done, but there were plenty of private places along the way.
"Lead the way." The flutter of her lashes and the breathy tone of her voice had Zuko's mind recall other moments in time when they had complete privacy. Their sparring matches. Rolling around on the ground. Their kiss.
In spite of it all, a rush of excitement warmed her skin at the prospect. It had been a while since they were last truly alone together without anyone to intrude. Katara was ashamed to admit that she longed for it. Taking a few backward steps, Katara felt the rush of adrenaline sway her hips. She caught her lower lip between her teeth, trying to stop the smile from forming.
She looked delectable. Licking his lips, Zuko had to remind himself that they were only talking. He should wave the others to follow them as Katara lead him by the hand.
He didn't.
There were important matters to discuss- with everyone, yet in that moment he wanted to be alone with Katara. Zuko laced his fingers with Katara's when she turned from him. Her hand was so small compared to his. Almost delicate. Always cool to the touch, her palms were soft against his- yet so powerful. He loved her hands. Longed for them to find his most intimate of places, and not just lead him around by the hand.
What appeared to be regular festivities for a job well done on the ship fell away behind them, as Katara lead him farther away from the torchlit dancers. The warm orange glow faded, and the loud cheers of the crewmembers dulled until the parting waves seemed to wash it all away. The light of the cosmos above, of a near complete moon was more than enough light to guide them to their accommodations.
Looking back, Zuko dared a quick glance to see Aang standing sentry. His stance was wide. Shoulders squared as he watched them from afar. With the torchlight behind him, it was hard to make out what Zuko knew was a suspicious glare.
"How long until your boyfriend follows after us?" Turning ahead, Zuko couldn't help the guilt that assailed his heart. This moment alone was what he wanted, yet he couldn't help the guilt gnawing at the back of his mind. A self depreciating chuckle escaped his lips as Katara slowed to a halt at the door.
Palm raised to pry it open, Katara hesitated before glancing back. Over Zuko's shoulder, she could see the rigid lines of Aang's now justified suspicion. "Not long." Katara wilted what had become their usual routine. She knew what she wanted. It would be wrong to continue on this way, and yet…
Katara hated herself for how little she cared at that moment, even as she caved. Her hand fell away from the door, leaving it closed as she backed up a few steps to brace her back against the railing of the ship. Aang would be allowed to spy on them from afar. "You were going to say about Baoli?"
Zuko couldn't help but deflate a little at the lost opportunity. It was for the best: Aang's suspicious heart would remain placated for now. The glare burning into the back of his neck was what he deserved for the selfish longing Zuko allowed to grow.
Palming the smooth, polished scales of the ship's rail with his free hand, Zuko waged war within himself. Between the guilt and longing, he knew that it was only a matter of time before the secrets locked away in his treacherous heart would be revealed. He'd been allowed more than enough, already. Zuko hated himself for wanting more, and not caring about the pain it already created.
"Zuko?" Katara's voice drew his focus back to her as she offered his hand a squeeze. Their fingers were still laced together.
"I…." Pull away from her. Zuko commanded of himself, needing to do better. He knew he should let her go for all their sakes, but his grip only tightened to return the gesture. Turning from Katara, a strange glimmer danced in the corner of Zuko's eye.
"What is it?" Katara allowed for Zuko to guide her forward again, watching as the darkness that clouded Zuko's gaze shifted beneath the intense scrutiny of his gaze. Hyper focus narrowed his eyes onto the ground.
It bid his eyes to follow until they lead the way to the door allowing entry to the bridge. Left ajar, the light from the gas lamps spilled onto the deck to catch small puddles of water that created a pathway inside. Wasn't the door closed moments ago? Kneeling down, Zuko finally released Katara's hand as he noted a familiar shape to them: foot prints. When did…? Recognition came in a rush as Zuko's blood ran cold.
Katara could only call after Zuko when he took off running, following after him when he shouldered the door out of his way. Even in such a small amount, Katara could hear the ocean water splash onto her moccasins as she followed. There was no mistaking the trail that lead through the hallway towards their given cabin.
The door was propped open.
Zuko's footing near slid out from under him as he skidded to a halt, catching the doorjam and slamming the door the rest of the way open. In the faint torchlight that flickered in the hallway behind him, Zuko could clearly make out the distinct silhouettes of his loved ones. Suki's naked body draped across Sokka's chest, bare from the waist up by the blanket wrapped around their legs. Her head tucked under Sokka's chin while his fingers were laced against the small of her back.
Looming over them was a specter that stood at the side of their shared cot. Invisible where the light touched, Zuko's cast shadow revealed a familiar form. Arm raised, the glimmer of some sort of blade could not be concealed.
"Sokka! Suki!" Zuko cried, throwing a ball of fire towards the figure. For a moment, it vanished as the light of Zuko's flames approached. Was he seeing things?
The puddle gathering on the floor rushed upwards and froze in time to create a shield. Shattering upon impact, Aguta's vicious snarl was revealed as the illusion fell. With a wave of his arm, the assassin from the Northern Water Tribes sent a barrage of ice daggers in Zuko's direction to keep him at bay. The boomerang in his hand was brought down, edge first to remove Sokka's head from his shoulders.
The sharp tang of metal deflecting metal rang in their ears as Suki's eyes snapped open. Her metal fan caught the edge of the blade as she backhanded it way. The other fan followed, carving through Aguta's chest as he backed away in time to avoid being gutted. The spray of blood came from a shallow wound, splashing across Suki's face and fans as she followed.
All the while, Katara ducked around Zuko's side to catch the ice, wrenching control from the other waterbender and claiming it as her own. Tentacles extended from Katara's arms to slither around Suki's form in a bid to capture the killer.
Glass shattered as more of the sea came rushing in from the porthole at Aguta's bidding. Freezing into spires, Katara had to redirect her efforts to pulling Suki and her brother out from the closed quarters to keep them from getting impaled. Katara then froze the entryway shut to allow them a moment.
Zuko caught Sokka against his side as he stirred, lighting slapping Sokka's cheek to speed the awakening process along.
"I'm awake!" Sokka groaned, adrenaline finally kicking in and flooding his tired limbs with strength and energy. "...where are my pants?"
"You want to go back in and get them?" Zuko growled, watching as Katara struggled to keep control over the ice barrier that separated them from Sokka's almost-killer. Fissures cracked deep into the smooth surface in spite of Katara's best efforts. Aguta's strength of will was powerful against her own.
"Nope: Blanket's fine!" Sokka decided, grateful for the course material that had found its way into his grip instead of his boomerang. Ripping into the blanket, Sokka surveyed the narrow hallway with keen eyes before realizing they were still at a disadvantage. "It's too narrow to bend; we need to get out of here!" he declared, catching Suki by the elbow to draw her back. "Katara?!"
"Go! I'll hold him back for as long as I can!" Redoubling her efforts, Katara furrowed her brow as she struggled against Aguta and the rush of ocean he called to beat against her wall of ice.
The ship began to tip and groaned when more water was drawn in, filling the space of the cabin completely. Katara wrenched what she could from his control, adding to the layers of ice. Still, the cracks grew. "He's after Sokka, not me- Go!"
Taking the other half of the blanket to wrap around herself, Suki canted her head in understanding before taking Sokka's hand. She didn't give him much of a choice in the matter, trusting Zuko and Katara to look after each other.
Once cleared, Katara pulled back from the door as a chunk of her barrier was launched at the wall by a geyser. The torrent of water that followed shattered what remained, rushing to fill the hallway. Were it not for Zuko catching her, Katara would have had her legs swept from under her and her body thrown against the far wall.
Holding her tight to his chest, Zuko dug his toes into the ground and gripped the nearest door with his free hand in a bid to keep upright against the rapids. "He's going to take the whole damn ship down!"
Again.
Memories of the shipwreck and the bodies it carried off to it's watery grave assailed her. Katara refused to let it happen again. "Trust me!" She commanded, taking back what control she could, Katara shook off Zuko's hold and dove into the waist high current.
He didn't even hesitate to follow, surrendering his fate into Katara's hands. Letting it take them, Katara surrounded the both of them in her hydra form. Instead of fighting the sea, Katara redirected it through the doorway to splinter it back open before their bodies could be crushed against it. It was through her will that the pair was deposited against the rail, the rush of water splitting around them to keep from throwing them overboard.
The sharp tip of the ship had all the drawn in water following after them, rushing back over the railing to return home at Katara's guidance. Another groan had the ship pitching to the other side as the weight redistributed.
Zuko held onto the handrail, keeping Katara anchored in place as she parted the current. He could only watch as Aguta's body rode the current as well. Catching the corner of the hallway at the last possible moment so he could pull free, he relinquished his hold over the ocean in favor of pursuing his mark.
Without his will to battle against her own, Katara seized full control.
In one motion, Katara's hydra reformed before slithering across the deck to give chase. She didn't hesitate in diving back in to ride it, her focus only fracturing for a moment when she felt Zuko dive in after her. Reaching back for his hand, she felt a small bit of the tension in her spine relax when his fingers laced with hers.
They rode the current back to the main deck, their joint momentum ejecting them to skid across the way where they found Aang engaged with the assassin, keeping him from reaching Sokka by enacting shields of ice against his attacks and stopping errant waves from washing them all away.
Suki skirted them all, leaving Sokka in Ty Lee's charge. Battle fans drawn, she moved to put an end to the threat. Metal struck metal as Suki drove Aguta back against the railing. The glare in her eye was vicious. Lethal as she sliced through the air to slit Aguta's throat.
"Suki, no!" Aang cried, horrified by the Kyoshi warrior's intent. A sphere of air formed between them to throw them apart before Suki could complete her task, throwing her back hard across the deck. Aguta fell over the railing to be lost in the ocean, consumed by the darkness of the waves.
Rage and betrayal had Suki's glare turned to the boy, "Are you insane?!" She had him! "Why did you stop me?"
"You can't kill him," Aang panted, palms braced against his knees as he panted for breath.
Biting her lip, Suki would say nothing more on the matter in light of the many relieved faces surrounding them. Such a conversation was not to be had publicly. "We'll discuss this later," Suki managed in an even tone. She knew how he felt about actively killing people, but in Suki's eyes there were times when it was unavoidable. Next time she had Aguta in her sights, it will be. Rising to her feet, Suki ran back to her beloved to search for injuries.
Zuko watched the exchange from a distance, not knowing how he felt about the assassin being spared. On the one hand, he wanted the man dead for all that he's done, and planned to do. On the other, Zuko was just glad to see that Aguta was gone. Turning to Katara to watch her part the crewmembers in search of the rest of their group.
Toph had been boxed into the middle of all the men, her arms wrapped tight around Tom-Tom to keep him safe. Mai wasn't that much farther. His own relief had the adrenaline leave him in a rush. Everyone was alright, and yet he couldn't help the sickening feeling taking root in the pit of his stomach.
"You should know better than to challenge a Waterbender on the open sea," Katara's words from before their first shipwreck echoed in his mind. Each syllable etched into his mind until a new surge of adrenaline quickened his pulse and had him rushing to Sokka's side.
His paranoia was well founded when the ship lurched to the side. A wall of water rose up to almost capsize the ship, carrying with it the assassin from the Northern Water Tribes. Spires of ice were thrown at Sokka as the wave split to wash those that would defend him out of the way. Only Suki remained, using her body as a shield in time to save him.
"Suki!" Sokka cried out, catching her tight to his chest before turning. Only it was too late.
It was as if everything happened in slow motion.
Searing white hot pain ripped a scream from her lips as the ice stabbed into the back of her arm and shoulder. They would have run her through, had Sokka not moved her in time. Her awareness of the world stopped at Sokka's arms around her. Liquid heat burned through her wounds to pump her veins with magma. Her nerves seized until her entire arm was engulfed in flames.
It was only moments, but in that time convulsions jerked through Suki's arm. Zuko's familiar heat surrounded the both of them, fighting back the cold before the ice was ripped from her flesh. An oily sheen was left behind, clinging to the wounds as it bubbled with blisters.
Sokka only needed a glance to know what it was: Venom from a creature most foul. "Katara!" he cried, needing her healing now. "It's Cranch-Shark venom!"*
Katara didn't have time to waste. Three massive tentacles shot from the sea behind her, towering high over the ship to fend off against Aguta renewed. He seemed to dance around them as he laughed at their efforts, diving back into the ocean. A block of ice formed upon his landing. A current propelling him forward to his escape. He would be back- of that Katara was certain.
It didn't matter to her now, Katara only waited long enough for him to vanish into the darkness before rushing to Suki's side.
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1 - A combination of Snakeroot and Corydalis. Corydalis is also known as Chinese Poppy. I tried my hardest to find ancient chinese remedies for pain, but couldn't narrow it down to wound care so I may have fudged it a bit. If anyone knows any better, I will be more than happy to make the correction.
I was actually torn between using a topical cannabis for the wound, since it was also used to treat pain (very much like it's used today). Katara has some in her pack, but I decided against using it given the chain of events that followed in this chapter. It may make an appearance later.
2 - Swaha, Agni's wife in most traditions, is probably mad at me right now, but there's a reason for my madness. I swear! More on this will be expressed in later chapters.
3 - Zuko has been invited into Sokka and Suki's bed a few times, but not as often as he'd like since Zuko is very horny. Fortunately, Katara was almost always awake late at night, and would keep him company. This is around the time the two started sparring almost nightly. Over time, Zuko preferred spending time with her.
4 - A cross between the colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni), sometimes called the Antarctic squid or giant cranch squid, and the Greenland shark, also known as the gurry shark, grey shark, or by the Kalaallisut name eqalussuaq. Basically the Kracken with some seriously messed up abilities. It's a venomous fucker with hooks in their tentacles.
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Author's Notes: I'm still a bit rusty, so I don't know if the pacing came out right. I might revisit this chapter later and tweak it some more. Feel free to leave a review or two, and hey- I'm open to suggestions and tweaks, too. I love you all, and should be posting again soon. I'm mostly done with the next few chapters anyway, there's just some blocks of rough that needs smoothing still.
The first half of the next chapter still needs reworking but im shaking off the cobwebs and I'll get it done!