Hello! I finally got around to posting another chapter! Apologies for the longer-than-usual wait, I do this thing sometimes where I read my writing over too much and obsess over details (whoops). I eventually just decided to post it and go back to edit some stuff later if I have to. I received so many new reviews in the last couple weeks that I realized I had to get off my indecisive butt and just update!
To those of you who reviewed the last few chapters: thank you for giving me that extra little push I needed!
This chapter was inspired by the song 'Wolves Without Teeth' by Of Monsters and Men from their 2015 album 'Beneath The Skin'.
I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 23: Wolves Without Teeth
…
How can I keep you inside my lungs
I breathe what is yours
You breathe what is mine
…
And I run from wolves,
Breathing heavily at my feet
And I run from wolves,
Tearing into me without teeth
And you can follow
You can follow me
…
His eyes were burning into her like smoldering embers as she pushed down her embarrassment and met his gaze.
"I want you, Katara." Zuko's voice was husky and thick with desire.
"I want you too," She whispered, in awe at the directness of her words. But it was true. She wanted to feel his lips on hers, his hands on her body exploring places she herself had never ventured to touch. The notion was simultaneously foreign and instinctual. He had lit a fire inside of her and she yearned for him to feed the flames.
"Show me," He rasped into her ear, his breath sending shivers down her spine as goosebumps prickled her skin.
As if suddenly understanding what he meant, she pulled back and began delicately undoing the tie around her waist. A blush heated her cheeks as she watched him watching her. The hunger in his stare was unmistakable, akin to the way a predator watched its prey. She slipped one shoulder out of her dress and gasped when he moved towards her.
He caught her gaze again, a question in his amber eyes as he gingerly pulled the fabric farther down, revealing her bindings underneath. Katara bit her lip and nodded, giving consent to his touch. His mouth found purchase on her neck, planting a stream of kisses from her jawline down to her collarbone.
"Zuko…" His name slipped off her tongue as she tilted her head back, allowing him better access. His breathing was ragged as he nibbled at the skin of her neck, sending another wave of shivers down her spine.
A cool hand took her shoulder and, idly, she found it strange that his hands were so cold. She expelled the thought from her mind, surrendering herself to the moment in a dazed cloud of longing. The hand tightened on her shoulder, shaking her ever so slightly as the haze cleared again.
"Katara, are you ok?"
She grumbled something that sounded affirmative and tried to return to the illusion, to the sensation of Zuko's lips on her, but it was lost.
"You're burning up and you were mumbling something…" The woman's voice came again.
Katara's eyes shot open as the vision of the Fire Nation prince drifted away. Wen was leaning over her, a concerned look etched into her pale visage.
Suddenly flustered, Katara scrambled for words. It had felt so real. She had just been undressing herself…- heat rose to her cheeks. Despite not having seen Zuko in a week, the dreams of him had not relented. He still haunted her subconscious, igniting a fervent desire in her that longed for his touch. It was, more or less, the same dream that she had been having since their kiss, but with slight variations in setting, dialogue, and how far things went. This was the first time that any clothes had been shed and her blush deepened at the realization.
Wen was still hovering over her, waiting for a response.
"Oh! I- um, I'm totally fine! I was just having a- er, nightmare, and-"
Something in the older girl's face changed then and she pulled back. "Say no more," Wen chuckled, giving her a knowing look. "I'm just glad you finally woke up. You've been out for a whole day."
"A whole day!?" Katara sat up abruptly and winced as a dull pain radiated through her torso at the sudden movement.
"Take it easy," Wen gently pushed her back down. "The bruising is still pretty bad. I did what I could, but I can't exactly heal you with water, so…"
"The bruising…" She repeated, pressing her palm lightly against her sternum and grimacing as the memories flooded back to her. She had been utterly defeated by the Earth Kingdom General and the shame left a bitter taste in her mouth. Katara had actually believed that she had a chance, even with her dwindling water supply and lack of rest. Now, much to her chagrin, she realized that she had been cocky and far too overconfident in her abilities. She had without a doubt made vast improvements in her waterbending since leaving the South Pole all those months ago, but she was still no match for a master.
It was a lesson in humility, she tried to convince herself, thinking of Huu's lesson in the swamp. The world around you has a great many lessons to teach. At least no one but Aang had been there to witness her humiliating defeat. The ease with which General Fong had subdued her – along with her inability to even defend herself – stung her pride. The General's stern countenance in the aftermath was salt in the wound. Her fists clenched at her sides as she promised herself that she would keep practicing, keep improving until they made it to the North Pole and she found herself a waterbending master.
"Well, I think it's safe to say I failed in trying to convince General Fong to let you join the military…" Katara forced a simper, trying to make light of the situation as she took a cup of water from Wen.
"I heard," The older girl replied, mirroring Katara's smile. "You honestly didn't have to do that… sorry you got your ass handed to you."
Katara's expression dropped. Does everyone know the extent of her embarrassing loss?
"Either way, it was pretty gutsy of you to challenge the General like that," Wen continued. "It got me thinking… maybe I'm being too complacent. When I first arrived here and they refused to train me, I accepted it without another word. Even though it makes me mad, I haven't tried to do anything about it… I've just followed orders and complained."
"It's not like I accomplished much," Katara huffed in response, tipping cool water down her throat.
"Perhaps not," The nurse agreed with a lighthearted chuckle. "But at least you tried. For far too long I've accepted the world as it is, believing that we can't change anything… and so have the others from the colonies. But if we don't at least try, nothing will ever change. Maybe it's an uphill battle trying to change the ways of the past… maybe it's an uphill battle trying to fight off the Fire Nation… but you're still trying and so is he." She moved aside to gesture towards the bed behind her and Katara's gaze settled on the unconscious form of her friend.
"Aang!?" Worry washed over her at the sight of the airbender in the infirmary cot. "What happened? Is he ok?"
"Oh, don't worry, he's fine," Wen waved her hand to dismiss Katara's anxiety. "He just didn't want to leave you alone in here overnight, so I set up a cot for him nearby. He's a sweet kid."
"He is," Katara sighed with relief. "And far wiser than his age would suggest."
Wen nodded with a solemn smile as they watched the Avatar sleeping peacefully.
"So, I've been asleep for a whole day… what have I missed? How is Gan doing?"
"Oh, that reminds me!" Wen exclaimed. "He asked me to let him know when you woke up. You haven't missed a whole lot, just the usual injuries. I'll go tell Gan that you're awake. He seemed pretty worried when they brought you in yesterday."
She stood up and turned to leave.
"Wen?" Katara stopped her. "Thank you… for everything."
The nurse turned around, a smile playing on her lips. "I should be the one thanking you, Katara. It's been a long time since I've had any hope." Then she was gone.
Aang mumbled in the cot next to her and turned over. After a moment, he sat up with a yawn and stretched out his limbs. His face lit up upon seeing her.
"Katara! You're awake!" Before she could blink, he had thrown the covers off himself and sat on the end of her bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better," She exhaled and smiled at her friend. "Sorry if I worried you."
"I'm just glad you're ok," Aang's eyes shifted to the floor. "I'm sorry that I let General Fong hurt you."
"It's not your fault." Katara swallowed her pride, "I got ahead of myself. You were just trying to keep the peace." The sun was coming up outside, painting the world in a warm glow. "Let's go get some breakfast," She suggested. "I don't really want to think about General Fong right now."
"Are you sure you're ok to move?" The airbender returned, his brow furrowed in worry.
"I'll be fine. I'm just a little bruised," She forced another smile. "Let's go."
Aang helped her up from the cot and she hobbled through the infirmary door. They were crossing the central plaza to the mess hall when a horn blared through the silence of dawn. Suddenly, the military base came to life as soldiers poured out from the barracks and the tower, lining up in the plaza and taking positions atop the outer wall.
"A Fire Nation vessel has been spotted off the coast!" A disembodied voice barked over the clamor.
Katara's heart stopped. A Fire Nation vessel… could it be…? Had Zuko come back to her?
Having decided to delay their breakfast plans, they made their way up a flight of stairs along the perimeter of the central plaza. As they stood atop the outer wall of the Earth Kingdom fortress, peering out over the jagged golden peaks to the sea on the horizon, Katara bit her lip.
"It's only one ship," Aang noted.
Katara didn't hear him over the humming in her ears, an ethereal melody that kept time with her thumping heart. Her gaze was fixed on the distant silhouette of the lone Fire Nation cruiser against the dark water as she tried to remember how to breathe. The anticipation was too much. It had to be him.
"I wonder what this is about…" The airbender pondered aloud.
"It looked like they sent a boat to shore and then took off again," A Sergeant that stood nearby remarked.
"Do you think they're sending people here? Soldiers?" Aang's pitch raised in alarm as he turned to the man.
"Seems like it," The Sergeant shrugged. "There's no need to worry, Avatar. This fortress is impenetrable. No will get in or out of here without the General's authorization."
The words broke through the melodic din in her head and rang in Katara's ears: no one would get in or out. It wasn't likely that General Fong would invite the prince of the Fire Nation – for all intents and purposes, his enemy – into the Earth Kingdom military base, but did that also suggest that he wouldn't let them leave? She glanced over at Aang. Would they have to try escape the Earth Kingdom base? Sokka and Suki weren't due back for another day at the very least. It seemed their situation was getting more and more precarious.
"Who could it be?" Aang continued. "What do you think, Katara?"
She knew very well who it could be – and who she hoped it would be – but she didn't dare to hint at her desire to see Zuko again. Instead, she forced herself to shrug it off and turned away.
"I don't know, Aang. Let's go get some breakfast. Maybe we'll find out later."
It pained her to dismiss the notion – that Zuko might be heading their way – but given the potentially dubious nature of their current circumstance, she didn't want to seem too eager. The last thing she needed was more trouble from the Earth Kingdom General.
…
Zuko tried to ignore the odd feeling that nestled in his chest. He had been so close to seeing her again. A little voice in his mind had nagged at him as he watched the Xi Shan Mountains disappear into the distance from the deck of his ship. And now, the echoes sounded like regret.
He pushed the notion back down in annoyance. His note would suffice for now. Katara was safe at the Earth Kingdom military base, but the same could not be said for his uncle.
It was early afternoon by the time they arrived at the coast nearest to where Zuko had last seen Iroh. The iron cruiser pulled into a cove nearby and Zuko gave strict orders to the crew to remain concealed and avoid detection by the Fire Nation Navy at all costs. Some of the men had exchanged uneasy glances amongst themselves, knowing full well that the orders contradicted those of Commander Zhao, but none dared to question the Fire Nation prince.
Jee and four other members of his crew joined him as he ventured back into Earth Kingdom territory in search of the cave where he had left his uncle. The small party marched in silence, slashing through the dense brush in the forest as they made their way inland. The air was heavy with moisture but cool, thick with the scent of damp moss and fragrant flowers. It vaguely reminded him of early spring in the palace gardens of the Fire Nation capital. A strange feeling suddenly overcame him; a sense of familiarity. Something about the present – perhaps it was the scent of the air or the absence of his uncle – stirred his conscious and an old memory surfaced, clear as day.
"Zuko! Azula! Where are you? We've just received word from your uncle in Ba Sing Se!"
"What?" He ran out from under the willow tree that stretched lazily above the turtleduck pond and bounded after his mother's voice. "From Uncle?"
"Yes, it looks like he sent you and Azula some gifts," She simpered over her shoulder as she perched gracefully on a red chaise lounge.
"What did he say?" He asked excitedly, jumping over the arm of the chair and nestling into his mother's side.
"Uncle sent me a gift?" Azula poked her head into the room. She approached the back of the chair and reached over to painfully pinch Zuko's shoulder with a wicked smirk. He yelped, scowled, and swatted her hand away before turning back to their mother.
Ursa broke the ornate royal seal and unfurled the scroll. She recited the letter as Zuko read along. "After two-hundred days of siege, we have finally broken through the outer walls; a promising victory for our great nation. If the city is as magnificent as it's wall, Ba Sing Se must be something to behold. I hope you all may see it someday."
Scuffing of boots against tile floors echoed in the hallway that broke off from the room, but his mother continued reading.
"For Zuko, a pearl dagger from the Earth Kingdom General who surrendered when we broke through the outer wall," She motioned to one of the servants who shuffled towards Zuko and produced a red pillow, on top of which lay a sheathed dagger. "Note the superior craftmanship. It was forged in Ba Sing Se for the General. There is only one of its kind."
Zuko eagerly snatched the dagger off the cushion and turned it over in his hands, admiring the smooth handle. Before he could unsheathe the weapon, one of the Fire Lord's advisors, followed by a group of palace guards, entered the room.
"Princess Ursa," The advisor addressed with a bow. "The Fire Lord commands your presence."
"The Fire Lord?" His mother responded, forgetting herself. "Where is Ozai?"
The man cleared his throat, "I do not know of the Prince's whereabouts, Your Highness. I am here on orders from the Fire Lord himself." He half-turned, waiting for her to follow.
She glanced at Zuko with a furrowed brow, as if about to say something, but then shook her head and stood. "Very well, take me to him."
"What about my gift?" Azula whined, her arms crossed.
"It will have to wait, Azula. I'll be back soon."
"But, mother-" Zuko reached for her sleeve, still holding the sheathed dagger.
"Not now, Zuko. You can show me your dagger later." She patted his head with a soft smile and followed the palace guards. However, she paused at the edge of the room, turning her head to the side. Zuko watched as a tear slid down her right cheek. "You two behave yourselves." And with that she was gone.
He watched her disappear into the hallway as the palace guards moved to trail behind her. With a huff, Zuko unsheathed the dagger. There was an inscription on the blade and he ran his fingers over the characters as he read, "Never give up without a fight."
"You're certain we're going the right way, Prince Zuko?" Lieutenant Jee eventually spoke up.
The question brought him back to the present as the memory faded into the haze of the past once more. That may have been the last time he had seen his mother, he realized. What had reminded him of that? How could he have overlooked the tension in that memory? The disquiet in his mother's expression as she stood to leave, the peculiarity of the Fire Lord's request – what had Azulon wanted to see his mother about?
"What are you suggesting?" Zuko snarled over his shoulder in response. The journey through the thick understory of the woods had done little to temper his growing vexation as he pondered the meaning behind the memory. A foreboding feeling was creeping in, replacing the sense of regret he had been nursing earlier.
"Just that this seems… remote," The ship captain voiced calmly.
"It's farther up ahead," He brusquely replied before they returned to silence.
When he noticed rock formations jutting out between the trees above, he knew they were close.
…
Little had been said over breakfast. Katara had contemplated whether to tell Aang of her suspicion – that they might have to plan an escape from the Earth Kingdom military fortress – but decided against it, eyeing the soldiers that were eating around them. She wished that Sokka was with them. Her brother could be a bonehead at times, but he always seemed to have a plan.
The morning continued on in relative normalcy; she and Aang separated as he went to work on the Avatar state and she begrudgingly returned to the infirmary, trying not think of Zuko. After attempting to heal some of the bruising and inflammation on her abdomen, she followed Wen over to Gan's bed.
"It's good to see you're up and walking again," He called when he saw her.
Katara smiled at him, pleased to see he was feeling better. "It's good to be up again."
Gan's grin held a hint of mischief. "I heard you challenged a master earthbender to a duel."
Katara fought the urge to grimace. It seemed she couldn't escape the embarrassment of her defeat, no matter how hard she tried to put it behind her. "Yeah, it was something like that. I don't think I'm going to be challenging anyone else for a while."
"Don't take it too hard," Gan tried to console her. "General Fong is notorious for his earthbending abilities. They renamed the base after him for that very reason. I have to ask though… why did you want to fight him?"
She sighed. "I was trying to convince him to allow women to practice bending at the base and join the military. In short, he refused."
"She did it for me," Wen interjected with a twist of her mouth. "I came here to find an earthbending teacher, but they wouldn't train me."
"Well, look no further," Gan flashed the nurse a confident grin. "I'll gladly teach you some stuff- once I'm all healed up, that is."
"Really?" Wen couldn't hide the excitement in her tone, nor the hopeful glimmer in her eyes.
"Sure, the resistance is always looking for earthbenders and we have plenty of women in the militia."
She glanced at Katara, giving her a look that read 'did you hear that?'. While it wasn't the result that Katara had initially hoped for, she was happy that Wen had at least found someone willing to teach her. It was more than could be said for herself.
"So, you'll be leaving here soon, too?" She asked the nurse.
"Sounds like it," Wen grinned. "If General Fong won't let me train here, I'll just go somewhere else."
Katara returned the smile and hoped for Wen's sake that it would be that easy.
"You can come with the rest of the rebels from Omashu when we leave for the resistance base in the north," Gan proclaimed. "It's somewhere in the Bei Long Mountains."
"That's pretty close to the colonies, right?" Katara asked, trying to picture Aang's map.
"It is. I've heard of the resistance base in the Bei Long Mountains…" Wen turned to Gan, "But I thought the Fire Nation destroyed it a couple years ago?"
"They did," Gan agreed with a slight curl of his lips. "But the Fire Nation didn't destroy the resistance. Word is, they already have another facility up and running."
"Based on the tunnels under Omashu, I don't find that hard to believe," Katara mused.
"I can't wait to see it," Wen almost squealed. "And I can be close to home again."
"What made you decide to come here instead of joining the resistance in the first place?" Katara questioned, thinking it seemed like the obvious choice.
"Well, the resistance has a complicated reputation in the colonies, so I thought that joining the army would make the most sense."
"A complicated reputation?" Katara questioned. Gan's expression mirrored hers.
"Yeah," Wen sighed. "There are many in the colonies who think that the resistance is just causing trouble… that they won't accomplish any good with their methods. A lot of the former Earth Kingdom citizens in the colonies are just trying to get by. They've accepted Fire Nation rule and try to avoid conflict or anything that will give the colonists reason to punish them further." She paused and then turned to Gan, before frantically waving her arms. "I don't believe that, of course, but that's why I hesitated to join."
"That's understandable," Gan nodded. "I've spent my whole life in Omashu, so I don't know much about the colonies outside of what people have told me. Maybe we can change their minds," The rebel suggested with a shrug. "News of the Avatar's return has been spreading like wildfire through the Earth Kingdom. Even with the defeat of Omashu, it seems like people have found some hope again."
Katara smiled at the thought. Even when things seemed hopeless, Aang's return was inspiring.
A rising clamor near the entrance to the infirmary caught their attention. Four soldiers marched through the threshold in an orderly line, scanning the infirmary. When one soldier caught Katara's gaze, he motioned to the others and they proceeded to weave through the rows of cots towards her. Her breath caught in her throat as she exchanged an uneasy glance with Wen and Gan.
"Miss Katara," One of the soldiers addressed her upon their approach. "We are on orders from General Fong to escort you to his office."
She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. What could General Fong want with her? Was he planning to punish her for challenging him? Could it have something to do with Aang?
"Wh- What is this about?" She stammered.
"A number of visitors have arrived from the Fire Nation vessel that was spotted off the coast this morning. Please, come with us."
Knowing that she couldn't refuse, she looked towards Wen and Gan, forcing a smile. "Looks like duty calls," She said, standing to follow the soldiers. "I'll see you both later."
Two soldiers stepped in line behind her as they made their way out of the infirmary and she tried not to seem nervous. Despite herself, a sheen of moisture gathered on her brow as thoughts of Zuko emerged in the clouded haze of her mind. She hoped it was him but chided herself almost immediately; if Zuko came to the Earth Kingdom base, he would almost surely be taken prisoner. She clasped her hands in front of her in an attempt to quell her growing anticipation.
…
When they arrived at the clearing, Zuko's stomach dropped in dread. The cave still contained the supplies and stolen goods he had left Iroh with and a pile of embers smoldered in the fire pit, but the old General was nowhere to be seen.
"Looks like he was here recently," Lieutenant Jee noted, gesturing to the fire pit. "Perhaps he stepped away for something."
Zuko strode into the alcove, crouching down to the tea pot that sat on the ground nearby. He grimaced when he picked it up and liquid sloshed around inside the pot.
"No," He straightened, turning back to Jee. His tone was gruff when he muttered, "Uncle would never leave his tea to go cold." He unceremoniously dropped the ornate pot with a thud and stalked towards the edge of the alcove, igniting a fire in his hands. With an angry grunt, he slammed his fist into the stone, which shuddered and crumbled slightly at the impact.
"Prince Zuko?"
"He must have been taken by someone," He seethed. "And recently." Surveying the clearing, Zuko's eyes fell on a small patch of burnt grass that he hadn't noticed before.
The lieutenant followed his gaze and gave him a stern nod, before turning to the soldiers at his back. "Spread out and look for any signs that could indicate the direction General Iroh was taken," He commanded.
The soldiers obliged, scouring the edges of the clearing for any signs of disturbance.
"Prince Zuko," Lieutenant Jee addressed him. "Do you know who might have reason to abduct your uncle?"
Zuko's scowl deepened, eyeing the scorched patch of grass. "Perhaps Zhao… as retaliation. But I didn't think he was aware of my uncle's whereabouts."
"If we are to assume that Commander Zhao was on his flagship leading the fleet, it's unlikely he would have made it here so quickly," Jee rubbed his chin.
"Lieutenant Jee!" One of the soldiers called out from the edge of the clearing. "Over here!"
Zuko followed the Lieutenant to where the soldier stood. The young soldier pointed to an unnatural radial formation of rocks jutting from the ground farther into the forest.
"This looks like the work of earthbenders," Jee remarked as the prince approached the rocks.
In the middle of the jagged formation, a lone sandal lay among the decaying plant matter that littered the forest floor. Zuko immediately recognized it as belonging to his uncle and reached down to pick it up. The shoe was pungent and Zuko held it at arm's length when he turned to show it to the Lieutenant with a grimace.
"This tells us nothing about which way he was taken," He hissed in annoyance.
"Perhaps not," Lieutenant Jee agreed. "But this could still prove useful. Prince Zuko, have you heard of a bounty hunter named June?"
…
Katara's thoughts were scattered and erratic as they climbed the stairs of the central tower. A number of high-ranking military officers fell in behind them as they made their way to the top floor. As hard as she tried to make sense of the situation, to plan for possible outcomes, it was futile; her mind roiled with nervous tension. Her fingertips were almost white and quickly going numb from clasping her hands so tightly, trying to contain the intense anticipation that was threatening to unhinge her.
Visitors from a lone Fire Nation vessel? Who else could it be but the prince himself? Her heart fluttered and rattled in her chest as if at any moment it might smash through her ribcage and take off like a bird on the breeze. They rounded the corner and started up the last flight of stairs. She decided then and there that she would do everything in her power to protect Zuko. It was the least she could do after he sacrificed himself to allow them to escape Commander Zhao. He had saved them. She would save him.
When the narrow stairway opened up into the hall on the top level of the tower, she leaned to the side to anxiously peer around the soldiers that marched in front of her. The vast space was surprisingly crowded. General Fong was on his feet behind the desk at the opposite side of the grand room with Aang on his right and a small girl with listless, pale green eyes on his left. In front of them stood a sea of green; Earth Kingdom children, none of whom looked to be older than Aang, and Kyoshi Warriors, who Katara immediately recognized from their attire. Her brain registered a sense of relief at the sight of the Kyoshi, but she was too preoccupied with scanning the crowd to consider it any further.
She searched for his face – those molten gold eyes, the sinfully alluring curl of his lips, the mottled discoloration of the scar against his pale skin – and stumbled in dismay when reality dawned on her. Zuko wasn't there. Was he still Zhao's prisoner? Was he on his way to the Fire Nation? She caught Aang's gaze from across the room but couldn't bring herself to return his smile.
"Perfect timing," General Fong declared upon seeing her and the officers at her back. His tone gave no indication of their clash two evenings prior. "Please, come in."
She allowed the soldiers to escort her across the room, certain that the distress she felt was clearly visible on her features.
"Miss Katara, Avatar Aang thought you might be interested to know that the Kyoshi Warriors have been freed from the clutches of the Fire Nation," He gestured to the group of tired young women. Katara was silent; her heart dwelled in the pit of her stomach, having dropped from its place in her chest. "And I am pleased to announce that the children Commander Zhao abducted from Gao Ling have been safely returned to the Earth Kingdom."
"Hoorah!" The soldiers behind her saluted their General with pride.
"Colonel Peng," Fong addressed the soldier who stood off to Katara's right. "Make accommodations for our guests in the barracks."
"Right away, General." The Colonel bowed respectfully and took his leave.
General Fong then turned to the crowd gathered before him, "Please, take some time to rest. You are safe now. I have sent word to the Governors of Gao Ling and Kyoshi Island to inform them of your whereabouts. Sergeant Liu here will escort you all to the mess hall where a meal is being prepared. Tomorrow we will begin organizing your return home."
The enervated horde of children and Kyoshi Warriors reluctantly exited the hall behind the Sergeant, leaving only the remaining military officers, Katara, Aang, and the young Earth Kingdom girl with General Fong.
"Avatar Aang, Miss Katara," He continued once the hall emptied. "I would like to invite you both to a celebratory dinner to honor the safe return of my dear cousin's daughter, Toph Beifong." The General placed a large hand on the shoulder of the girl, who, upon closer inspection, Katara realized was blind. The girl's expression remained impassive.
"I will send someone to collect you from your rooms at sunset. Please be ready." With that, the General turned and strode to the windows that overlooked the military fortress. "You're dismissed."
…
The sun was crawling towards the open sea on the western horizon when they returned to the coastline. Zuko was relieved to find his ship in the cove this time – precisely where he had left it – but otherwise, his emotions hovered between worry, anger, and regret. When he wasn't chastising himself for leaving his uncle in the woods or worrying about the old man's fate, he was thinking of his mother.
The memory that had suddenly drifted to the forefront of his mind as they were trekking through the forest had left him with so many questions. He couldn't fathom how such a vivid memory could have escaped him for so many years. Had he purposefully suppressed memories of his mother? Before seeing her ghost – or hallucination, he still wasn't certain – in the swamp, he couldn't even picture her face. It had taken him a moment to recognize her. How could one possibly forget their own mother?
But in that memory, every detail had felt familiar; his mother's expression, her hand on his head, the tear that slid down her porcelain cheek. You two behave yourselves. It was a sensation like no other. He had been watching the scene unfold through his own eyes, as if for the first time and yet, he knew he had seen it before. Now, as he pondered it, more long forgotten memories surfaced.
"Uncle," His voice wavered under the weight of the forlorn silence that filled the grand hall. Iroh crouched in front of the shrine, one hand tenderly stroking the painted image of Prince Lu Ten. "Uncle, please, no one will tell me what's happening! Where is she? Where is my mom?"
"Zuko," The General breathed, as if only just realizing he was there. "They're going to hold a ceremony to honor Lu Ten tomorrow. He's going to receive a medal for his acts of bravery in the name of the Fire Nation." When his uncle turned to face him, Zuko felt suddenly cold. There was a smile on Iroh's lips, but it did not reach his eyes. Inside the shell of his calm façade, Iroh was empty. "They took him from me."
"Uncle, why is this happening? I don't understand!" He fell to his knees. Zuko had sought out Iroh for comfort, for answers, for anything. Seeing the General in this state, he realized he was alone.
"After everything I did, they still took him from me."
Zuko squeezed his eyes shut as a sharp pain pierced his chest and migrated upwards to his head where it dulled into a throbbing discomfort. What was happening? What had triggered these memories to resurface in such vivid clarity after years of dwelling in the dark recesses of his mind?
Lieutenant Jee's toneless voice dragged him from his thoughts. "We're close now. Ready the komodo rhinos," He commanded, turning to a handful of crewmembers that stood by his side on the deck. They bowed and dispersed, making preparations for another journey over land. Dusk was upon them and a slight chill hung in the air.
"Where are we heading?" Zuko frowned.
"There's a small inn and tavern nestled in the woods northwest of Gao Ling, well off the beaten path. It's a sanctuary for unaffiliated bounty hunters, mercenaries, and assassins."
"And you expect to find this bounty hunter there?"
"I do." The Lieutenant replied.. "If anyone can locate General Iroh, it is June and her beast."
Beast? Zuko thought to inquire about it further but brushed off the notion; his mind was far too occupied with the questions that were looming in the shadows of his past. Instead, he nodded and averted his gaze to the dark water sloshing against the iron hull of his ship. What did it all mean?
He reached into his pocket, running his thumb over the inscription carved into the blue pendant that belonged to Katara, as if expecting an answer.
…
"Katara, are you ready?" Aang's voice called through the doorway.
Throwing on the green Earth Kingdom garb she had picked up weeks ago – by no means anything close to formal attire, but much less frayed and grubby than her comfortable blue tunic – she let out a long exhale. Katara was not looking forward to spending the evening in General Fong's presence, still reeling from her shameful defeat. Steeling herself for the cumbrous meal, she strode through the threshold to find Aang standing at the side of a brawny military officer.
"This way," The man's voice was deep and gruff as he turned on his heel.
Aang offered Katara a set smile which she returned, grateful for the airbender's company. At least she wasn't alone.
They followed the officer up the flights of stairs to the top level of the tower. A long stone table had been erected in the middle of the hall, covered with elaborate, steaming dishes. At the far end, General Fong sat at the head of the table with the blind girl close by, staring vacantly ahead.
"Avatar Aang," General Fong greeted the airbender with a smile, "And Miss Katara." When Katara's name was announced, the blind girl suddenly perked up as if in recognition, her mouth dropping open ever so slightly. "Please, come sit down."
Katara kept her gaze on the other girl as she and Aang took their seats at the opposite end of the sumptuous display. The reaction perplexed her – did she know this blind girl somehow?
"Let me introduce Toph Beifong," The General continued. "She is the daughter of my dear cousin Lao Beifong of Gao Ling."
Whatever had passed over the girl's expression at the mention of Katara's name had disappeared and she nodded her head and sighed with a quiet, unassuming, "Pleased to meet your acquaintance."
"Nice to meet you," Aang grinned, "I'm Aang and this is Katara," He paused. "Though, I guess General Fong just said that."
A woman entered the hall from behind them carrying a stack of bronze plates, a long apron covering her dark green dress. Katara watched out of the corner of her eye as the woman placed the plates on the table and proceeded to portion out the dishes. She wondered if this woman was in a similar position to Wen. Had she also volunteered for service to fight for her country?
"Thank you," Katara smiled as a plate was placed before her, trying to meet the woman's gaze. The older woman's face was impassive, and her eyes remained fixed on the table.
"Aang," General Fong began, having been served his meal. "I thought you would be pleased to know that I have been engaged in talks with some leaders of the resistance."
"That's great news," Aang replied around the food in his mouth.
"Indeed. I believe we can come to some sort of agreement regarding coordination with the army and the sharing of classified information, though only to an extent," The General continued as if Katara and Toph weren't even there. "Would this ensure your continued cooperation in trying to master the Avatar State?"
Aang gave Katara a sidelong glance, swallowing as if his mouth had suddenly gone dry. His gaze shifted down to his plate again. Katara was bout to open her mouth to say something, but a reproachful glare from the General forced her to bite her tongue.
"Yes, as promised," Aang nodded meekly.
Katara was dumbfounded. Just days ago, Aang had expressed trepidation at the prospect of continuing to work on getting into the Avatar State. He had told her that he was worried about straying from the teachings of his old mentor, Monk Gyatso. What had changed in her absence?
"Very good," General Fong smiled. "Perhaps with the combined forces of the Earth Kingdom army and resistance troops, we can finally free the colonies from Fire Nation rule."
"That would be… very good," Aang agreed, though his tone suggested he was still deep in thought about the Avatar State.
"And hopefully soon you will have the Avatar State mastered and we can strike the Fire Nation capitol, dealing the final blow to end the war."
The girl named Toph continued to look rather uninterested, absentmindedly picking at the food on her plate. When she reached out to take her cup, her knuckles collided clumsily with the bronze vessel and it clattered against the table, spilling its contents on her plate.
The General was clearly suppressing a frown when he turned to the blind girl. "Your Aunt in Ba Sing Se will have a great deal of work with you under her supervision," He admonished her. "I'll call someone from the kitchen to get you another plate."
"I'm fine," Toph muttered under her breath, not even attempting to conceal her grimace. She crossed her arms and Katara watched the demure façade melt away. "I'm not hungry anyways."
"What would your parents say if they saw you acting like this?" General Fong continued with a tightened expression.
"I don't care what they would say," She murmured back, her tone becoming increasingly tense. "I don't need them or my stupid Aunt telling me what to do."
"Toph," The General hissed under his breath, sending the girl a disapproving look which clearly didn't affect her, being blind and all. "I have arranged transport for you to Ba Sing Se in three days' time. You are going to stay with your Aunt. I won't hear any more of this insolence."
"Insolence?" She snapped back, "How's this for insolence?" Toph slammed her foot to the ground as the stone table collapsed. Katara and Aang watched on in shock as the splendid array of food flew through the air before splattering across the floor.
General Fong was on his feet, his frown deepening as he stepped forward to put the blind girl in her place, but the Avatar interrupted him.
"You're an earthbender?" Aang exclaimed, having apparently forgotten his distress.
"No, Airhead, I'm a firebender," She retorted, rolling her eyes.
Aang was taken aback by her quick response. "Airhead?"
"Hey! There's no need to be mean to Aang," Katara spoke up in defense of her friend as she found her feet and brushed rice from her green tunic. "He was only asking a question. You're the one who's throwing food everywhere."
Toph's laugh was derisive and there was venom in her tone, "Really, Miss Princess? You're going to tell me off too?"
"Miss Princess?" Katara nearly choked. What was with this girl? They had hardly said a word to each other before Toph started hurling insults at her and Aang. "You don't know anything about me!"
The blind girl ignored her and turned back towards the General. "I'm sick of people telling me what to do and I'm done listening to everyone who tells me that I need to act like a lady." She spat on the ground, plainly expressing her distaste. The General's visage appeared to be reddening by the second at Toph's display. With a grunt, she turned and stomped towards the doorway. "You can all kick rocks."
"Wait!" Aang called after her, jumping up to follow.
Katara paused. Her indignation at the girl's barbs had quickly jolted her into the offensive but, as much as it pained her to admit it, she felt a tinge of empathy for Toph upon hearing her complaints. The blind girl was also struggling under the oppressive thumb of the General, just as she herself had only a day ago.
She found herself alone in the hall with the seething General for a brief moment before her instincts kicked in. Without even a glance in his direction, she flew through the doorway behind her friend. Aang was tailing the angry little earthbender down flights of stone stairs that cracked under her feet.
"Hey! Come back!" He swiftly hopped down another flight of stairs to land in front of her. "Why are you so angry?"
She thrust her arm out before her and abruptly swung it to the side, sliding the stair on which Aang stood towards the wall. When he was out of her way, she continued stomping downwards, heading into the subterranean network of tunnels and rooms under the military facility.
But Aang was persistent. "Stop!" He ran up behind her and reached out for her shoulder. Toph spun around to face him.
"Why do you even care?" She hissed, getting in his face.
Katara finally caught up with them, panting.
"I- I don't know," He admitted sheepishly. "I don't like to see people angry. Will you tell me what's wrong?"
Toph huffed. "Everyone is always telling me that I can't do things- Because I'm blind, because I'm a girl, and because I'm from a noble family. It's stupid. I should be able to do whatever the hell I want!"
"So, why don't you?" Aang shrugged.
"It's not that simple," She snapped back.
"Sure it is," The airbender replied with an easy smile. "Come with us."
"What?" Katara and Toph said simultaneously.
"You don't want to go to Ba Sing Se, right?"
Toph's frown deepened as she turned her head to the side and muttered, "No."
"So, don't. We're going to the North Pole to find a master to teach Katara and I waterbending. You can come with us instead."
"Aang," Katara turned to him in shock. "What's going on? Up there, it sounded like you had promised General Fong we would stay here until you got into the Avatar State."
Aang sent her a guilty grin before clasping his hands behind his back. "I maybe did tell General Fong that we would stay here until I got into the Avatar State… But that's only because he told me that we couldn't leave. I have a really bad feeling about this place and about General Fong," He glanced over to Toph, as if she might have an objection before continuing. "And I think we need to get ready to leave. We might have to try sneak out..."
Katara sighed in relief, "I've been thinking the same thing."
"Ok, I'm in." Toph interjected.
"What? Really?" Aang exclaimed, whirling back around to face her. "You'll help us?"
"Yeah, I'm definitely busting out of here before I get shipped off to Ba Sing Se. Plus, you know, I'm pretty experienced in the art of escape now," She smirked. "You guys are lucky I'm here."
Katara rolled her eyes, still not entirely certain how she felt about Aang inviting Toph to join them.
"Should we… meet somewhere to plan this?" Aang asked.
"Nah, I got it," Toph shrugged him off. "I'm going to bed now."
"Um, ok," The airbender stared at her for a moment before retreating up the stairs, giving Katara a confused look in passing.
"Oh, and Miss Princess," Toph called before Katara could turn to follow Aang to their respective rooms.
"Why do you keep calling me that?" She shot back. "My name is Katara."
"Yeah, exactly," the blind girl said dismissively, pulling a rolled up piece of paper from a pocket in her dress. "This is for you."
"What… is it?"
"Can't you see?"
Katara glowered at the jab, "Yes, but-"
"Just take it."
She hesitantly took the piece of paper from the girl's hand, wondering what it could possibly be. A red tie held the little scroll closed and she pulled it gingerly. The paper unfurled in her hand and her breath caught in her throat.
"What does it say?" Toph asked.
"N-nothing," Katara stammered.
"Really? Because your heartrate just went through the roof," The blind earthbender noted with a wicked grin. "Could it be… a love letter?"
If Toph could see, she would have noticed Katara's face turn a dark shade of red. "What!? Don't be ridiculous. It's- it's not!"
"That's a lie," the blind girl noted. "Your heart jumped... just like his did."
"It's not a love letter!" She snapped back defensively.
"Tch," The girl clicked her tongue, before leaving Katara alone to stare at the scroll in her trembling hands.
Scribbled on the paper in sprawling characters were the words: I won't let you go again. See you soon.
So, there you have it! What do you think about the memories of Ursa and Iroh? Toph's outburst? Zuko's letter? Please let me know (with a review?)!
Yes, Katara has been having sexy-dreams for a while now... I'm sort of using it as an excuse to practice writing something citrusy (which I assure you, is coming soon)! I hope I don't offend anyone with my dirty mind.
I'm also getting very impatient with myself here. I have some parts of future chapters that I've already written and I'm really excited about posting, but I have to keep resisting the urge to just pull a time skip to get there sooner. Writing is hard sometimes.
As always, thank you so very much to all you wonderful people who have continued reading this story! I'm going to try get the next chapter up soon!
...
With love,
A Storm