Chapter 8: When a Man's Folly is Passed Down
Summary:
"What have you done, Sozin?" Chief Kaji ran a hand down his face. His voice was a harsh whisper. "What in Agni's Name have you done?"
The Spirits are not always kind; they can be angry and vengeful, and children are not spared.
AN: This chapter briefly mentions the Air Temples/Air Nomad genocide/people/animals dying/references (war) violence, but doesn't go into a ton of detail.
Spirits may Curse, Bless, Choose, and Claim…
One more thing, Dwaeji nodded to one of the bird children, and he came forward with an egg-shaped vial that was filled with water from the Golden River. Your nephew bears…a tremendously…heavy burden…no one should…ever have to face.
Something was off, Zuko was sure of it. But he couldn't put his finger on exactly what "it" was. Both Pima and Kojin had been giving him strange looks lately.
Whenever Pima was worried, she smiled. But it was in a too-tight-lopsided way; like she was trying too hard to be casual. She started having that crooked smile way too much.
It loosened to her usual smile when Zuko was with her for extended amounts of time, and she looked so relieved.
Kojin was just short of hovering. He had started emphasizing Zuko knowing how to fight more and more lately. He also started teaching Zuko even more about the Spirits. Zuko would have been annoyed at him if Kojin's worry wasn't so blatantly obvious. But Zuko had no idea what he was worried about.
Pima and Kojin had Zuko go to Gramps and Nani's house while they went…somewhere. They didn't seem to be doing something like a date, or whatever. They were both in their usual clothes.
He'd wanted to see Ryu and Hana today, but they'd told him "no" and didn't explain.
It was getting increasingly annoying and frustrating because neither of them were telling him what was going on.
Gramps and Nani only had a small grasp of Sign Language. Mostly, they used simple signs, and had a slate on hand to write stuff down.
Zuko was sitting in the kitchen while Nani was making something?
She was cutting up fruit and mixing it together. Nani glanced at him and smiled. She asked him something, but he didn't catch it.
So Zuko got up and walked over, and made a motion, asking for Nani to repeat herself.
"Do you want to help?" she nodded to the fruit on the counter.
Shrugging, Zuko figured why not. He didn't like just sitting around doing nothing anyway.
Nani told him to wash his hands, and then she showed him how to cut the fruit and mash it up; mixing everything together.
She then rolled some dough, and showed Zuko how to do that as well.
This was also the point where Zuko learned that Nani and Gramps were just as weird as Pima and Kojin. Maybe even more so.
Gramps walked into the kitchen and kissed Nani. While she was focused on him, Gramps snuck some of the chopped fruit. Nani wacked Gramps' hand, but it didn't seem to bother him…so it didn't hurt? Gramps laughed as he ate his prize and then…smacked Nani's butt…
Nani whacked Gramps' arm, leaving behind a floury handprint.
She was pointing and gesturing, and Gramps gleefully grabbed another handful of chopped fruit before making his escape.
Nani turned back to the counter, shaking her head. But she was smiling, and didn't seem even the slightest bit angry.
Blushing, Zuko felt sort of like he'd just witnessed something personal he shouldn't have seen. Though, Zuko couldn't even imagine his grandparents acting like – like that. It was…it wasn't exactly something people should do in public…well, they were in their house. But they'd done that in front of him…was that wrong?
Nani didn't even seem to acknowledge what Gramps had done. She just started to form the dough into little balls with the fruit, and showed Zuko how to do it.
Nani's looked perfect, while Zuko's were somewhat misshapen and inconsistent in size.
But they still tasted good.
"I can show you how to make more." Nani told him. "If you like."
Zuko smiled and nodded.
0000
Kojin and Pima were quick to request an audience with Priestess Kaori and Chief Kaji. Thankfully, they didn't have to wait very long; as Kaori able to see them later the afternoon of the next day.
Nobui was a former Svāhā's Priestess, and was going into a well-deserved retirement upon Priestess Kaori taking on the role. She was still there to offer their newest Priestess guidance in Spiritual matters. So maybe she'd also be able to give them some sort of advice.
Zuko was currently with Pima's parents, so he should be fine.
Chief Kaji arrived quickly without question; because if someone were summoning him for a meeting along with a Priestess, it was serious.
Kojin gave them an abridged version of everything he'd learned from reading Zuko's books, and then showed them that accursed paragraph.
It was immediately clear that Chief Kaji, Nobui, and Priestess Kaori all understood what it meant the moment they read it.
Priestess Kaori put a hand to her mouth and fought back tears. "That poor boy…"
Chief Kaji swore without apology. Chief Kaji hardly ever cursed unless he was justifiably, truly angry; or the situation was serious enough to warrant it. If it had been at any other time, Kojin would have been impressed at the Chief's extensively colorful use of language.
"Oh, Spirits." Nobui sadly shook her head. "There's always some arrogant fool born once every few generations who doesn't consider what they'll be passing onto their kin. They hardly ever have to reap the consequences of living with their decisions."
"What have you done, Sozin?" Chief Kaji ran a hand down his face. His voice was a harsh whisper. "What in Agni's Name have you done?"
"…Chantico's old Shrine is caved in and buried. Isn't it?" Priestess Kaori spoke quietly. "Zuko won't have any reason to go into her current one – or any of the others."
"I've already told him to stay away from certain parts of the Ruins, but… We need to….we should tell him about this." Kojin determined.
"Should we?" Priestess Kaori asked hesitantly. "I don't – I'm not…Elder Nobui?"
Nobui frowned in clear disapproval; the wrinkles on her face deepened. "And why would we do that?"
"And why wouldn't we?!" Pima didn't exactly yell, but she was near it. She was obviously forcing courtesy because of Nobui's sacred position. Pima visibly breathed in and out, calming herself. She ducked her head in apology.
"…To fight against the Will of Spirits is to invite folly." Nobui's gaze hardened. "The undeniable fact is that the boy will more than certainly be Spirit-Claimed."
Priestess Kaori made a quiet gasping noise that she muffled.
Chief Kaji sighed heavily, and at that moment, he looked older than his years.
"Can we be certain?" he asked.
"Sozin, the fool," the old woman practically spat the name as if it left a bitter taste on her tongue, "abused Chantico's power and spread destruction; Chantico's arrival is in a little under six years. And now, the fool's great-grandson is here. Such things are not coincidence."
Chief Kaji nodded grimly in agreement. Since this was a situation involving Spirits, he was letting Nobui and Priestess Kaori lead the conversation and leaving the discussion to them. He was now simply observing. He'd only get involved if they asked – or if he felt he really had to.
"He needs to be warned." Kojin insisted. "Zuko's just a kid!"
"He is the descendant of a man who has severely disrupted the precious balance of our world, and the Spirits in their time and infinite wisdom, have finally seen to fix it." Nobui motioned to the book. "You've just told us of the fool's arrogant crimes, some of which are listed right there, and proudly so."
"Please, Chief Kaji, Priestess Kaori, Elder Nobui, have mercy." Pima bowed, pressing her forehead to the floor. "Zuko's my precious student – the one I begged for passing on my Lost Arts to – he's just started learning them – and he's doing so well." Pima slammed her fist against the floor. "He's got to have a greater purpose than simply being Claimed. We can't just leave him!"
"This isn't something that should be found out when it happens," Kojin argued. "I've read the historical texts – at the least we can prepare him or even prevent-!"
Nobui raised her hand, and slowly lowered it when Kojin stopped speaking.
"Pima. Raise your head. Kojin. Would you really risk interfering?" Nobui asked gently. "Even at potential peril to yourselves?"
"Of course." Kojin answered without hesitation. Nobui's mouth was a thin line – showing her discomfort and disapproval.
Please, Agni…don't let it be Zuko. But Kojin knew in his heart; that sinking feeling of dread…he'd read more than one story about what happened to Spirit-Claimed people.
"Yes. He should be prepared for if – when it happens." Pima replied. She still spoke as if she didn't want to accept it. "If…if it does, we can at least prepare him for…"
"I know you care for the child, but I'm sorry. I don't agree. To interfere with the inevitable would risk inviting ill omens on yourselves. On us." Nobui waved her hand to emphasize her point. "The fact is, Zuko is an outsider. It's far better to leave him to it. The Spirits always have their way, no matter what."
"He's my student!" Pima shouted, rising to her feet. "The Spirits have no right to take him away!"
At the same time, Kojin raised his voice, "This is Zuko's very life we're talking about here!"
"Pima, do not say such things!" Nobui reprimanded harshly. She snapped her fingers, releasing a colorful array of sparks. Nobui muttered a prayer under her breath – to be on the safe side.
Pima sniffled, and wiped her eyes. She took in a deep, calming breath, and slowly let out wisp of flame. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't've said that…"
Kojin immediately pulled back and stopped himself. Getting angry wouldn't help anyone right now. His anger was misdirected. If anyone deserved his anger; it was Sozin. This entire situation was his doing. But it was a waste to hate and curse a man long-dead.
"Apologies," he calmed his Fire, and let his anger fade like drifting smoke. "I understand your reasoning, Elder Nobui. But we shouldn't just leave Zuko to the wolf-chimps. I'm sorry, but I can't do that. I won't."
"There's a big difference between…" Pima waved her hands, searching for the right word, "…delaying and interfering. Isn't there? Zuko's my responsibility. Please, I'm not trying to trick the Spirits or make them angry. Honest. I don't want him facing something so big and scary, and not understand what's happening."
"Priestess Kaori, if…" Kojin didn't really know how to ask this, since it could very nearly be seen as disrespectful. "Please forgive any insolence on my part, but…if it was you, Agni forbid – if it was you, and people you trusted knew – and could have told you – would…would you want to know?" He looked – searching and desperate – at Priestess Kaori. "Would you want to know before or after the fact?"
"Honestly…I don't know." Priestess Kaori replied solemnly. "I…I have to think about it."
"Zuko at least has the right to know what destiny will force on him." Kojin added faintly.
In all of the historical texts he'd read about Spirit-Claimed people, the destiny that the Spirits essentially forced upon them almost always came at a surprise. The person hadn't really understood what was happening as their lives were irreversibly changed.
Circumstances always worked out for the Claimed to get wherever the vengeful Spirits wanted them to go. It was a destiny they could neither avoid nor run from.
This time, they could warn the person – warn them of what, exactly? It wasn't…
Maybe not warn, necessarily. But prepare Zuko, somehow; show him what happened to those people –
He at least deserved to understand why. Maybe…not show him what happened. Maybe just give him the general idea. If they told him, the kid would already be scared enough. They didn't need to add fuel to the fire.
It was unfair. Truly a childish-sounding sentiment.
For those who were Claimed – the devastation surrounding them once they fulfilled the Judgement – the survivors who were left behind in the resulting aftermath were now unfortunate messengers to remind people to never take the Spirits lightly; to always remember the Spirits' Names; to not misuse what had been given to them; and to never insult the Spirits.
"Do you think there's any changing it?" Nobui questioned, her expression softened considerably. She completely understood.
"A child shouldn't have to take on such a cruel-heavy burden, especially alone." Pima replied. She stopped. "Oh, Agni! What about Iroh?"
Kojin had nearly forgotten about Zuko's uncle – which, admittedly, made him feel a bit guilty.
"Should we wait for Iroh to come back to tell Zuko?" Pima asked. "It's not news anyone should have to hear by themselves."
"Here's the thing; Zuko's a young boy who likes exploring." Kojin reasoned. "Yes, I've told him to stay away from certain areas. But I didn't explain why. On one hand, he doesn't listen, even if we say it's dangerous. It'd be like a dare. Or he wouldn't take it seriously enough.
"On the other, he actually listens and stays away – but then goes somewhere where it's dangerous because what harm can it do? He should at least be offered an explanation as to why it's so dangerous."
They all debated whether it was better to tell Zuko the news now, or wait for whenever Iroh would return. But the harsh truth was, there was no changing the destiny of a Claimed. There never had been.
They'd have to explain anyway, so wouldn't it be better to get it over with now, instead of simply waiting for it to happen?
But Kojin didn't want to accept it. All those people – their stories were written in historical texts; so that's all they'd ever been: stories. Morbid, horrifying, histories where fools crossed an unforgivable line with Spirits.
Now, here was Zuko – and he was an actual, living, breathing person; a kid. Someone Kojin personally knew.
"I don't know." Priestess Kaori whispered. She fidgeted a little, and Nobui cleared her throat gently. Priestesses weren't exactly supposed to fidget so much. Flushing at the reminder, Priestess Kaori straightened with her shoulders back and chin up.
"I've met Zuko, limited as our interaction was." The Priestess said softly, holding a hand to her chest. "His Fire is the color of sunflowers, and it was very warm. He's truly a kind soul. Elder Nobui. If we are so certain that such a thing is coming, should it really be a surprise?"
Priestess Kaori glanced down before looking at her father and Nobui. "I don't want to manipulate or make excuses just to make myself feel better for not telling Zuko. I need to meditate, I think."
Nobui looked visibly relieved. "Considering this is a Spirit-Claimed – that might be for the best."
"Please…give me…three days. At least." Priestess Kaori requested.
0000
Kaori released a long, drawn out sigh; staring into the candle flames on the table in front of her. She fiddled with the charcoal pencil in her hand enough that it was slowly spreading black smudges on her fingers – which then was transferred to her cheek, thigh, and other arm as she fidgeted.
She shouldn't fidget so much; it was a habit that she needed to break.
She had officially been a Priestess for only a few days. Kaori didn't think she'd ever be dealing with a Spirit-Claimed person in her lifetime.
An Air Monk named Yeng Yun-Chi of the Western Air Temple once wrote:
"Be warned: do not ever give a Spirit's Child a new name; or use them for your own selfish gains. Why, fool, would you do such a selfish and cruel thing with no regard for the consequences?
Don't you know this produces a Bond between the Spirit's Child and the descendants of the foolish Name-thief; the exploiter? Such actions come at a heavy price; a cruel burden placed upon the descendant of fools.
Why would you do such a cruel thing, you fool, and leave your people to suffer a Spirit's Judgement in the wake of your imprudence?"
The Air Nomads traveled around the world, studying and learning about Spirits, teaching people and sharing wisdom and warnings about them. They were the only Nation who never had a Claimed among them, because they knew what it meant to do such a thing.
There were ignorant and arrogant people in the world who didn't heed the warnings. The selfish fools thought nothing of causing pain and destruction; and using something so graciously provided by the Spirits to do it.
The Avatar couldn't be everywhere at once; sometimes the Avatar simply wasn't available. So in the meantime, the Spirits mediated. They always did; acting where the Avatar couldn't; with the Avatar ensuring a delicate balance. It may have been slow going for some, but the Spirits could be patient.
In the past, when fools abused a Spirit's power; giving a Spirit a new name; or using a Spirit's Child for their own selfish purposes…
It never ended well for anyone involved. The fools, their descendants, along with the people who followed the fool on the path of destruction, had always met a terrible fate once the Spirits in their time, stepped in.
Kaori wiped her eyes, leaving behind black smudges, and breathed out slowly.
She glanced at the tapestries lining the wall – they each represented aspects of the Four Nations; of Benders working together manipulating the Lost Arts of their Elements. They had been gifts from the Southern Water Tribe. Each made with the Lost Art of Waterweaving by the women of the Southern Tribe.
At her request, Kojin brought the school materials for her to look over.
How had a mere man's eloquent, deplorable ramblings inspire generations of an entire Nation to take up arms against the world even after his death?
Kaori shakily took in a breath. Was it all gone, now? Were those tapestries all that were left?
How could someone be so proud of destroying another culture different than their own?
How had Sozin managed to twist everything up like he had? Why had people followed him? Had they even questioned it?
Though, if they did… He probably killed them. Or maybe he'd made them out to be the villains, so people would turn on them for the sake of fear, self-preservation, and misplaced loyalty.
Kaori only read through two and a half of his grand speeches of ambition, of sharing Fire's greatness, of conquest, before she couldn't take any more. She had to put the book down. Her heart broke with every word; she felt so sick seeing the beginning of his campaign, and she knew the outcome.
The man had been insane. But that wasn't strong enough of a word.
It was too simple.
She couldn't focus on that right now.
In front of her was a list: pros and cons for telling and not telling Zuko about an unfortunate fate being thrust upon him because of his ancestor's foolishness.
The thing was, Kaori understood Nobui's fears – nothing ever went well interfering with the Spirits Will. The former Priestess had several stories of people from the past and even those she had known personally being foolish enough to get very much unwanted attention on them. Kaori treated the stories like the warnings that they were.
There were numerous stories; both factual and folktales about people trying to manipulate and lie to the Spirits to get out of that burden and never succeeding. The Spirits made sure to get that person's attention, no matter the cost. Or…they were pulled apart; spirited-away; lost for eternity to the Spirit World.
When it came to Spirit-Claimed people, interfering with them…getting in the way of what the Spirits wanted…it could be risky.
Kaori had read enough of the stories to know that Claimed people could unwittingly spread destruction around them if they tried running from that destiny.
The one time that someone interfered directly with a Spirit's Judgement… Kaori sniffed, and wiped her nose.
Very un-Priestess-like.
That infamous one-time interference in a Spirit's Judgment was why Nobui was so reluctant; why she would rather stay out of this. She didn't want to take even a tiny risk.
It was why Kaori had to be careful.
But there was a child in the middle of this mess.
It was why she didn't know what to do.
She wasn't prepared for this.
It'd been two days, and she still didn't know what to do.
Even though Nobui had clearly given her opinion; Kaori still talked with her, trying to sort out her thoughts.
Zuko hadn't officially been Claimed yet, keyword.
At most, they could slightly delay Chantico, but not directly interfere, just as Pima said. It'd be skirting the line at most. Pushing and delaying just enough so as to not draw the Spirits' attention to themselves, but helping someone who needed it.
Keep Zuko practically a prisoner, and – no. Either way, it wouldn't be fair to him.
Should they wait for Iroh? He'd need to know what was happening and why – and that this wasn't something he could protect his nephew from.
Waiting was delaying the inevitable conversation.
Considering the circumstances, Iroh would be a source of comfort – and they could tell him…
She didn't want to feel guilt, keeping news like this to herself. It'd essentially be throwing Zuko into the mongoose-cobra den and telling him not to get bit. And when he was bitten, they'd be turning around and telling him the dangers of the mongoose-cobra's venom.
What good would telling him now even do?
"No matter what he does or doesn't do, there's no fighting a Spirit-induced destiny. Not one like this." Nobui pointed out, gently, when Kaori asked. She looked sad even as she said it.
If they interfered too much (how much was too much) the Spirits – Agni – would – probably punish both Pima and Kojin on their own; or it would be the entire Sun Warriors? Somehow? Would Agni's punishment really reach out that far?
(Would he truly punish so harshly?)
So…they don't tell Zuko. To protect themselves. He wasn't one of them.
He would bear the brunt of the Spirits' anger alone.
Or they could…prepare him, somehow.
How were they even supposed to do that?
Tell him that the world was severely out of balance, and the one way the world can regain balance is by carrying out a Spirit's Judgement on those who have thoughtlessly disrupted it.
So they tell him, and then what if he tried to run? That was far too dangerous… Dear Agni, she didn't want to do this.
How was she, how was anyone supposed to tell a child that…
The historical accounts detailed how Claimed people were used to bring about a Spirit's Judgment. Unlike the Avatar, normal Humans couldn't endure so much Spiritual energy flowing through them. Once the Judgement ended, the Claimed person would go on to become a Spirit of the land, wherever it was that the Judgement took place.
Could they really prepare Zuko to die when he's barely on the cusp of adulthood? How could they even tell him that he'd be used to bring about the deaths of thousands?
Could they throw him out like an ox-lamb to the slaughter?
Prepare him so he's not surprised and he at least knows what to expect and why it was happening.
Expect him to accept such a fate and leave him to it?
How kind of them, Kaori thought, admittedly bitter.
Prepare him to die, and his entire life affected and consumed by the selfishness of one man with one seemingly innocuous action.
Kaori would have cursed Sozin the fool, if it did any good. His thoughtlessness had brought them here.
She breathed in, and breathed out, releasing her wasted anger at a dead man.
Sozin's descendants were effectively Bonded with Chantico. Agni could activate that Bond at any time he wished. Because it was Chantico's power Sozin had used, he'd waited for her arrival to finally activate that Bond; and waited for a descendant to finally show themselves.
Maybe it had been mercy on Agni's part that he'd waited; giving Sozin's descendants a chance to redeem themselves and stop the war.
But the Spirits' mercy was not limitless.
They could just not tell him, and let the sparks fall where they may, like Nobui thought they should do.
But then they'd have to explain what was going on anyway. What would they do when he found out that they knew all along, and they didn't tell him? Zuko could probably put enough together to figure it out.
A thought struck her.
By Agni and Svāhā, what if Zuko resented them? What if by not telling Zuko they were risking turning his Fire black? Was it a good idea to risk? Especially, if Zuko was to be Spirit-Claimed.
Maybe they would be allowed a little leniency if they were ever so slightly indirect in places. Like taking the long way round instead of going on the direct path.
Kaori could already hear Nobui's voice in her mind:
"No amount of prayers and blessings will change a Claimed's fate. Not even a Priestess of Svāhā."
It was not callousness on Nobui's part that influenced her decision-making. It was willingness to simply accept the dire circumstances and not fight them or question it. Nothing good had ever come from interfering…
Just how exactly, Kaori wondered, were they supposed to prepare someone for this? She wished there was a simple answer.
Offer guidance? A prayer? It was Agni who had been spurned; it was his Sacred Gift that had been abused. Would he truly look on the child whose great-grandfather had committed such actions with mercy?
If she prayed to Svāhā, would she remind Agni how to have love and extend mercy; even though her children had been slaughtered?
Kaori stared at the flames, searching for some kind of answer.
But none came.
So she mediated a while longer.
Maybe…as long as they handled it as tactfully as possible, they could tell him. The thought of not telling him and just letting it happen made Kaori's stomach turn.
Someone knocked, and then entered.
Riku bowed, then said, "I'm sorry to interrupt. Something's happened…with the kid. Zuko."
00000
Lately, both Pima and Kojin were being…odd. They seemed distracted, and they seemed to keep looking at him, but not make it too obvious. Closing his eyes, and focusing on their Inner Fire; Pima was a darker pink; twisting with worry. Kojin's was a darker orange that felt stressed.
It made Zuko feel uneasy.
Kojin once again emphasized staying away from certain parts of the Ruins.
Like…staying away from a section of the Ruins that led to that peach-berry tree.
"It'd be better if you didn't go near there at all."
Zuko didn't tell Kojin that he'd been there before.
Nothing had happened. What was Kojin so worried about?
Everyone else always got to go and explore whenever they wanted. Why was he the one singled out?
It didn't seem fair. It also hurt, a little. Like Kojin was taking something away.
So Zuko just agreed with Kojin to make him stop pestering.
Pima was pushing Zuko harder.
It was strange in a way that again, Zuko couldn't figure out.
He sort of messed up on a series of katas, and stumbled.
Pima walked over. 'Watch me.'
She dragged her starting foot across the ground, making a small arc of flames. Spin, kick high, flip forward, and build up momentum. Flames whirled around her as she went; leaping and spinning through air, and landing perfectly.
She walked over. 'Make sure you lift your leg like this,' Pima demonstrated. 'And push off your other foot as you go. Otherwise, you won't build up the…fast.'
She tapped his shoulder. 'Go again.'
Zuko nodded. He was successful this time.
He was distracted, though, trying to figure out what was going on. Pima wasn't discouraging, or anything. She didn't seem disappointed. Pima just…encouraged him, but it was like she was waiting for something.
'Is something going on?' Zuko finally asked directly.
"Yes. But…I can't tell you what it is, not yet." Pima said. "Practice your forms again. Then your do your Chi exercises."
It was increasingly frustrating that they wouldn't just tell him whatever was going on; especially when it so clearly involved him, somehow.
The house was almost stifling with their worry, so Zuko was relieved when he was able to leave to play with Hana and Ryu.
00000
'P-I-M-A and K-O-J-I-N are acting weird,' Zuko complained to Hana and Ryu. 'For a while they've been…' Zuko made a soft grunting noise as he tried to think of the word, 'they've been…just always around, watching me. Constantly checking on me, and making my training more…difficult? I'm not sure how to explain it.'
Hana couldn't really think of what to say beyond: "Adults are weird."
"I bet they're planning something." Ryu added.
'Like what?' Zuko asked.
Ryu simply shrugged, signing, "Maybe they're preparing you for a ceremony?"
'Really?'
"That doesn't make sense, though." Hana said. "If it was for Zuko's grad -graduation… um, how do you sign that?"
Zuko wasn't sure of the word she was saying.
"Uh…how do you spell it again?"
Ryu helpfully finger-spelled 'graduation' for her.
Zuko then signed the word.
"Your graduation to Master. It's a big deal. They wouldn't just be throwing all that training at you for no reason."
"Maybe we aren't supposed to know because we're just "kids"." Ryu pointed out.
'Whatever.'
They were making their way out to the tree again, today. But were taking a different route because of some older kids that Ryu had spotted who were hanging out near their usual path. The older kids weren't really that mean, or anything.
They often teased and scared the younger kids by jumping out at them from behind the walls, trees, and roots. They would laugh, poke, and push, and just be annoying without actually hurting anyone.
Even if they didn't mean any harm, it would probably set Zuko on edge, though. Chances were, Sen would bite more than one of them. Ryu wanted to avoid trouble, so they'd just avoided the older kids entirely.
Hana carefully stepped along a thick tree root.
Sure, there were several spots that didn't look stable enough to support their weight, but Hana always made sure to only climb and walk over the thickest, strongest-looking roots.
They were always careful. Ryu was being dumb worrying about nothing, insisting on scooting alongside the buildings while pointing out anything that seemed even slightly dangerous. Zuko followed behind him treating it more like a game.
The roots where she was walking on shifted a little, and there was a slight groaning noise. Something snapped and there was a clattering sound as Hana leapt off the root with all the gracefulness of a jack-antelope.
"Look at that!" Ryu pointed, very dramatically, Hana thought.
Ryu pointed at a hole in the foliage that had probably already been there, who knows? Who cared? Sure, something somewhere had been knocked loose, but it didn't seem to matter at all.
"Walking along the roots isn't a good idea!"
Hana rolled her eyes. "Look how small it is, though. Not even my leg could fit through there. You worry too much."
When he'd been alive, her great-uncle had told her about when the Sun Warriors started cutting themselves off from the world – how they had grown trees and plants; covering and hiding their homes and the Shrines. Much of what they had built was gone, probably for good. Which was sad. They were probably walking over where some old houses used to be.
They were able to get their peach-berries without any hassle.
"This tree has fruit just about all year round because both Firebenders and Earthbenders worked together to grow it." Ryu told Zuko, sounding a bit proud that he knew such a common-knowledge fact. "So now, lots of Firebenders come here to make sure it continues growing."
Hana's chin and hands were a sticky mess. She carried a cloth in her pocket for this very reason.
Ryu just wiped his face with his sleeve, like a ruffian.
Zuko seemed to wonder what he should do – he clearly didn't want to wipe his face with his sleeve. He had to stop Sen from trying to lick his face clean. Hana giggled as she shared the cloth.
Ryu pointed to a path that led out to a beach.
"Gator-wasps go there to lay their eggs," Ryu explained. "Their bites are pretty nasty, and they have like, a huge stinger," Ryu spread out his hands, "that big. Sometimes bigger. My older cousin got stung by one on accident. He lived, but he lost his leg."
Zuko stared at him wide-eyed. 'How?'
"He didn't see it as he was walking along the river. He just thought it was a log."
"Sometimes people are stupid, and they try and steal gator-wasp eggs." Hana added. "Most of them die trying."
It was either dealing with a swarm of snapping jaws or swinging tails that had a foot or so long stinger. They were best avoided.
It was near mid-afternoon when they started heading back.
Hana did her usual routine of traversing the roots while Ryu scooted along his usual paths.
"What are you doing?!" Ryu suddenly demanded.
Annoyed, Hana thought that Ryu was talking to her, at first.
Scowling, Hana glanced behind her. She stopped when Zuko was walking off of the makeshift path towards a tree. Zuko at least stuck to the thicker roots.
'There's something over here,' Zuko explained. He crouched down at the base of the tree, trying to see whatever it was better. Suddenly, Zuko yelped as there was a snapping, cracking sound and Zuko disappeared straight down out of sight.
It honestly took a few seconds for Hana to fully register what had happened; while Ryu seemed to forget all his worries in that moment. He was already running over to the hole where Zuko had fallen in. Hana followed after him.
This was really, really bad!
What if Zuko was seriously hurt?!
000000
Zuko had seen something shiny; sparkling red as the afternoon sun hit something in the shadows under the roots of a tree.
He was just curious. He felt drawn to it. Zuko didn't question why; he just…went to see what it was.
He'd crouched down, trying to get a better look at it – squinting through the darkness. But then the ground fell out from under him.
Zuko slowly sat up; rubbing the back of his head, wincing a little. He looked up at the hole above him.
Both Hana and Ryu looked relieved when he sat up. They still looked mildly concerned, and were… They were talking – maybe not to him, but to each other?
Hana quickly spoke and signed, "Can you see a way out?"
Zuko glanced around the room. He frowned when he saw what once was the doorway was now completely blocked from fallen debris; and all of it was entangled in thick roots.
Maybe he could climb out somehow?
Zuko seriously considered it – but then changed his mind. The crumbling ceiling above him looked as if it were being held up by the roots. If he tried climbing out and accidently pulled at the wrong root – he could potentially loosen something and get crushed. If he burned away the roots trying to move something; again, the ceiling would lose what little support it had.
He had no chance of just walking out. It would have been nice to have an Earthbender here.
At least he was able to see where he was going.
'No way out. Door's blocked.' Zuko signed dejectedly. 'Also too dangerous to just climb roots.'
Ryu quickly glanced around, then he pointed at something. From the odd angle, Zuko couldn't really tell what he was saying. Ryu then disappeared from the mouth of the hole.
Hana was about to say something, when she suddenly looked very annoyed. She was yelling – at Ryu, most likely. She gave Zuko a 'wait there' and also disappeared.
What else was he supposed to do besides wait?
Zuko sighed, but at least – he would be getting out of here soon enough. Sen clamored down the roots to him, and jumped onto his shoulder. Zuko gave her a few chin scritches, which she happily leaned into.
A moment later, she jumped from his shoulder and started chasing the beetle-rats that were scurrying around – likely disturbed by his sudden entrance.
He left her to it.
Curious about where he was, Zuko looked around the room.
The walls were beautifully painted murals with gold inlays that depicted a fiery woman flying through the starry sky; and the sun and a powerful, ancient, and regal-looking man with two faces – Agni – was behind her.
That woman…it was Chantico. He remembered learning some about her from his lessons.
He approached the mural to get a better look at it.
As he was staring, taking in all the little details, a thought brushed against Zuko's mind like a barely-there whisper.
-*Come*-
What was that?
Zuko shook his head.
He must've imagined it.
The next picture was her flying over a crowd of people who were dancing through impossibly massive, colorful flames of fire under a red sky, but they were happy looking. It looked like they were at some sort of festival, instead of war.
-*Look*-
Zuko simply turned to look at the final mural without really thinking about it.
It was Chantico returning to the sky, and she was surrounded by what was probably a calendar, and several phases of the sun and moon. Sunlight filtering through the roof lit up parts of the mural; catching on the interlaid gold and a red gemstone that was in the center of the crown portion covering her forehead, and she smiled benevolently down at him.
That must have been what caught his eye.
-*Reach*-
Zuko started to reach towards – the mural.
Slowly.
He thought nothing of it.
He just…just wanted to.
What could it hurt?
Zuko gently ran his fingers along the gold inlay. Then he ran the palm of his hand along the stone; liking how cool and smooth the stone felt under his fingers.
He glanced up, taking in the picture.
He suddenly jerked back when the mural's eyes glowed, and blinked.
The mural itself seemed to shift as Chantico – leaned - came out of the wall.
Zuko fell back on his rear, and Chantico loomed over him. She reached for him; a stone-gauntlet-covered hand gripped the left side of his face – and Zuko felt his head being pressed to the floor in such a way – he couldn't move.
He really, really tried not to panic, but his breath was coming to him in short, quick bursts.
His head was forcibly being pushed and held in an uncomfortable and terrifying position because he couldn't look at Chantico directly. He could only see out of the corner of his eye, but barely. Zuko hated that he couldn't see her clearly.
Though, he could see Sen on the other side of the room, pressed up against the wall – snarling with her fur flared out. Her ears were pressed flat against her head, and her tail twitched furiously. She was maybe yipping or something, but didn't dare get any closer.
If Sen tried anything, what would the Spirit do?
The Spirit's hand was hot on his face, but it didn't burn; instead, it felt like a hot, electric current was running through his entire body – he could feel his Inner Flame sparking to life like never before. He grabbed at her arm, trying to squirm away, feeling near desperate.
But she didn't seem to notice or care.
The air noticeably shifted; it was much hotter and drier.
Zuko was suddenly somewhere else; he was soaring across a red sky – but it didn't feel like he was the one flying. It was like watching through someone else's eyes. Like some sort of time-skip – like several hundred time skips several times over, he was flying over the Fire Nation. He flew closer, and saw lights. Hundreds of them; people lit paper lanterns and released them into the sky.
People were dancing with fire, very much like how Pima and the Sun Warriors did at the Harvest Festival. He saw that they were laughing and the flames were so massive and beautiful in a mix of impossible colors.
(They tossed the flame between themselves much like the Sun Warriors did that time; they were putting on a show).
There was a voice in his head, but it appeared like a passing thought. Like it was his own, but not.
Agni loved his Blessed, and he was proud. Unlike the others, who rely on their environments to Bend, Fire comes from within.
Fire is Life.
Agni gifted his beloved Daughter to his Blessed so that they may celebrate his divine Gift, his Beauty, and Svāhā's Love, once every century. The other Elements could bear witness with wonder and awe.
There were people who were clearly from other Nations watching, as the fire danced around them. Even if it wasn't their Element, they enjoyed the display just as much as the Firebenders. Hundreds of people; children and adults alike, danced and swayed within the flames; not even worrying about being burned, while holding red fans and sparklers.
Even Dragons flew through the sky, twisting in intricate patterns; the riders on their backs released flames from their hands in an incredible show of teamwork and firebending skill with their Dragon partners.
Firebenders were also creating – beautiful weaponry, jewelry, pottery, statues – just like –
People treasured these beloved gifts.
Across the Nations, Firebenders were working alongside Earthbenders, growing forests and crops. The world burst with life; and townsfolk celebrated, thanking the Spirits and leaving offerings to them.
Flowers bloomed in such an amazingly vast amount.
Children were laughing as they picked flowers and made flower crowns and decorations for other festivities. It seemed for every flower that was picked, there were ten more to take its place.
An Earth Kingdom festival – or a wedding? There were flower arrangements everywhere –
The scene flashed dizzyingly rapidly; showing days – years passing, and once again a red sky – but this time – there was no celebration in sight. There were no lanterns, or Dragons, and no-one was dancing or creating.
The world was on fire, but the air was cold.
The scene shifted to a red-clad army and an Air Temple. A feeling of dread fell into the pit of Zuko's stomach.
The fool, Sozin did not celebrate Agni's Gift. He instead used that power to destroy.
Zuko was surrounded by people who were screaming and burning. Zuko couldn't hear them – but he knew – and his burns paled in comparison to – flames consumed them – people desperately fought back while others were trying to flee, but the flames shot impossibly high.
People were falling and burning, and some were so small – too small…
Sky Bison roared – trying to fly away – but they burned and fell – if people didn't burn, they fell to the earth, shattered and broken – everything was burning, for some of the fleeing Air Benders, their wind only fueled the flames –
Not even abbeys were spared.
The children – not all of them were Air Benders – they were – blood pooled across the stones.
Grief, confusion, rage, Zuko was torn raw with emotions that weren't his own.
(It began to hurt. Make it stop.)
Some Airbenders knew exactly how to fight back – firebending is connected to the breath – pulling the air away – Firebenders fell, gasping and clawing at their throats –
They tried to protect the children – sacrificing themselves for others to escape –
But fire spread, faster and faster, too fast – the scene changed to yet another Air Temple – and another – children were burning – they needed to – they should have –
They were burned, crushed, cut open –
Disjointed thoughts that weren't his filled Zuko's mind.
How could they use my sacred power for this?
How could they disrespect Agni like this?
How could they have forgotten?
Why were they using my power like this?
Why – why – why – why?!
(Make it stop!
The voice-thought in his head began to burn, and Zuko could feel her rage and her anguish. Growing and growing, out of control like a wildfire.
He was begging for it to stop.)
Visions of Dragons getting slaughtered by Firebenders –
(Please stop!)
Armies marching across the Earth Kingdom, slaughtering, burning –
Massive ships cutting across ice-fields – Waterbenders desperately fighting back –
(STOP!)
Sozin, in his arrogance, encouraged the slaughter of the Dragons; which represented Agni and Svāhā's Love of her people. They who carried sacred knowledge, and shared it with Agni's Blessed…
Tears were streaming down his face from the intensity of the visions.
His head – his entire body hurt – Chantico was still holding onto him with a gauntlet-covered hand. He must have let go of her at some point – his arms felt like lead, he could hardly lift them up off the floor.
Chantico didn't look nearly as benevolent as the mural depicted her. Her head – it was nearly the size of Zuko's torso. The glowing red gemstone in her crown (or could it be called a helmet?) was almost as big as Zuko's fist.
Frankly, the pictures – didn't do her justice.
Her fiery yellow-orange hair billowed out around her like a long tail; wrapping around them. It had all the colors of fire and then some. Her skin glowed a golden yellow as if light shined from within. She had craggy rocks jutting out of her high cheekbones and also stuck out of her broad shoulders – wrapping around her like a thick armor. They were in a pattern that emphasized all of her muscular-elegant features and made her look powerful and dangerous.
Her molten gold eyes glowed; pulsing with fiery anger and such intensity; that Zuko was too frightened to even move.
Chantico's face was just inches from his, and her hair moved as if it had a life of its own. She had a snarl in her expression. Zuko couldn't help but think that Father's anger was nothing compared to hers. Father's anger was insignificant.
Ozai is nothing.
Zuko jolted at the – thought? Who? Was-was it his? Where...?
Zuko felt her rage grow even more; prickling and itching like barbed needles, making him feel like he was going to burst from the inside out.
It was terrifying as she leaned in even closer, her face just inches from his own; her breath was hot on his face.
Desperate-survival instinct rapidly kicked in. He started trying to pull away – trying to pry her hand off of him – but the positioning wasn't to Zuko's advantage, and – she was so much bigger and stronger than he was.
Zuko's hand sparked, in another attempt to fight her off. Except his flames were simply absorbed into her hair. She gripped his arm with her other hand, and yanked his arm towards herself. She was squeezing his arm so hard, and for a moment Zuko thought that she was going to yank his arm right out of its socket.
He felt the ground rumble as she shifted; leaning into his vision.
Do you know my Name, Fire Child, descendant of Sozin?
Zuko jolted again; feeling the power and fiery heat from her voice as it soundlessly echoed in his mind. It was a like an intrusive, aggressive stream.
Taking in a shaky breath, he stared wide-eyed into Chantico's fierce gaze.
He had the simple thought of: Chantico.
So you are intelligent, after all. That Nation of fools has forgotten my Name.
Her hair billowed even more around them, looking like a living thing.
If you know who I am, then you know that I am the Comet; gifted to Agni's Blessed; who visits this world once every century.
Zuko felt her annoyance wash over him like a suffocating blanket as she scoffed.
Unlike the others; the blind fools; the burning, thieving destroyers who have forgotten me. Instead of celebrating, and creating, that foolish-bastard-heretic-Name-thief Sozin used my power and slaughtered Jiǎo's Blessed! And then had the nerve to name me after himself!
Welcoming darkness, and invoking madness, spreading his lies!
All while praising Agni!
Her words were like hot coals scraping across his mind. Her golden eyes flashed.
HE HAS CORRUPTED AGNI'S WILL!
Images of burning monks – the people who did not have an army –
Zuko felt a sharp pain spike through his skull. He pleaded again for her to make it stop. She was absolutely furious; he felt her rage prickle under his skin like hot needles. He squeezed his eyes shut, as if hoping that would block everything out.
Her voice-thought still broke through his mind.
He hunted down the Dragons, who represented the unity between Svāhā and Agni. He has stolen the Blessed from Tui and La; he has stolen from Shangti and Yu-Huang, all while praising Agni's Name. Azulon has followed in his path, burning, destroying, and raping the land and its people, even as his own people turn to ash.
And now even Ozai prepares to follow that path of burning annihilation; praising corruption.
Such laughable self-importance.
Sozin and his descendants; the heretical fools who dare to call themselves the embodiment of Agni's Will when they are anything but!
She seemed to squeeze his face even tighter, and Zuko definitely felt a jolt of pain - like the iron-like claws on her hand were scraping against his skull.
Look at me.
Zuko obeyed, afraid of what she would do if he tried ignoring her.
Chantico stared at him, cocking her head.
You are Sozin's descendant.
As Sozin has taken and used, so Agni will also take and use, as is his right. I am Agni's Judgment. You will take me to Ozai; so that he and the fools who follow him will know Agni's rage, and Svāhā's sorrow.
They will beg for Agni's forgiveness, Svāhā's kindness, and my mercy. And they will not receive it. The Nation of fools will weep; and the world will tremble upon witnessing a Spirit's Judgment -
No. Zuko refused. He wouldn't do it. He wouldn't go back, not like this. This was his life, the Spirits had no right to -
INSOLENCE!
Though there was no sound, it felt like screeching in his mind, burning in his skull.
She was furious. Zuko honestly thought that he was going to burst from the inside out.
Chantico's hand pressed against Zuko's face so hard, it - Zuko thought that she was going to crush his head into the floor.
Do you think I had a choice?!
Images of helplessly watching people scream and burn – fire spreading – people trying to escape – her sadness-confusion-rage-hate – all of it was boiling hot inside him –
Stop-stop-stop-stop—
STOP!
It finally did.
You will take me to Ozai. Agni's Blessed will know my Name once again, and they will revere it.
Her hand burned hot against his face. There was a bright flash of light that was so intense, that Zuko had to squeeze his eyes shut.
When he opened them, Chantico was gone.
The left side of his face itched and was hot almost like when he'd been burned. But there wasn't any pain, like when Father –
Zuko slowly pushed himself up, winced in pain when he tried using his arm as support and it buckled. He pushed himself up again, more carefully this time. Zuko pulled up his sleeve, and grimaced when he saw the massive hand-shaped bruise.
What…what was he supposed to do?
He tried not to panic as he then remembered that Kojin had told him not to come here.
What was Kojin going to do? He would be furious.
Except Kojin wasn't like Father.
But Zuko had disobeyed, and look what had happened.
Zuko hadn't done anything to earn Kojin's anger before, and now – it was terrifying because Zuko had no idea how Kojin was going to react.
Shakily, Zuko stood.
A vine dropped down just then, so Zuko could climb up.
Sen slinked up to him, and Zuko gripped her – and she nuzzled him before clamoring up on his shoulder.
When Zuko climbed out, both Ryu and Hana were staring at him with wide eyes.
'What happened?' Ryu asked, pointing to Zuko's face.
Instead of answering, Zuko felt sick – he threw up. He couldn't stop thinking about what he'd felt and seen.
They quickly made their way back to the residential area – and while some people didn't give Zuko a second look, others were stopping and openly staring with wide-eyes.
They reached Hana's house, and Yong-Am was sitting outside reading. She gave them a glance and a nod, before turning back to her book – when she dropped it.
Yong-Am was suddenly on her feet, causing Zuko to jolt as she grabbed him. She was staring at him – at his face.
Yong-Am let Zuko go, she was speaking to him? To Ryu and Hana? But she wasn't making any sense. She was talking too fast. She was also standing angled away from Zuko, so he couldn't catch all of what she was saying.
"Whad****o."
Hana was tearing up. Apologizing? She was talking really fast, too.
"I'm ***** we di***** hon***ee."
Ryu was also speaking at the same time, trying to explain?
Yong-Am grabbed Zuko's arm, and maybe yelled at him? She started walking fast enough that Zuko had to sort of jog to keep up with her. Sen nearly slid off of Zuko's shoulder as she scrambled to hang on.
Hana and Ryu were following them, looking more and more worried.
000000
Pima felt like she'd been dunked into a tub of ice water the moment she saw Zuko. She heard Kojin gasp and curse from next to her. Yong-Am didn't really have to explain for anyone to know what had happened.
Both Han and Ryu were so obviously scared as they glanced between the adults and Zuko.
"We don't know what happened!" Ryu said.
At the same time, Hana was saying, "We were careful, honest!"
Zuko had a handprint on his face – and if Pima focused on it hard enough, she could tell that it held Spiritual Energy.
Besides having that awful handprint, Zuko's face was bruised and tear-streaked.
Kojin reached for Zuko, and he flinched.
'I'm sorry.' Zuko started apologizing, and bowing.
Kojin just pulled Zuko to his feet and sat him down at the table. Zuko's expression was somewhere between confused and relieved. But he was still uneasy, watching Kojin carefully.
When Pima saw his arm, she sucked in a breath.
Kojin shook his head, as he healed Zuko's bruises. He also "tch'd" when he saw somewhat bloody scrapes on Zuko's scalp, so he healed those too.
"Spirits don't know how delicate Human children are."
Pima didn't know what to do. So she turned to the other two kids to find out exactly what had happened.
Through both of them talking around and over each other, they explained how Zuko had gone off of their "path" because he'd seen something.
Wiping at his face, Zuko then explained how he'd seen something red and shiny – and he'd been curious. He didn't even question it – and Zuko couldn't even explain why.
Yong-Am took her niece and Ryu home. They waved goodbye, but Zuko didn't really seem to respond.
Kojin was obviously not happy, and Zuko was so obviously scared as he watched Kojin's hands.
He looked ready to pull away and fight back.
"It was probably their Bond." Kojin muttered, forgetting to sign.
She'd called to him, and Zuko had been unable to resist.
Kojin looked at Pima, frowning. "We should take him to see the Priestess now."
"He might not be up for that, though." Pima whispered.
Kojin still wasn't signing, likely because he had other things on his mind.
He nodded. "I'll tell her…"
Zuko was frowning at both of them. Oh. He wasn't being included in the conversation about him.
Kojin placed his hand and Zuko's head, and gently ruffled his hair. Zuko looked as if he were trying not to cry.
Kojin then left to talk to Priestess Kaori.
Pima gripped Zuko's hands for a few seconds before letting go to sign, "We're going to see Priestess Kaori." She bit her lip. "Do you want to do it today or tomorrow?"
Giving him a choice when the situation was likely so scary and confusing was the only thing she could think of doing.
Zuko shrugged.
Pima went to get a small hand-mirror, and handed it to Zuko. She couldn't decipher his expression as he looked at himself. He rubbed at his cheek a little, as if trying to wipe away the handprint.
It wasn't long until Kojin returned, saying that they could be seen today or tomorrow. Priestess Kaori was graciously being flexible with them.
Zuko signed, 'Can we just…go tonight?'
"Yeah. Okay."
They'd do that.
Pima didn't know how long they would be there. Should she give Zuko something to eat?
She offered, just in case.
'I threw up. I'm not hungry.'
Pima encouraged him to just have a few bites of plain rice just so he'd have a little something in his stomach.
She went to get ready to go, at least, that's what she told Kojin and Zuko.
Pima shut her door, and leaned back against it. She took in a shaky breath, and then another, and another, until it was becoming a choked sound. She muffled her crying. Was it wrong of her to be thankful Zuko couldn't hear how upset she was?
If he focused on her Inner Fire, would he see how her emotions were in turmoil?
Pima calmed herself. Mostly.
She put on a different skirt, washed her face, and messed with her hair a bit to make it look a bit different. She put a Dragon pin Kojin had given her some time ago through her topknot.
Pima went back out to see that Kojin had helped clean Zuko up so that he looked presentable and not so disheveled.
Kojin squeezed her shoulder. Pima placed her hand on his.
Zuko was frowning at them again, like he was trying to understand the situation and why the two of were being so…gloomy.
She straightened a few strands of Zuko's hair even though she didn't need to. Kojin did a perfectly acceptable job.
Zuko scowled as he grabbed her hand, and pushed it away. He shook his head, but didn't let go of her hand.
Pima looked at the handprint, but tried not to focus on it. She nearly started messing with his clothes, but it was mostly a nitpicking distraction for herself.
"Come along, we don't want to be too late."
00000
They led Zuko to a building that had been overtaken by a large tree. Its roots wrapped around the structure; and its leaves were several shades of red.
Zuko could see Ran and Shaw lounging outside on nearby cliffs. The sunlight shimmered on their scales. There was smoke rising out of their nostrils. Shaw rolled over onto his back, yawning with a wisp of flame and stretching like an exceptionally long cat-snake.
Sen was leaning forward, and Zuko took hold of her in case she decided to try and pester the Masters, or something.
He stopped to look at them, but someone put their hand on his shoulder for the briefest of seconds. It was so gentle. He glanced up at Pima.
Her expression was…weird. So was Kojin's. He had an arm around Pima, and looked stiff.
"Let's go in." Pima signed and motioned towards the tree-covered building. "Because this is official… proper…" she seemed to struggle with finding the correct sign, "You'll be invited to sit down. Sit, and bow to Chief Kaji and Priestess Kaori for…six or seven seconds. That's long enough."
Zuko appreciated the instructions before entering. Plus, he didn't have to do some sort of fancy speech. He wasn't in the mood for that.
Inside, it was one large room; there was the scent of incense burning; and there were various tapestries with elaborate patterns lining the walls.
Chief Kaji and Kaori were sitting seiza near the back. Kaori was sitting in the middle – so – she was important, while the Chief sat off to the side.
The moment both of them saw him – their eyes widened and their gazes went to the left side of Zuko's face.
He turned away slightly, not wanting them to stare at him like they were.
Zuko glanced around the room, hoping for some kind of distraction.
A trapdoor was open on the roof, letting in sunlight. The tapestries were like pictures, sort of. But unlike the ones that lined the halls back at the palace, there wasn't a clear, defined picture.
Zuko had no chance of figuring out what the patterns meant, but there was something to them. They all had that curious glow to them; just like the ceramic vase Pima had shown him. But the feel was vastly different. There wasn't the sensation of being able to reach out with his Inner Fire, but there was a similar energy.
He could have just sat there and stared at them for hours if he'd been allowed to.
Not all of them looked Fire Nation. One tapestry looked like animal hide with stitching, and drawing? Carved-in bones were hanging from it on braided cords. Another had such a complicated pattern to it that it made Zuko feel dizzy. But in a good way? The colors were beautiful. Standing back to take the whole picture in, there was…the twisting Air symbol. It was interwoven with complicated patterns that probably meant something.
Another was green and gold. It was a pattern of a badger-mole and a Dragon twisting together? He-
Someone-Pima, got Zuko's attention. Oh…he hadn't been paying attention to Chief Kaji and Kaori. Should he bow in apology? Or would that be bowing too early? Bow, sit, and bow again?
No-one reprimanded him.
Pima just directed him to sit down on a simple cushion across from Kaori and Chief Kaji, and Zuko bowed for exactly seven seconds, before straightening. He sat just like he was supposed to when he'd been – in front of Grandfather.
But there was a gentler, more welcoming air. The only fire around them were the torches on the walls. He could actually see Kaori and the Chief's expressions and mouths clearly. He wasn't several feet away, trying to see through flames and shifting shadows.
Kaori smiled so warmly and welcomingly at him, Zuko couldn't help but look away and blush shyly.
Upon being able to see the headpiece Kaori was wearing more clearly, it looked like that of an alligator-moose – with its antlers shorn down and carved to resemble Dragon horns – it looked close enough to that of a Dragon.
She also wore shining jewelry and an elaborately decorated outfit – displaying her importance.
Zuko could feel a strong sense of that pull from his Inner Fire – what she was wearing was made using the Lost Arts.
Pima signed, translating for him, as Kaori spoke. "Do you like the tapestries?"
Zuko smiled a little and nodded. She didn't asked about the handprint, which was a relief.
Her smile fell, just a little; before she smiled a bit wider. It didn't reach her eyes that time.
"…They were made by the Southern Water Tribe's Benders. They were given patterns to follow, and they created…with a technique that has…" she stopped, and there were those odd expressions again, this time on Kaori and Chief Kaji's faces. Kaori continued, and Pima signed, following Kaori's words. "…was once long passed down."
Zuko couldn't remember his name, but one of the merchants – he'd mentioned something about the Southern Waterbenders being taken.
(He has stolen the Blessed from Tui and La)
A heavy weight formed in Zuko's stomach.
Kaori glanced at Chief Kaji and nodded. Kaori then visibly sighed, and she shifted so that she was sitting ramrod straight. The overall mood was heavy.
"May I?" Kaori asked, as she reached forward.
She just waited.
Zuko stiffened, but nodded.
Kaori's hands were soft and gentle as she held Zuko's chin, and she gently turned his face so she could get a better look.
He flinched a little as she ran a finger across his cheek, and then she pulled away. She looked so sad.
"Can you tell me what happened?" Kaori asked, pointing to her face.
Zuko explained again as best he could.
How he'd fallen, and everything.
He described the visions and emotions that weren't his, but felt entirely like they were.
The conversation (if it could even be called that) was still fresh in Zuko's mind.
Zuko's knowledge of Great-Grandfather had been limited. It was a shameful thing to admit that he'd only been aware of the basics; his knowledge being only bits and pieces.
(It hadn't taken him very long to realize that the books he'd been learning about Great-Grandfather from were meant for children years younger than he was.)
The bits and pieces that he'd been taught since Master Toshio had started tutoring him were that Fire Lord Sozin had the ultimate goal of the Fire Nation sharing its greatness with the rest of the world. The other Nations resisted because they didn't know what they wanted or needed, or something like that.
The Fire Nation had so much to offer, and people should just accept it. They should be grateful. Great-grandfather just wanted to rescue people from themselves.
To think that Great-Grandfather was wrong was treason.
To talk bad about Fire Lord Sozin was spitting in Agni's faces. Zuko may have sort of shared those thoughts with various aspects. Except…he'd had traitorous thoughts so many times, now – and nothing happened.
He was having them now. He wasn't burning up into ash. Nothing came out of the shadows to grab him up and drag him back to the Fire Lord to suffer his wrath.
Zuko had his own thoughts that were his, and no-one punished him for it.
Hadn't Great-Grandfather been carrying out Agni's Will, somehow?
Everything Chantico had shown him – Sozin conquering, sharing the Fire Nation's greatness – except that wasn't what he was doing, was it?
Chantico had been furious.
Zuko again tried not to think of what the Fire Nation sharing its greatness meant.
Back before, Master Toshio had been slowly going through Fire Lord Sozin's philosophy and early speeches with him – as part of Zuko's speaking practice. He hadn't really understood any of it at the time. Still, didn't, really. He hadn't thought about any of those speeches in forever.
(Zuko's stomach churned again at the thought of people burning. He didn't want to throw up again, not in front of everyone.)
Chantico showing him all those visions, and insulting the Fire Lord who was the ultimate authority.
(Wasn't he?)
Zuko told them about the difference between how the Fire Nation used to celebrate, and the…he didn't like thinking about it.
Zuko wanted to ask them something. This was a question that he knew would get him in trouble with people back there – because it was treasonous.
'Great-Grandfather…he isn't a hero, is he.'
It actually wasn't a question. The things he'd seen, the feeling of Chantico's anger, all of it…
"No. He wasn't. Sozin was a fool." Kaori replied.
(Zuko had the sudden thought of: that foolish-bastard-heretic-Name-thief Sozin used my power and slaughtered Jiǎo's Blessed! And then had the nerve to name me after himself!)
He winced, a little, forcing himself to focus.
(He resolutely tried not to think of people trying to escape flames)
"So, you know all of what Sozin has done?"
The Fire Nation wasn't supposed to be wrong. It was the other Nations were wrong, so the Fire Nation had to correct them.
(People burned, fled, and fought back against so-called-greatness)
Yes, Zuko knew what Sozin had done, and desperately wished he didn't.
(Azulon has followed in his path, burning, destroying, and raping the land and its people, even as his own people turn to ash.)
Zuko wasn't really sure what some of those words meant, but it had to have been pretty bad if Chantico was angry over it. He wasn't even sure how to ask because he didn't know how it was spelled or how to describe whatever those words were.
"The Spirits are very proud, dangerous, and they are not to be taken lightly." Kaori continued. "They are magnificent, complicated, often beyond Human understanding, and they are to be revered."
00000
Kaori knew that the Spirits had a set of strict rules they went by, and if they seemed to break their own rules; or go against an agreement, it's because the person didn't notice the loophole. People always had to be clear and exact with Spirits; and directly say what they wanted. When dealing with Spirits, always make sure they can't twist words around to mean something else.
This was difficult, because Zuko wasn't fully aware of words – actually, he knew plenty of words, he just didn't know the verbal equivalent of them.
"… "Her voice was in my head, but it was like…my own thoughts…?"" Pima helpfully translated.
Zuko clearly struggled to explain himself.
It was slow going, getting everything Chantico had said to Zuko. They had to ask questions trying to clarify things. Zuko's exhaustion and frustration at himself and maybe even his situation, were becoming more and more obvious.
"What exactly did Chantico demand?" Kaori asked. "I – we need to know exactly."
"… 'She wants me to go to my father. She got really mad when I told her 'no'.'"
He knew why Agni was displeased and why Chantico was angry.
This was the truly difficult part, Kaori thought. Having to tell Zuko that this was essentially a binding death sentence.
Zuko looked at her with wide, disbelieving eyes when she told him. Kaori was apologetic, but how many times could she apologize? What comfort could she possibly offer?
It was obvious he thought she was lying, because he looked at Pima and then Kojin; as if they would reveal that this whole thing had been a cruel joke all along.
"… 'I won't do it, then. I'll stay away. I have my own life.'"
Kaori shook her head. "You won't have a choice. The thing about Spirit-Claimed people, they always, always end up going wherever the Spirits want them to. Spirits do not take kindly to being ignored. They'll force their way into your life to get your attention – even at the cost of the people around you."
She finished with a weakly added, "I'm sorry."
Zuko sent her a look that Kaori couldn't decipher. He started signing, angrily with harsh, quick motions.
Pima waved her hands, "Zuko, I can't understand-"
Kojin placed a hand on Zuko's shoulder, but Zuko shoved it off, and stood to his feet, glaring at them. His hands were curled into fists and they were smoking.
Pima reached out, but Zuko turned on his heel and ran out.
"Zuko!" Pima stood to go after him.
"Pima, leave him." Kojin said, "Just for right now. I think Zuko needs some time to himself."
"I'm sorry," Kaori spoke softly. If she'd been a better Priestess; if she hadn't been so hesitant… if only she'd acted a bit sooner, than they could have probably delayed the inevitable for a bit longer.
Because Agni, Svāhā, and their Child were the ones spurned, Kaori silently wondered if they'd even listen to her desperate prayers.
00000
Zuko ran, and kept running. Sen clung to his shirt and nearly slipped off a few times, but she successfully held on. He didn't really pay attention to where he was going, but…he'd stop when he finally got there.
Zuko came to the coast where he trained with Pima.
He stopped, staring out at the ocean.
Everything was too calm.
Zuko placed Sen on a nearby rock, and began running through the more advanced katas. But then he wasn't doing katas, and he began just throwing fire.
He didn't ask for this. It wasn't fair.
Chantico's furious, molten gaze loomed over him; while memories that weren't his plagued his mind.
Zuko began thinking about what Chantico wanted.
If he did what she wanted – Zuko threw an arc of flames, and scalded several rocks.
He then realized: he couldn't go home – he could never go home.
Because, what if…what if something happened to Azula? Even if he hadn't liked Hori very much (he didn't like her at all) what would happen to her? Would Mother be affected too? What about Master Toshio? Uncle?
Maybe he'd stay away somehow? But what would happen if he did and – it was his fault that people around him had bad luck? How bad would it truly get?
He wasn't the one who attacked the Air Nomads. He wasn't the one who took all the people from the Southern Water Tribe. He wasn't the one sharing the Fire Nation's greatness, or whatever.
Not that he could share it…
Why couldn't he just live his life?
Ever since he'd gotten sick, his options in life had become limited; so he wouldn't ever be Fire Lord and carry on their legacy. Why did he have to be punished for something Great-Grandfather did, anyway? It felt more like the Spirits were punishing him for something he didn't do – wasn't even going to do.
Maybe his flaw was part of the Spirits' punishment.
Maybe his parents had just needed more faith, or something. Wasn't that how Spirits punished people?
Maybe the Fire Priests and Priestesses didn't pray hard enough.
Maybe his parents just didn't…
Maybe he deserved…
Zuko wiped at his eyes. He wasn't crying. He'd just…gotten dust in his eyes. Or the fire was making his eyes watery, even though it hadn't before.
Stupid timing with a stupid comet. The Spirits' timing sucked. Saying something sucked was a term Ryu had taught him. It applied perfectly, right now.
Zuko lashed out with his fire, fighting some sort of invisible enemy.
He wished he could actually hit someone or something – but yet – that wasn't really what he wanted. He wanted to hit, but not actually hurt. What did he even want?
Zuko went into a spinning kick, but his leg buckled from the strain and he went down. He laid on the ground for a moment feeling dazed, staring up at the sky. His Inner Fire flickered, and he could barely move. He'd really pushed himself pretty hard…how long had he been lying here?
Zuko pushed himself up, and his breath hitched. He was trying not to cry and was failing terribly.
Zuko hugged his knees, and buried his face, not wanting anyone to see him, but there was no-one there, so it didn't matter.
Nothing mattered.
He was alone, but he didn't want to be – but he wanted someone there at the same time – it was too confusing.
Sen pushed herself between his chest and his knees, and nuzzled against him.
He held onto her, trying to regain control. His breathing became tight, and his vision started to blur.
Sen pressed her face against his.
He buried his face into Sen's fur and sobbed.
Someone tapped his shoulder, and Zuko jolted to look up at Kojin.
Had Kojin heard him? There was a brief moment of panic – but Kojin didn't really say anything. Zuko scrubbed at his face with a sleeve, as if that could hide the fact that he'd been crying.
It was probably only a few seconds, but it felt like forever until Kojin asked, "Can I sit?"
'What do you want?' Zuko asked instead.
"You okay?"
'I don't know. Am I okay?' Zuko glared at him, sarcasm leaking into every movement. 'Apparently, I'm responsible for something from before I was born. Great-Grandfather left me to clean up his mess, so the Spirits will just -'
Zuko threw his hands up in the air and huffed sparks. He was angry, and frustrated. He didn't know how to truly express that to the full extent he was feeling it.
'They'll kill me, it doesn't matter what I want. What I want has never mattered.' Zuko felt his breathing hitch again. 'So of course I'm okay.'
Kojin looked as if he were going to sign something else.
'You don't need to be here.' Zuko cut him off with a wave of his hand. 'Just leave me alone.'
He didn't actually want to be alone.
He wished Uncle were here. Uncle would know what to do.
Zuko ignored Kojin, and hugged his knees and hid his face behind his arms. If he wanted to stay or leave, Zuko didn't care. A part of him did care, though. He took a deep breath, focusing outwards.
Kojin's orange Fire rippled with concern, and something else.
Sen wriggled a bit and stuck her nose into his ear. He shrugged a little in a half-hearted attempt to get her to stop.
He gripped Sen in a tight hug.
It wasn't fair that he couldn't have any control in his life. He'd finally been able to leave the palace. He'd been learning proper firebending for the first time. He liked having lessons with Kojin. But none of it mattered.
Kojin didn't leave, though. Zuko could tell that he was sitting there, and he just wasn't leaving. He sat across from Zuko, facing him. He didn't say or do anything else; he was simply present.
Zuko was left alone, but wasn't alone. That made him feel like crying for an entirely new reason.
Zuko stared out at the ocean for a while.
Finally, Kojin tapped his leg, and Zuko looked up at him.
He fiercely wiped at his eyes, trying to hide the fact that he'd been crying long after the fact. Pretending that it hadn't happened was a wasted effort.
Zuko knew he'd failed to hide it, though. Because the expression on Kojin's face was sad.
"I'm sorry." Kojin said, after they had sat there for however long. "I don't know what to do. Still don't. If… we, or I had said something right away… But adults can make some very dumb mistakes when they're trying to do the right thing."
Why was Kojin apologizing?
Zuko then took a moment to process what Kojin had just said.
'You knew?'
"I suspected. But then we didn't know how to tell you." Kojin shook his head. "And getting in the way of what Spirits want can be dangerous."
Kojin looked at him.
"I'm sorry," he said again.
Zuko simply shrugged, not being sure how he should respond. He wasn't actually mad at Kojin, or anything.
'I don't know what to do. It's not fair. I don't want to do anything to…' Zuko fiercely wiped at his face. He was crying again.
Kojin gently placed his hand on Zuko's shoulder, and signed with one hand.
"It's true that there's not much a person can do once the Spirits have determined their path in life." Kojin looked at him. "But, you're an amazing kid. If there's one thing I know for sure about you, Zuko, it's that you're someone who can defy expectations."
Zuko looked at Kojin in surprise.
That was how Kojin thought of him?
Ducking his head, Zuko admittedly did feel a bit lighter.
Zuko thought back – he was here, learning actual firebending, he'd seen Dragons, and he'd learned so much – he'd been able to leave his cage after years –
Never give up without a fight.
Zuko was determined that he'd escape this fate thrust upon him somehow. Zuko couldn't wallow here.
If Chantico really wanted to use him to bring a Spirit's Judgement on the Fire Nation, then he wouldn't go quietly. He'd find another way. Get out of it, somehow. He'd been fighting for a long time, after all. It'd have to be worth something, right?
"Do you want to go home, now?" Kojin asked.
Zuko nodded.
When they got home, Zuko found himself being wrapped up in a tight hug from Pima.
Zuko returned the hug.
This was his life, and he really wanted to live it.
A fic that pretty much goes, "Canon? What canon?"
This chapter was yet more set up/filler, the next is more set up/filler with an extra dose of lore. It will also be more fluff and Iroh will be there.
Iroh: Is it your own destiny? Or is it a destiny someone else has tried to force on you?
Zuko: Yes.