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Crime In The Nations
Katara's Journal
Entry 8: Speaking of Revenge...
Author's Note: Heyoo! How has everyone been? Really quickly, I just want to give a thank you to everyone who reviews! On every story! It truly makes my day and I like using your suggestions. So, thank you so much! It's unbelievable how a small comment, good or bad, can make me feel noticed and grateful! Again, thank you.
A quick special shout out to Gabriela N Gonzalez and Ashley Barbosa! Both of you are truly amazing! You guys like to review the chapters of a lot of authors on this platform. It's very sweet and thoughtful. Muchas gracias por los comentarios. Realmente me ayudan a seguir escribiendo! ¡Las quiero muchísimo! Anyways, enjoy this new chapter! :)
-kataangforeverrr13
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender nor any of its characters. Please don't sue me! This is just fanfiction!
Wednesday, January 29
As I ran towards Aang's apartment while being on the phone with him, I couldn't help but panic. I really thought that they were going to kidnap me or assault me. This doesn't make any sense. Why would they do that?
Unless they were trying to deliver a message.
It was a threat! Damn it, we're in real deep now. There is no going back. As I sprinted across sidewalks and traffic lanes, Aang finally picked up the phone.
"Hey sweetie! Are you… running? What's going on?" He asked, clearly concerned.
Out of breath, I cried out, "Someone captured me… released… threats… on my way!" I barely managed to get anything out and I mentally slapped myself.
"What? Someone captured you?! But y-you're okay now, correct?" Aang questioned.
I stopped for a second before running again, "I'll explain when I get to you. Are you a-at home?"
"Yeah, I am. The door will be unlocked."
"No!" I yelled out, "Lock it! When I'm there… I'll knock. I love you." Then, I hung up. It was hard to talk while running for my life.
I finally made it to Aang's house. I forgot that Aang was rich until now. As I arrived, I noticed his big ass front yard filled with flowers and trees. Figures, I thought to myself. He had a beautiful exterior. His house looked like it was made out of elegantly cut stones. His roof was a dark smoky gray and his front door was half glass and half wood. He had plenty of windows and his house was two-stories. Aang always did like high places. I made my way to the door and made sure I looked presentable.
I rapped my hands on the door and knocked. Aang quickly emerged and surrounded me with a big hug. He planted a kiss firmly on my lips and let me inside. He closed the door and inspected my face, "I'm so glad you're okay! Let's sit down so we can talk. Would you like something to drink or eat?"
I put my hand on my waist, still in shock. I cleared my throat and noticed that it was mildly dry. "A cup of water would be nice."
He belted to his kitchen and returned with a glass of water. He handed it to me and I gulped it down in a hurry. I smiled and kissed him, "Thank you."
"Of course, Kat. It's getting late. Would you want to stay here?" He said as he sat next to me on the couch.
"Yes, thank you. Do you want to hear what happened?" I finally asked. He nodded.
I took a breath and explained to him what had happened just minutes ago. I left out the part as to why I was on a walk that late in the first place. He doesn't need to know that, it isn't important. I thought to myself.
Aang listened intently as I recalled what had happened to me in the alleyway. The noises I heard, the voices that spoke, the fear in my eyes. He sat there patiently until I finally finished ranting. He held his head with his arm.
"I'm sorry Katara. I totally understand if you want to back out. I would never want you to be in danger." He touched my hand.
"No, if anything, it's a motivation to keep fighting. It's obvious how messed up the world is right now and I intend to fix it with you." I gave a tired smile.
"Please just be cautious. If anything happened to you… I don't know what I should do." He whispered with worry in his eyes.
I bit my lip, "I know but I can't keep a promise I may not be able to keep in the future. What I do know is how much I love you and how much I also want you to be alive and well this is all over."
Before Aang could say anything, I interrupted him, "I think that maybe… if it's alright with you, of course… We should tell everyone else about this. They need to know how serious this is getting."
Aang looked out the window, "You're right. An emergency meeting then?" I nodded in compliance.
Our friends began to trickle in little by little. Toph was the first to make her entry. She ran up to me and punched me in the arm, "You scared me, sweetness."
A few minutes later, Sokka and Suki arrived. They both hugged me, relieved that I was well and breathing. Finally, Mai and Zuko came in. They couldn't hide, even through their monotonous expressions, that they were glad I'm okay.
We all sat down in Aang's living room. I cleared my throat. I really did not want to explain this story again but it was obvious that there was more to the story than I recalled over the phone. "The people that attacked me… they were firebenders. They were most likely trying to give a message to me… to us."
"Did they hurt you at all?" Sokka said, with clear protectiveness in his voice. He was angry and to be honest, so was I… but not entirely about this.
"No, thankfully they did not. They just told me to stop looking for answers and that we would never defeat them."
"Well, they already know that Aang is the Avatar. They probably want us to disband this… team so that they could have a chance of catching him off guard." Zuko reasoned.
"That's obviously not going to happen then." Suki crossed her arms. We all hummed in agreement.
"We've been putting this off for way too long but need to start training, ASAP. It doesn't matter that we still have months left. The sooner we start, the sooner we can be ready to defend ourselves next time something even worse happens." Toph cracked her knuckles. We all felt a tinge of frustration, it was as clear as glass.
"She's right… I'll start learning water with Katara. Once she deems me ready to move onto the next element, I will begin my training with Toph in earth and so forth." Aang said with a sigh. He was the least violent person I knew, it hurt me to see him like this.
Mai inspected my face. She noticed more was roaming my head than I was letting on, "Did anything else happen, Katara?"
I hesitated but ended up shaking my head. Mai raised an eyebrow, "Katara, did anything else happen?" She repeated more forcefully.
"No!"
"Then why the gloomy look? That's my thing… not yours. What's up with that?"
Damn it, I hate Mai and her intuitions. There was no hiding anything now. Toph had her feet on the floor, ready to determine my lies and truths. I groaned, "It's nothing! I-it's just that… I'm still pissed about the Yon Rha guy! I know I said I didn't care… but I can't help the feeling of… resentment and seething loathe." The bitter taste of such a hateful word stung my tongue.
"You mean, justice?" Zuko looked down at the floor, solemnly.
"Exactly."
Aang took my hand in his, "Well, I hope you realize that it's completely normal but not recomendable. The monks used to say that revenge is like a two-headed rat viper. While you watch your enemy go down, you're being poisoned yourself."
Zuko scoffed, "That's cute, but this isn't air temple preschool. It's the real world."
Aang ignored Zuko's comment, "The point is… revenge is not the way to go. What were you even planning on doing?"
"I'm going to find the man who took my mother from me and I'm going to make him pay." I responded.
"What exactly did you think this was going to accomplish?" He insisted.
"I knew you weren't going to understand." I bit back. I hated feeling like this but my mind was running at 130 miles per hour with one specific thought as my target.
"Damn it, Katara! I do understand. You're feeling unbelievable pain and rage. How do you think I felt about the Fire Nation when I found out what happened to my people?"
Everyone else in the room watched in silence as this scene unfolded. I didn't reply so Zuko responded for me, "She needs this, Aang. This is about getting closure and justice."
"No, it's about revenge. You said so yourself." Aang retaliated.
"Fine, maybe it is revenge mixed with hatred! Maybe that's what I need! Maybe that's what he fucking deserves!" I yelled, trying to hold back my tears.
Sokka finally spoke up with dread in his voice, "Katara, she was my mother, too, but I think Aang might be right."
"Then you didn't love her like I did!" I yelled back. Sokka looked down at his feet, clearly hurt. "I'm sorry brother, but you don't understand. Now that I know he's out there... Now that I know we can find him, I feel like I have no choice."
"But you do have one! You can choose forgiveness." Aang kept pushing.
"I'm not going to stand by and do nothing!"
"It's easy to do nothing but it's hard to forgive! Trust me, Katara!" He pleaded.
"I'm sorry Aang but you need to trust me too. Trust me enough to realize that I know what I'm doing." With that, I went upstairs into a guest room. I felt terrible.
I heard Zuko murmur, "I'll go with her. She'll be okay, I promise. I'll make sure she doesn't do anything she regrets."
Thursday, January 30
The next morning was stormy. The dark silver clouds accumulated as thunder rang through the city. Maybe this was a sign.
Whatever, I'm going to go through with it anyway. I opened the curtains and let the soft light seep into the guest room. I looked up into the sky and the color reminded me of Aang's eyes from last night. He looked genuinely concerned almost as if he knew exactly what he was talking about. But I knew what I was talking about too. The overwhelming pain made it clear to me that this cruel man had to taste my wrath.
Deep down, I felt like shit. I would never admit it but Aang had a point. What would killing him do? Other than the fact that ensuring this man would never touch another woman again, it would do nothing but add a felony onto my record. It would do nothing but consider me a murderer. I sighed as I picked up my things. I'm calling an uber.
A driver picked me up and took me home. I walked inside my apartment and immediately noticed Sokka sitting on the couch. The aura was so sorrowful. His eyes were rimmed red and his hair messily cascading almost to his shoulder. He didn't even bother looking up. I sat down next to him and smiled sheepishly, "Have you eaten anything yet?"
"No." He responded bluntly.
"Did you want me to cook something for you? I went grocery shopping the day before yesterday, I could-"
"No."
I sighed, "I'm sorry about yesterday. I know you loved our mother. But, you hurt me so much everytime you make me look like a fool for crying about her death. I know you miss her too, but sometimes, you don't show it." Before leaving for my room, I gave him a kiss on the forehead. I noticed a tear slip out of his eye. Maybe he did miss mom.
I walked into my room and changed into all black clothes. I put on a black hoodie and I rubbed off any excess makeup. I looked at myself in the mirror and it was like looking at a completely different person. I hated this person. I wish she would just go away.
I picked up my phone and dialed Zuko's number. It rang for a few seconds until he picked up, "Katara, how are you feeling?"
"Like crap. Does your offer still stand? Are you coming with me?"
"Sure, where do you want to meet and when?"
"Meet me in 20 at the clinic. He's supposed to be there today for an important meeting. We'll catch him off guard and improvise from there. Dress in black and cover up." I hung up. I need some time to think.
I sat down on my bed and looked down at the city. Families ran through the rainy streets, laughing as they tried not to soak their clothing. My lip shivered, "That was supposed to be us." I whispered to myself.
A couple walked by holding hands, sharing a cup of coffee. They smiled brightly in joy even through a rainstorm as if nothing would ever hurt them.
I deserve happiness too.
Why can't I ever just be happy? From my first relationship to my current one… from living with my family, to living with my brother. From going to college, to being hired as a healer. Maybe ending this chapter of my life with one act of justice will do me good.
This is exhausting.
I stood up and walked out through the front door. I didn't even have the balls to see my brother's heartbroken expression. The car keys jingled in my hands as I walked down the short flight of stairs.
As I went into the parking lot, I bumped into Suki. She also looked tired and miserable. "Hey Suki." I gave a nervous chuckle.
"Hey." She said as she pushed through my shoulder, walking away. I bit my lip.
This is affecting way more people than I initially thought. No matter, this has to be done.
Zuko and I met at the flooded parking lot. The meeting was being held downstairs.
"I saw the fire escape evacuation and I noticed a ventilation system that will lead us into the underground meeting room. Would you like to go through there?" He asked whilst showing me the map in his hands.
"It's not like we can just walk inside without looking suspicious." I replied as I put on my gloves.
I look down at my phone and see unread messages from Aang:
Katara, I just want to remind you how much I love you. I promise that I do trust you.
I'm letting you know that I am not planning on stopping you or putting a halt into whatever plan you have made.
This is a journey you need to take. You need to face this man. But when you do, please don't choose revenge. Let your anger out, and then let it go. Forgive him.
I let out a small smile before texting him back:
Thank you, I love you too.
I cleared my throat, "I'm ready. Where are we going to enter?"
"There should be a back room. Be wary of our surroundings though, there may be security."
I nodded and sneaked towards the back of the clinic. Zuko was right. There were Fire Nation security guards standing at the entrance… chatting in laughter.
"So I was talking to this woman but she was being disrespectful and shit. All I wanted was to get some but she kept saying no. That's when I got mad and I-"
"Dumbass bastard." I mumbled quietly before interrupting their conversation.
He yells as a large water whip emerges from the side and coils around his body, dragging him to the concrete floor, leaving him unconscious. The other soldiers run to the source of the incident in shock. I waterbend two huge waves at the men, using the heavy rainwater. The others turn around to see a torrent of water flood their co-workers, washing them into the distance. One soldier, who has managed to stay by the door of the building, attacks me, and I push him away with a gush of water. Zuko and I make our way through the corridors of the cramped ventilation system, my arms covered in water for defense. One soldier bursts from behind us, a sword in hand only to be attacked and locked back inside by Zuko. I follow him to a large vent, where we abruptly halt.
We crouch down and peer at the meeting through overhead gratings. The group of men are speaking in some different language. I look at Zuko and he listens intently, most likely understanding what was being said.
I began to grow impatient, so using my water bending, I made one of the decorative vases spill all over the documents.
"Shit!" They yell in annoyance.
"Sorry about that, it must have been the thunder. Let's continue this meeting some other day. I'm afraid there will be a flood here in the city." Yon Rha spoke, finally in a familiar language.
Everyone stood up and found their way to the exit. They closed the door leaving Yon Rha alone in the room, picking up the wet papers. With a smirk, he threw them to the side.
"Looks like my plan is working perfectly." He said while making his way to the door. He was about to leave. I frantically look back at Zuko. He nods at me, signaling that he is ready when I am. I draw a breath and jump down from the ceiling, Zuko following suit.
Startled, Yon Rha turns around and gets into a fighting stance. He focuses his vision on me, "You?! What do you want?"
I walk up to him and pull down my face mask. "Do you remember me?"
"Yes, you're one of my employees." He seethed, clearly frustrated.
I punch him in the jaw, "Oh, you better remember me like your life depends on it, dumbass! Why don't you take a closer look?"
He observes my face, "No… it can't be. You look like-"
"The woman you killed at the Southern Water Tribe all those years ago? The woman you thought was the last waterbender?"
He gulped, "Yes, yes, I remember you now. You're that little Water Tribe little girl."
Lightning strikes, darkening my vision and flashing me back to the incident in the igloo with the young version of me, my mother and Yon Rha.
"Just let her go and…" My mother, Kya, kneeled on the floor in front of Yon Rha. "I'll give you the information you want."
"You heard your mother… go!" He yelled.
I cried out, "Mommy, I'm scared."
"Go find your dad, sweetie. I'll handle this." I ran out of there but I could
"Now tell me, who is it? Who's the waterbender?"
"There are no waterbenders here. The Fire Nation took them all away a long time ago."
"You're lying. My source says there's one waterbender left in the Southern Water Tribe. We're not leaving until we find that waterbender!"
"If I tell you, do you promise…" She lowers her head to make a decision, "to leave the rest of the village alone?"
Yon Rha nods. "It's me." Kya looks up, "Take me as your prisoner."
Yon Rha who smiles sadistically, "I'm afraid I'm not taking prisoners today…"
I close my eyes as the memory fades away, "She lied to you! She told you she was the last waterbender in order to protect the actual one." My voice echoed through the empty room.
Yon Rha looked shocked as blood trickled from his nose, "What the hell? Who!"
I yell back at him in fury, "Me!"
Yon Rha then throws a fire fist towards me. Zuko runs in between us and blocks it with his own fire. He prepares to strike once more, however, his hand fails to move and he begins to tremble.
He cried out in agony, "Ah! W-whats happening to me?"
"Payback, bitch."
With swift motions, I force my will upon him and move his weak body onto the ground. Zuko looks back at me, momentarily scared and stunned, before turning his attention back towards the old man.
I bent his blood and pushed him to the floor, making him gag on his own blood. I use the water that fell from my arms and freeze it mid-air while maintaining my hold on Yon Rha. I form it into various ice daggers, all pointing towards him. With a battle-cry, I throw the flurry of daggers towards the helpless man. Yon Rha crouches in fear, prepared to be stabbed.
When he doesn't feel anything, however, he looks back up to see the ice daggers floating in the chilly air. My expression softens and I sigh in both anger and relief. I allow the ice daggers to liquify and drop to the ground.
"I did a bad thing! I know I did and you deserve revenge, so why don't you take my mother? That would be fair!" He exclaims.
I look back at Zuko, sorrowfully, "I always wondered what kind of person could do such an evil thing, but now that I see you, I think I understand. There's just nothing inside you, nothing at all. You're pathetic and sad and empty. You're a scumbag who believes his duty to the fire nation is more important than ruining the lives of a fucking family."
He cries humbly, "Please! Spare me! I don't want to die."
"Neither did my mother." I held my face in my hand. I look up at Zuko and point towards Yon Rha. He immediately understands and picks him up by the shirt, slamming him onto the wall. He directs a fire dagger up to his throat.
He speaks in a low tone, "So this is how it's going to go. If you tell anyone about this encounter, we will ruin your worthless life. It will be so bad to the point that you will wish you would have been killed on this very day. Understand?"
Yon Rha whimpers and nods, "Yes, I understand."
"Good. I hope I never see your stupid ass again." Before jumping up through the vents, I look back at his wracking body, "Oh and don't you dare fire me."
A tear finally rolls down my cheek.
We make it to safety and I pick up my phone. I give Zuko a hug and thank him for helping me. "You're a good friend."
"And you're a good person. Stronger than anyone I have ever met." He gets into his car and awkwardly waves at me before driving off. I got into my car and let out a breath I didn't know I had been holding.
Feeling sentimental, I write down a text and send it to Aang:
I'm not a murderer. I'm just a daughter who misses her mother.