Author's Note: Hey there everybody. Really glad to see you all again, and really excited to get this chapter out there. We get to see a bit of action in this one, and a little fluff too.
I did take a short break between the first half of this chapter and the second half, so if there are any small inconsistencies then I apologize ahead of time and will fix them in due time.
Anyway, other than that I don't really have all that much to say or point out this time. So I'll leave you guys and gals here. Hope you really enjoy the chapter! I love seeing the feedback you all leave, so feel free to leave a Favorite, review, a follow, do whatever you feel like! All that matters is you enjoy the read! See you all again next time!
On The Prowl.
It was truly astounding what you could learn about a place just by stepping out after the sun had gone down. And more often than not, what you learned wasn't anything you'd like. Zuko learned this fairly quickly. The veil of night acted as a calling card, drawing out the unsavory characters that stayed out of sight during the day. Like moths drawn to a flame, these criminals were drawn to the darkness that night brought with it. And more often than not it was your run-of-the-mill trader villager or port town that these malefactors congregated in.
They use the appearance given by these average settlements so their nefarious and often illegal acts remain inconspicuous. They use the fear instilled upon the inhabitants to further conceal these actions.
And it was night's like the current one that they seemed to be at their most active. A pitch black night, cast under thick sheets of rain brought about by a sudden storm, drowning out noise and visibility alike. The lit braziers were the only thing keeping them from being truly invisible under the blanket of night and storm.
But the filth of the world weren't the only ones who found themselves most active at times like this. Any smart predator in nature knows to hunt when prey is most active. The Blue Spirit is no different.
That's what Zuko becomes when he puts himself in his vigilante mindset. A predator, out on the prowl. And what exactly did this masked predator prey upon? Any who carry ill will for the innocent, any who seek to oppress the defenseless, stepping on them like insects.
While the streets below were lit by the occasional lantern or brazier, the rooftops above were completely enshrouded in darkness. The only light present up there was the occasional bolt of lightning, streaking across the sky, illuminating everything for the briefest of moments. It was perfect in Zuko's mind.
Over the years he had trained his eyes. Making them adjust to seeing in the dark, not to the degree of some animals, but better than most humans. So the blackness surrounding him fazed him little, if any at all.
With the knowledge that his footsteps would be muffled by the pounding of the rain, Zuko held nothing back in sprinting across the rooftops. He knew that the loss of his footing due to the rain would spell the end for his crusade, but did not let that thought hinder him.
No building in this town was large enough to kill him from falling, but one bad landing could leave him injured far worse than the last fall he took. There would be no water to save him below, at least none deep enough to cushion a fall from his current height.
There had once been a time in Zuko's "career" when he feared situations like this. Having every negative outcome running through his mind at blinding speeds, picking away at his then already crumbling resolve. He had almost given up back then. Almost.
But then, as if sent by the spirits that seemed to mock Zuko so often, Iroh showed up, and impart a bit of greatly needed advice upon him. Advice that he held close to his heart to this day.
" Fear is something that everyone experiences. It is nothing to feel ashamed about, in fact, admitting one's fear is often the first step in overcoming it. "
As usual when it came to Iroh, Zuko had a hard time coming to terms with what the old man was saying, even when proverbs weren't present. So obviously Zuko had questioned him, asking " What do you mean? " But of course Iroh had a response almost immediately. He almost always did.
" What we fear can often hinder us in our paths. It can bind us, holding us in one place or making tasks along the way more difficult than they need to be. But you see Zuko, fear can also be used to our own advantage. A great Fire Nation general once said " Fear is a malleable weapon " When used against someone else, or even ourselves. We can mold those fears into something that makes overcoming obstacles easier, or make walking down the path of destiny easier in general. "
It had all confused Zuko so much. Paths? Obstacles? Destiny? What had Iroh been meaning with all of it?
Thankfully though Iroh had given him more than enough time to figure out what he was talking about,or at least his own interpretation of what he had meant. And help it did. Of course his last little bit of wisdom didn't hurt either.
" Oh and if all else fails, Zuko. Fear makes for an excellent motivator. "
And he was right. Zuko had used his own fears, the very things that held him back, to motivate himself, help him grow. And for that, Zuko would be forever grateful for that annoying, tea-loving, kind-hearted old man.
Now wasn't the time to focus on memories though, now was the time for Zuko to put all his focus on the task he had ingrained within his mind. And once his mind was set on something, he wouldn't quit till he had succeeded. He was stubborn like that, and refused to change.
However, even with such tightened focus, the bits and pieces of noises coming from within the buildings he passed over hadn't failed to reach his ears. It let him hear just how deplorable the conditions were for anyone who failed to make ends meet. And the more he heard, the more his gut twisted.
These people, these innocent townsfolk, forced to hide away after sundown, with little to show for the hard work they do. They are the ones preyed upon by the miscreants that run amuck at night. Meanwhile it's those of higher standings who watch from the safety of their well builts homes, turning blind eyes to the transgressions occuring on the streets below.
It was one of the reasons Zuko had no issue with taking from the wealthy if the need be. They had no problems taking from the less fortunate, and even supplied those that torment the innocent, so what harm would it do if he took from them if the situation called on it.
Halfway to the dock, Zuko stopped atop the roof of the doctor from earlier. He was still there, toiling through a mound of coins and paperwork. No doubt his bounty from a day of robbing unfortunate locals blind.
Zuko's fist tightened as he watched the man make a stack of gold Earth Kingdom coins. But now wasn't the right time. He was already letting his emotions drive him, letting his righteous desire to punish the wrongdoer would only slow him down.
" ...I'll be back for you… "
A flash of lightning lit up the sky briefly, but in the brief moment Zuko had already vanished. Leaving the doctor startled and confused, his head swiveling back and forth in a vain attempt to find the voice he swore he heard.
Reaching the pirate's ship was by no means the hardest part of Zuko's self appointed mission. Far from it in fact. Not even infiltrating the ship would be considered difficult in his mind.
He'd boarded many Fire Nation vessels in his three years beneath the mask. Mostly to for recon and intel collecting, but on occasions he would do his "shopping" in the vessel's storerooms.
This would be different though. The pirate's ship was far smaller than any Fire Nation cruiser he had infiltrated. Made of wood and fitted with sails made specifically for picking even the slightest bit of wind. It was a ship made for catching up to other vessels quickly, and making escapes just as fast.
Slipping past the crew would be the toughest part of the infiltration half of the mission. Sneaking past patrolling soldiers on a Fire Nation ship was one matter. Soldiers moved in a routine manner, having set areas to patrol when a ship was docked. Learning their patterns was a child's play for Zuko. But these pirates, with no real order to the way they moved about the ship would prove to be far trickier to evade.
But not impossible.
Though few in numbers compared to the resistance Zuko would come across while on a navy boat, the crew of the pirate ship was more active. Carrying cargo from the dock to the lowest deck of the ship, constantly going back and forth.
"Patience is a virtue" as Iroh had put it, and one that Zuko had come to practice over time. Sometimes patience was the easiest route to a solution, other times it was counterproductive to the goal at hand, but never was patience useless.
And thankfully, Zuko's patience would pay off. There had been a small break in the carrying of cargo onto the ship, as the heaviest of the load was being brought aboard, meaning only the brawniest of pirates could complete the task.
Using this brief opportunity, Zuko dashed through the shadows, his footsteps still muffled by the rainfall, making approaching the ship, even at full speed, less of a danger. Passing by just as the largest of the crew members had stepped off the gangplank, Zuko moved more like the spirit that people saw him as.
While memorizing the layout of the ship had been impossible on his prior visit to the vessel, Zuko held onto the bit he did know. The staircase below, leading to the "boutique" which at the moment was being used to load any cargo that couldn't be fitted below. " Just my luck… "
Two pirates stood in the middle of the room, ignoring their jobs and chatting away. Zuko wouldn't complain, after all, if their focus was on each other, that would rid him of the worry that he would be spotted. With one silent dash, Zuko reached a crate, just the right size for hiding behind.
" The captain's sure been riled up since those brats left earlier t'day. "
" No foolin' He snapped at Oh for just lettin' the little turds onboard in the first place. "
" I didn't like the look of either of em' specially the lad with the bandages… "
" The lass weren't anythin' special either, too young for anything but sellin' "
Zuko wouldn't listen anymore. The conversation was quickly proving to be sickening, so to avoid giving himself away he chose to drone them out, instead focusing his hearing on the creaking of the ship on the rocking water beneath.
Creeping along the cargo, Zuko's eyes zoned in on the unmistakable shape of a cage beneath cloth. " ...There you are… "
All Zuko could think of as he moved closer to the kit's prison was the frightened look in its eyes as he uncovered it the first time. Those eyes, so full of fear and sorrow. To be pulled away from it's home at such a young age, in such an unjust manner.
The more he thought about it, the more something deep inside himself twinged. Some unknown, but familiar sensation that welled up inside of Zuko as he and Katara left the ship earlier.
So now a question had formed within his mind. Was he rescuing the kit because it was the right thing to do? Or was it that he wanted to know more about this feeling, and this little Kit was the first step to understanding it? Zuko shook his head. It didn't matter now, all that did was that he got that poor animal out before it was too late.
" Hey! "
Zuko froze. Had he been caught? And if so, how?
" Would you two slackers get back up here! We got another big load up here! So hurry up before the captain ties ya to the anchor! "
A silent sigh escaped Zuko's lips. Not only had he not been caught, but the only obstacles between himself and the Kit had just been removed. Maybe for once the spirits were smiling down on him.
Making his way over to the corner the cage rested in, Zuko grasped the sheet hiding the animal, pulling it away. And beneath the sheet was an empty cage!
" I thought I smelled an elephant rat down here. But yer not the elephant rat I was expecting...Or are you? "
Did Zuko say that the Spirits were smiling down on him? He meant they were laughing at him, as they always did.
Doing a quick turn, coming face to face with the pirate captain, something held in his arms, and an iguana parrot perched atop his shoulder. " And I should have smelled the filth coming down the stairs… "
" Ah. I'd watch my mouth if I were you brat. Wouldn't want my hand to slip, would ya? "
That's when Zuko saw what was resting in the captain's arm. The quivering figure of the kit he came to save, being stroked by the captain as if he even cared to comfort it.
This drew Zuko's ire immediately, along with his swords, which in a single fluent movement, had been drawn and readied in the masked swordsman's hands.
" I'll give you one chance...Let it go, or I'll cut you down… "
" Let it go, you say? Well, since you asked so nicely! "
He gave a malice filled grin, chucking the kit across the room without a second thought, aiming for a basket holding spears and other sharp objects.
Zuko had no time to be appalled by the action, he hadn't even thought of what he'd do, he merely acted. Sheathing his swords and sprinting across the room faster than he ever had, knocking the basket over, and securing the kit safely in his arms. " You bastard! " Zuko snarled.
" Now, now, lad. Watch your language around the child...They're very impressionable. And with that in mind, kindly surrender and we won't have to let things get ugly. "
But the captain's demands fell on deaf ears. Zuko refused to give the kit up, not when he was so close to getting out. So he chose to resort to the thing he knew best. Fighting his way out. "...You'll be safe in here little guy. " Zuko whispered to the kit as he carefully tucked him into his tunic.
The captain watched with an amused grin as the masked youth drew his blades once more. So the punk wanted to try and fight his way out. So be it.
With a snap of the captain's fingers, the rest of the crew piled down beneath, forming a wall between Zuko and the exit. " ...This was supposed to be easy… " Zuko would berate himself later, for now he needed to think of a plan.
Each crew member brandished a weapon, whether it be a sword, knife or polearm. They weren't soldiers, their training, if they had any real experience, would be far different than what Zuko was used to.
With no other real options, Zuko settled on a simple plan. He wasn't picky on what he had settled on, especially with the current situation on hand. " I'll wait for one of them to come at me...If I'm lucky it'll be one with a polearm...The limited space means they can only swing horizontally. Once I've dropped a few of them, a sizable gap in their little "wall" should be formed so I can slip by...Yeah...That'll work, it'll have to… "
" Well then boys! I'd say our guest has done enough waiting, give him a warm welcome! "
With their captain's order given, the pirates rushed forward, not in a singular fashion like Zuko had wanted, but in a mob like rush, barreling through anything in their path. " ...So much for the plan! " Zuko gritted his teeth, deflecting oncoming strikes with his swords, slipping between one or two pirates at a time, only to be pushed back by another barrage of oncoming attacks.
Zuko was surrounded. Pirates standing on each side, swinging weapon after weapon at the masked swordsman. Being forced onto the defensive wasn't uncommon for Zuko, but more often than not the weapon wielders he fought in the past were organized with their swings.
Against the pirate's self taught and erratic style of fighting he could only do so much. Deflecting whatever blows came from his front and side, and evading whatever he couldn't deflect. But he could only do this so well in such an enclosed area.
SLICE!
A grunt escaped Zuko's grit teeth as a saber grazed his side.
WHAM!
Another grunt came out as a club hit against his left leg.
He needed to think fast. If he didn't he'd get tired and overwhelmed in no time.
" That's it! Stay right there so I can cut you up! "
Zuko's eyes widened partially. That voice belonged to the barker from earlier. Following the voice, Zuko found its owner, sprinting towards him, hunched forward with a knife poised to stab.
That wasn't the end of Zuko's never ending list of problems. Topping that off was the largest of the crew, a monster of a man, swinging a polearm around wildly, a glaive to be more precise. He came rushing forward like a wild gemsbok bull, glaive reared back with the intention of cleaving the masked warrior in two.
" ...This might be just what I needed! " Some would most likely call Zuko crazy for thinking that at the particular moment. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place, or to be more literal, a knife and a sharp place. But Zuko saw otherwise.
This was the exact break he was looking for. And to get said break, he'd need to act, and fast. So without a moment to spare, Zuko threw himself backwards, landing on his back, the large pirate's glaive missing the surface of his mask by a hair. It was just like he said, A weapon like that could only be swung side to side in a room like this.
He smirked.
The momentum from a swing like that, from a man like that meant nothing sort of a solid object was stopping that swing, whether it went through the object or not didn't matter. The rest of the crew realized this as well, leaving them to duck or jump away, choosing life over finishing the vigilante off.
" Now! " With a burst of newfound energy, Zuko flung himself from the ground, landing and sprinting forward, his concealed eyes glued to the staircase at the end of the room. The pirates had managed to regroup, giving chase to the fleeing swordsman. He didn't need this now!
Zuko vaulted over one of the "curio:" tables, doing an immediate turnaround before booting the table towards the pirates, knocking several of them to the floor.
Humiliation wasn't something pirate's took likely. And there was no greater humiliation than getting played with by some punk in a mask on their own ship. The knife-wielding pirate barker, named Oh, had this very thought bouncing about in his head as he watched the Blue Spirit sprinting towards the exit.
" Well mister Spirit...Let's see if you bleed! "
With a flick of his wrist, the blade left his hand, flying through the air like an arrow from a bow.
Pain. The unmistakable feeling of pain. That's all Zuko felt running through his left arm, as the knife pierced his unprotected skin.
His eyes widened, and his teeth gnashed together, it was the only thing keeping him from shouting. The thought that came immediately after that was that he couldn't fight like this.
Zuko inhaled sharply, grabbing the dagger's handle, and with one tug, removed it from his arm, wincing the whole time as more pain shot through the wounded limb. The blood was more than noticeable.
" Good luck explaining that to Katara...Who am I kidding, good luck explaining any of this to her! !"
That was when the largest of the pirates decided to come barreling through, smashing the table and rushing Zuko, ready to swing again, this time for the Blue Spirit's head.
Zuko grimaced under his mask. He didn't need this right now, but knew he couldn't just run with the massive man on his tail. Another jolt of pain ran through his arm, making him wince again. He didn't doubt that he could still swing both his swords in this condition. He just knew he'd regret it in the morning, if he lived to see the next morning.
" ...Alright then big guy...Bring it! "
He dashed forward, swords crossed against his chest as he grew closer to the charging man. With one decisive swing from both swords, just a moment faster than the pirate could swing, Zuko's swords struck. The pirate's glaive fell into three pieces in his hand, and two cuts had been left on his body.
It wouldn't be enough though, and Zuko wouldn't risk another confrontation with the man. Pivoting his body swiftly, Zuko rammed the pommel of his left blade into the man's abdomen, knocking the wind out of him. He pivoted again, this time slamming the pommel of his right back square in the man's forehead with great force.
Like a sawn tree the man fell, robbed of his consciousness with the precise cranial impact. " ...Out like a light. " Zuko mused with a pained smirk. He resumed his sprint towards the stair, not daring to look back. " Alright...Just gotta get up these stairs...And off this stinking Dingh-YA! "
A large curved blade came from the corner of Zuko's eye, cleaving through the air and headed straight for his face. With just enough time to react, Zuko ducked, sliding under the swing, and repelling the surprise attackers follow up attack.
" Now, ya wouldn't happen to be talkin' bad about my ship, are ya lad? Cause callin' her a " stinking dinghy " is downright disrespectful. It's insultin' to a vessel like this! And I don't take too kindly to people badmouthing my ship! "
The captain's grip around the sword's hilt increased, so much so that the man's knuckles started turning a pale white.
" I'll give ya one last generous offer boy! Return my property and go back to that little lass. I'll forget this whole thing ever happened. Sound reasonable? "
Zuko would stand his ground though, taking his stance and glaring down the pirate captain. All thoughts of his wound vanished as his focus was taken up solely by the captain.
This show of defiance was the last straw for the pirate captain. This masked brat would pay dearly for trying to steal from him.
" So, ya want to do this that way do ya? Ya wanna play the hero? Save a stolen animal, beat the "big bad pirates" and go back to the girl? Well here's a little secret mister hero! Not all heroes live to see the end of their stories! "
The captain sprung forward, swinging his blade at Zuko in a mad fury. Steel hit steel repeatedly, sparks lit the veil of night around them. The captain's swings were sloppy, brought about by his sudden blinding rage, inhibiting any skills he may have possessed.
" Letting rage blind you is the quickest way to defeat. Only with a clear mind can one even hope to achieve victory. "
Not now Iroh! Getting distracted by his uncles words of wisdom at a time like this, was the last thing Zuko needed. His wound was starting to burn, making deflecting any oncoming swings from his left side all the more difficult. And with one arm injured, the advantage of having two blades didn't help all that much
But it was an equal handicap. The captain may have exceeded him in terms of experience, but in his enraged state, all Zuko needed was the advantage in skill.
CLANG!
CLANG!
CLANG!
Strike after strike, blow after blow the two swords met repeatedly. Zuko continuously repelled the flurry of strikes, and each time he deflected an attack with his left arm, the pain grew more and more. If he didn't do something soon he might lose feeling in the limb, leaving him exposed on his left.
Zuko needed to end this. Now.
Thinking on his feet, Zuko ducked under an incoming sword swing, sprinting behind the pirate captain, swiftly turning himself around, ready to lunge for the captain.
Pain. Pain was all that Zuko felt running through his back at that moment. Standing behind the vigilante was another large pirate, wielding a solid wood staff, the source of Zuko's sudden debilitating pain.
With such a sharp pain running through his back in such a short amount of time, the only thing Zuko could do was fall to his knees. His arm crossed across his chest, holding the kit close to him, and bracing for a follow up attack.
" ...I won't...Let you have it! "
And there was the follow up swing. Coming from the large pirate once more, striking Zuko in the same spot, knocking him to the floor of the deck.
The feeling of the kit's claws digging into his undershirt pulled Zuko from the pain that had clouded his mind. Peeking inside his tunic, Zuko saw the little serval fox. It's large innocent eyes staring past his mask and into his own golden orbs. " ...Don't you worry little guy...I'll...I'll get us both out of here. Then you can watch Katara scold me for pulling this stunt...You'll like her… "
That was when the rest of the able body crew made their way from under the ship, circling around the fallen warrior.
" Would ya like to know where your first mistake was lad? "
The captain taunted him, casually walking around him, kneeling down to meet him at eye level.
" No guesses? Well then I'll tell you exactly where you went wrong. Ya see lad, I may look like a pirate, but I am in fact a businessman. And ya see, that there kit is my business, so when little masked bastards like yourself come onto MY ship, and steal MY business, well it tends to make me a little...ANGRY! "
An anger-filled kick was delivered to Zuko's lower abdomen, knocking the breath out of him, and sending him rolling away.
A thousand thoughts ran through Zuko's head at that moment. Some about his memories, some about how this shouldn't have gone like this. But there was one thought, one regret laden thought that ate away at him at that very moment.
" ...Katara… "
She, just like this little kit, was depending on him. He had made them both promises; a self made vow that he would return them to their loved ones. And the thought that he was going to break that vow, by laying down and dying, twisted inside his gut.
" I've got a little game for you lads! We're gonna take the fox away from this hero, dump him in the ocean for a nice little nap! Then we're gonna go find his little sleeping lass, drag her onto the ship, and take her to the market! An exotic young lass like that will fetch a pretty coin on the market! So get ready to get a little payback lads! "
That last part about Katara was what pushed Zuko over the line. Despite the pain running through him, he pushed himself onto his hands and knees, swords still clenched tight.
" Ahh. I see ya still got some fight in ya lad. Good! But it won't matter, in your condition my boys will just use ya like a punchin' sack! So put them swords away, and take it like a man! "
Zuko's teeth were bared under his mask. This situation had gone from bad to worse in a matter of seconds. Maybe with a second wind he could take on the captain in his condition, but the rest of the crew? Reluctantly, Zuko complied, sheathing his swords and glaring down the pirate.
" See? That wasn't so bad. Now, before we go and get rid of ya, do ya have any last words? "
Last words huh? He was that kind of bad guy, liked getting the satisfaction of hearing his victims futile final words. Zuko just couldn't let it end here, not to some blasted pirates!
That's when Zuko's eyes started wandering, quickly landing on the pirate captain's faithful companion. A particularly manic looking iguana parrot, resting comfily on its owner's shoulders. Like a bolt of lightning traveling across the sky, a thought flashed in Zuko's head, a plan, and possibly his most important one.
Making sure the captain's eyes were stuck on his by maintaining his glare, Zuko reached into his tunic, grabbing hold of something.
" Yeah...Yeah I think I have some last words… "
" And what might those be? "
Zuko lowered his head, grinning beneath his mask. " THINK FAST! " With speed and precision, Zuko threw the object he had grasped in his tunic. The dagger that Oh had hit him with!
Whizzing past the pirates pet, startling the animal in the process, and cutting a rope behind the crew.
" Agh! Get off me you blasted winged rodent! " The captain screamed out, trying to pry the frightened iguana parrot from his face.
The crew scrambled to get the animal off their pirate, when suddenly the boat lurched forward, leaving the pier. That's when it dawned on the pirates just what the dagger hit. The rope that held the anchor, meaning nothing was keeping them from drifting off in the stormy waters.
A wave hit the unanchored ship, rocking it and throwing the crew and captain to the floor. Zuko took this as his cue, using whatever strength he could muster, he bolted from where he was kneeled, sprinting past the pirates, managing to keep his footing as the boat rocked about.
With a swing of his blade, Zuko lopped one of the ropes attached to the sail in two, grabbing hold of the dangling half and pulling himself onto the ship's railing. Turning back one last time, Zuko saw the pirates scrambling to climb to where he was, but they wouldn't reach him, not now, not ever. Now, Zuko was by no means a cocky person, and often viewed himself as humble when describing his past victories, but that wouldn't stop him from having a little fun every now and then.
" ...I had a wonderful time gentlemen! " He cringed, the pain was still running through his body. He'd have to have his fun a little faster. " I would have loved to...to stay and play longer...But I gotta get back before the...The sun rises! "
" No! Don't let him get away! "
" Remember these words Zuko, you may find use for them one day. Never let yourself grow arrogant with your abilities. Arrogance can diminish one's wisdom, leading them to the path of self-destruction. "
Unfortunately Zuko wouldn't be heeding your words Iroh. In his head this wasn't arrogance, it was just a little fun before making his grand escape. And a grand escape needed a clever bit of dialogue to go with it, at least according to the plays Zuko would watch from outside, or the few books he would find in his journeys.
Through his pain, Zuko grinned, and though they couldn't see it, Zuko turned to the pirates as if they could. " ...I hope you have a wonderful sail! Remember this day, as the day you almost caught the Blue Spirit! "
From the ship Zuko swung from, his grip like iron around the rope as he veered himself towards the gradually vanishing dock. And as he did, one last thought ran through his head, one pertaining to his "witty getaway cry" and that thought was.
" So lame! "
With no time to spare, Zuko tucked his body against itself, rolling as soon as he landed on the hard wooden boards that made up the dock. He mentally swore at himself, for the lame line he gave, and the further abuse done to his body, while also potentially endangering the kit. " ...Smooth Zuko...That was reaaaal smooth… "
The pirates watched helplessly as the masked youth picked himself up off the ground, running off into the darkness that blanketed the town. Within seconds he was gone, and without their anchor, stopping in the current weather was out of the question. All they could do was watch with anger and exhaustion as they drifted further and further away from the port town.
" GRAHHH! " Their captain roared out like a savage animal. Outsmarted and robbed by some punk! Some spineless brat in a musty old mask!
" D-don't worry cap'n...W-we'll get im' " One of the pirates tried calming the captain. Of course this was a mistake as in his angered state of mind, the captain knocked the poor pirate over the railing, before grasping it himself.
" I hope you hear me brat! This ain't the last you've seen of me! I'll get ya! I'll get ya, that stupid fox, and that girl! Do you hear me! "
The streets were dead silent. The only sound to be heard was the sound of rainfall battering against the ground and surrounding houses.
The only soul out at that time, was a lone figure, trudging through one of the town's many backstreets. His body leaned against any passing building for support.
" ...And so...Here stands the Blue Spirit...Triumphantly returning from another mission...His body battered and cut...But his...Heh...His spirit, still in one piece...But all that's just part of life...Isn't it Zuko? "
But there was no one to respond. The masked teen was talking solely to himself, after all, that had been the only person he had to talk to for over two years. Iroh had disappeared after sticking around for a year, but then he vanished, leaving Zuko all alone, leaving him with only himself to speak with.
These conversations typically stayed in his head though. Some subconscious fear must have existed that kept him from spouting his words out loud. And if that had been the case, that fear was no longer present.
" Heh…Heheh...Guess you've finally gone and lost it...Huh Zuko? "
" We may feel ourselves falter at time...But must remember to never give up, never let go of the hope that we can see a brighter tomorro- "
" Shut up! Just shut up Iroh! "
Zuko's breaths were labored, his body ached, and no, so did his mind. He just wanted to go back, back to Katara. No, back in time, to when he had his memories, to when he was actually someone, and not just a spirit.
He opened his mouth to shout once more, only to be stopped by a feeling. The feeling of a small animal's claws dug deep into his undershirt, so deep that the tips of the claws touch his skin. Inside his tunic Zuko found those large innocent eyes staring at him once more.
The young creature peered up at the masked man, taking in the mask that it's savior wore. It then turned its head left. Then to the right. All in search of any sign of the men who had imprisoned it.
But there was nothing.
No sign of the large scary men that had taunted it, no sign of the horrific feathered creature that tormented it on a daily basis. Just it's savior. The young man who had risked his life to save the kits.
" ...Hey there little fella...You doing alright..? " Zuko said with a quiver in his voice.
The masked boy acted strong, held himself up like nothing was wrong. But animals tended to be perceptive when a person was troubled, and the kit, though young, was no different. The serval fox kit climbed up out of Zuko's tunic, pushing it's snout against the bottom of his rain soaked mask, exposing the lower half of his face. In a show of comfort, it nuzzled against Zuko's exposed chin, and gave a small lick.
Zuko looked back into the animals innocent eyes, and the longer he looked, the more he felt something inside himself. A soft voice, resounding from somewhere in his mind, in it there was much sorrow.
" ...I wanna go home… "
That voice. It sounded so much like his, only younger. It lacked the roughness his voice held now, but kept all the pain.
" ...I just wanna go home… "
It was his voice. It was his inner voice, a child, taken from its home by force. Stripped of everything it once held, and tossed out into a cruel unforgiving world, filled with those who would wish harm upon him.
And at that moment, Zuko understood. He understood why looking into the kit's eyes brought this voice out. Why traveling with Katara brought out such a vulnerable side of himself. Zuko understood everything.
Zuko started to laugh. He sat against the side of the stone building he had been leaning against and just laughed. And he did, he laughed, and laughed, not caring that he had removed his mask in the midst of it all. Not caring that the rain was beating against his already soaked body.
It was the realization of one thing that brought about this uncontrollable laughter. They were all just children.
The Kit.
Katara.
Himself.
All of them, just children, taken from their homes in one way or another, forced into a world that held no love for them. Separated from those they cared for most. For Katara, it was her brother. The kit, it's mother no doubt. And for Zuko, it was everything, every last memory he longed for, every last blank face, every last unfamiliar voice, everything he longed to remember.
Without realizing it, tears started streaming from Zuko's eyes. His laughter shifted into sobs as he held himself close, crying out to the pitch black skies above.
It was as if at that moment that everything Zuko had kept bottled up over the past three years had finally come out. Every last tear, every last fear, every last thought that he wanted to disappear.
He wanted his mother, he wanted his life back, no matter what sort of life it was. He just wanted it all back, or at least for some semblance of that life to return.
Zuko's sobs were stopped however, as he felt the Kit's tongue against his skin once more. The animal's attempt at comforting warmed his aching heart, without hesitation, Zuko dropped his mask from his hands, and wrapped his arms around the young serval fox. And as he did, he could have sworn he heard his mother's voice, the voice he wanted so desperately to hear.
" You have to be nice to the animals sweetie...You know they can feel just like we do? In fact, sometimes when a person is sad, it's their pet that comforts them. "
He remembered fondly as his mother stroked a turtle duck's shell.
" Animals are special like that...Just like how we know something is wrong with them, they know something is wrong with us, and want to make that something go away. So to thank them, we have to give them as much love as we can, and they'll do the same in return. "
His mother's smile faded from his memories, bringing him back to reality, where he found the little Kit nestled up under his chin. And just when Zuko thought he couldn't, he smiled. " You were right mom… "
Carefully, Zuko tucked the kit into the folds of his tunic, then placed his mask back on his now rain and tear soaked face. " ...Let's get back to Katara...I think we both deserve some rest… "
Zuko lifted himself up off the ground, resting his good arm against the side of the building, and using his left arm to support the Kit. The young animal's warmth against his soaked and pain filled body brought a unique comfort to it, one that allowed him to walk without having to think of his injuries, leaving Zuko trek back to the Inn in peace to an extent.
Sunrise had only been a few short hours away by the time Zuko made it back to the inn. His pace had been slower than when he first set out for obvious reasons, but he used that time to think. He thought of no subject in particular, and instead let his mind roam freely, letting him ponder a number of things.
Before he knew it, he had made it back to the window he left just hours ago. Being as cautious as he could, opening the window slowly so as not to let it creak, then pulling his aching body in. If Zuko was lucky then Katara would still be asleep, and he could tend to his wounds and slip into bed.
" So you're finally back. Did you have fun while you were out? "
But of course! Zuko should have expected this, after all, he was never lucky in his mind.
Sitting at the foot of the bed with arms crossed and a stern look on her face, was Katara, who had been awake for the past hour, waiting for Lee to return. She had been startled to find no one next to her after waking up, but that surprise was quickly replaced with an anger of sort. Not the furious type of anger one would show for someone who wronged them or the hate filled anger one held for their worst enemy.
No, what Katara felt was a kind of disappointed anger, mixed with the smallest amount of betrayal. Lee had promised her he would stay by her side at night, so waking to find that not only was he not next to her, but not even in the room, hurt her.
So she decided to wait for him, and when he got back she'd get her explanation.
" K-Katara..! Wh...what are you doing awake at this hour..? "
" I should be asking you the same question Lee. "
Zuko gulped. Iroh's advice on the opposite gender had also informed him of the dangers of angering a woman, especially one as fiery spirited as Katara.
" I...I was doing something important… "
Important? What could have been so important that he left her in the room all by herself. What if the Fire Nation had decided to pay the town a visit and found her by herself, what if she had fallen ill overnight.
But the list of what ifs halted as she looked him over. He was an absolute mess. Soaked to the bone, clothes scuffed up, and his arm, coated in blood. She was absolutely livid now.
" H-how could you go getting yourself in this condition, Lee! What if...What if you… "
Then she saw something shift under his tunic, putting a stop to her rage. Katara watched as Lee parted his tunic just barely, letting the small furry head of the animal she had seen on the ship.
" ...You rescued it… "
Her fist and eyes clenched shut, tears fought to get out. " Y...you...you idiot! Do you have...Do you have any idea how worried I was! Now look at you...You're arm… "
" I'm fi- "
" ...You're not fine! What if...What if whatever cut you had been poisoned…You always say you're fine...But you're not… "
Zuko's gaze lowered to the floor. She was right, he always seemed to reply with "I'm fine" and he always had, ever since Iroh found him. He remembered the first words that he managed to get out of his mouth were "I'm fine, now go away. "
He turned away from her, dropping his mask with a loud clatter. With his back to her he knelt to the ground, picking up the bandages he discarded and wrapping his face up once more.
" ...Lee...I know we're still...Getting used to one another, but you leaving in the middle of the night...Well it frightened me, I thought, maybe you decided to leave me here…I thought you lied to me… "
Just as Zuko was finishing wrapping his face, he froze. She thought he'd lied, had left her. He could hear the hurt in her voice clearly, the fear. The loneliness.
All the things he felt when Iroh just up and vanished.
" ...Katara… " He said gruffly, turning to her with his face concealed once more. " ...I'm sorry...I just couldn't stand the thought of this kit with those pirates...It made me so angry...So. I...I took the matter into my own hands. "
" Then why didn't you tell me..? "
His gaze shifted away from her, unable to stand the sight of her hurt-filled eyes. " ...I couldn't endanger you...I made a promise to keep you safe, and if you had gotten dragged into this...Well who knows what could have happened… "
She stepped forward, placing a hand on the kit's head, stroking it, and another on Lee's cheek. " ...You wouldn't have gotten so hurt...That's what could have happened… " Her arms enveloped him in a warm hug, holding him close, letting him soak in her warmth.
" Please Lee...From now on, tell me when you're going to pull something like this...I could help. You can't shoulder everything by yourself...We're friends, and friends carry burdens for one another… "
" I know you dislike asking for help Zuko, but you must know that you cannot do everything on your own...You can only carry so much on your shoulders before your body gives out beneath...There is no reason to fear the help of others, if someone truly wishes to bare your burdens, and you trust that person, then let them. So please Zuko...Do not try shouldering the worries of the world...And just because the burden is yours, does not mean they are yours to carry alone. "
That plea had been the last thing Iroh said to him before vanishing. Zuko wasn't even sure if he had been fully awake when those words were spoken, but remembered hearing them. After that there had been no sign of Iroh.
Zuko remembered waiting day after day, night after night, in hopes that the old wise man would return. But he never did, and the betrayal and hurt he felt after that caused Zuko to discard his last words. They had returned though, just when Zuko needed them the most.
" ...Katara… " Their eyes connected, looking deep into one another. " Thank you… "
Their embrace tightened momentarily before they separated. Katara smiled, but one more her eyes were drawn to the wound on his arm, as she did her mind went back to the burn she sustained back in the woods.
" Lee...I wanna try something...I need you to sit down though alright? "
She wanted to try something? What exactly could she be wanting to try? He and the kit exchanged glances before Zuko gave his answer, taking a seat at the end of the bed.
" Well...Alright, but this better not be something meant to get back at me for leaving… "
She smiled, his skepticism reminded her of Sokka and how he wouldn't trust her when it came to certain tasks. " It won't. I promise...Just trust me. "
And trust her he did. She watched as his body relaxed, losing the tenseness it had held until this moment. A sign that he had complete faith in whatever it is she wanted to try on him.
Raising her hands over his body, she bent the liquid from his clothes, making a ball of water that hovered over the wounded limb. She focused her thoughts on the memory of how she had healed the burn on her leg, and pressed the water to the gash that marred Zuko's left arm.
Zuko wasn't quite sure what she was hoping to accomplish by doing this. Was she trying to wash the wound, or was she trying to ease his pain with the coolness of the water. But to Zuko's astonishment, the water began glowing! It grew brighter and brighter, illuminating the room, and the greater the light became, the less pain he felt in his arm..
" ...K-Katara?! "
She wouldn't speak though, she was too focused on keeping the water in its current state. Lee's skin mended under her lustrous water, closing up little by little, before vanishing all together. And when her eyes finally opened, it was as if the wound had never even been there, much to her own relief.
" T...There…All better. " She smiled triumphantly.
A sense of awe washed over Zuko as he inspected the area the injury had once inhabited. It was gone, there was no trace whatsoever, not even a scar. " ...Not even a scar… " Had it not been for the blood staining his clothes, then Zuko would have been certain that nothing happened at all.
" ...Katara...That was, well it was amazing...You can heal! "
" Yeah...I can. " Katara's smile never faltered, even if she felt as if she was going to drop from exhaustion.
That made twice now that Katara took care of Zuko when he was in less than stellar condition. Twice she was there for him when no one else would have. Twice that she proved how much of a friend she was to Zuko.
Zuko went to thank her again, to give her the gratitude she deserved, when suddenly his own wave of exhaustion crashed over him. The events that had taken place were finally catching up with him, weighing down his body, and most importantly, his eyelids.
Katara watched as Zuko reached into his tunic, his hand creeping past the now sleeping kit, and grasping hold of something. But her eyes rose to his when she noticed his head starting to incline. He was utterly exhausted, even more so than herself. She watched as his lone eye drooped shut, as his head descended to the pillow that had been beneath him.
She had been so focused on him drifting off to sleep, that she hadn't even paid attention to the object he had rested in her hand.
Her eyes widened as far as they could. Sitting in hands was the very same scroll she had seen aboard the ship. The same scroll she wanted to take, it belonged to her people, and she knew she needed to take it. But Lee had stopped her, and up till now she had wondered why he had done so.
Looking at the scroll in her hand now though, she knew why. It seemed that Lee didn't only shoulder his own burdens, but the burdens of anyone he let get close to him. She'd make sure that would change though.
Making her way over to the side of the bed he rested on, Katara saw how Lee and the serval fox kit were nestled up together, and the sight of it warmed her heart. He might look scary to someone who didn't know him, and even more so when he wore his mask, but Katara knew better. She was slowly but surely learning about the real Lee, the one under the mask. But for now she knew all she needed to, and that was that underneath that mask, Lee was a soft hearted individual who was making the world a better place, one little piece at a time.
Lowering herself to them, Katara planted a light kiss on Lee's bandaged cheek, before doing the same to the sleeping kit's head. He might have left without letting her know and scared her half to death, but after the little moment they share, Katara let it slide. He deserved a little rest now, and she'd soon join him.
As she eased her way into bed, Katara glanced over at the sleeping figure of Lee, smiling one more time as her eyes shut. The coming day could hold any number of surprises for them, but for now, all Katara cared about was joining her friend in slumber.
" Goodnight Lee… "
