Author's Note: I've had this chapter in the works for the past week, but due to setback after setback I've had to put it off. But that all changes now! I present to you all the very next chapter of ' Who I Truly Am ' a chapter that's had more than it's fair share of love and care put into it. There was a plus side to this being delayed thanks to the aforementioned setbacks, that being that I was able to plan out the next three chapters, so heres to hoping that speeds up the progress!
Anyway, I really hope you all have fun reading this, as I always hope you guys and gals enjoy what I put out. If you did like it, feel free to leave a comment, tell me what you thought or anything along those lines! Your kind words keep me ready and raring to go! So until next time, see ya later!
Dreams and Ostrich Horses.
Getting back on the road had been something that had been easier said, than it was done for the unlikely trio of travelers. After the revelations that had taken place under the moon, Zuko and Katara had decided on staying in the village for another two days, using the time to have Zuko's wounds treated, and for Katara to get her bearings straight.
The first of the two days had involved Zuko's newfound transparency with Katara. While she tended to his injuries, primarily the burn on his side, he'd lay there, telling her everything that had taken place since he'd first woken up on the beach. Every little minute detail that he felt needed to be shared, and the whole time he spoke, she'd kept her eyes on his face, taking in what had been hidden from her this whole time.
She'd certainly listened, as she found each tale he told more interesting than the last, and yet not even the most enticing of stories could pull her attention away from his face. Even after living three years out in the wildness, the unscarred side of his face had looked totally untouched, lacking any of the dirt and grime that would come from the type of lifestyle he lived.
And if she was being honest, Katara would admit that even with his scar, he was quite handsome, although she'd never openly admit it, lest she faint from embarrassment. But beyond his good looks, Katara also took notice of the bags that rested under his eyes, and it made her wonder, just how often did Le- how often did 'Zuko' sleep.
It was a thought that saddened Katara. Zuko was a kind soul, flawed? Yes, but who wasn't in a world as cruel as this one? But no number of flaws could hide his heart of gold, the heart that guided him to help those in need. And yet, Zuko suffered for it, being "punished by the spirits" as he had put it once.
Nobody deserved to be tormented the way he was, to be robbed of their sleep by voices and visions that they have no recollection of. To fear falling asleep because they didn't want to be haunted by their nightmares, and yet, that's exactly what Zuko did.
He feared sleeping more than anything, and while Katara had known this, now she could see physical evidence of just what that fear had done to him. And it broke her heart as a result.
Zuko had fallen asleep shortly after the healing session had ended, with Yuki following soon after, leaving Katara alone with her thoughts. Seeing him sleeping in front of her filled Katara worry, worry that he'd wake up any moment, face drenched with sweat, and eyes carrying a haunted look.
So to try and prevent Zuko's slumber from being interrupted by the nightmares that plagued his resting mind, Katara started stroking his head, softly humming, just as she had done when they had taken shelter in the log at the start of their journey. Before she even realized it, Katara had dozed off herself, her head resting gently against Zuko's, her hand softly grasping his.
The second day began with an awkward conversation pertaining to the unexpectedness of Zuko and Katara's sleeping arrangement. Still, they'd managed to look past it, seeing it as nothing more than two friends keeping each other company as they slept.
And for Zuko, it was actual sleep. Katara's presence had seemingly been enough to ward off the intrusive voices and visions. To show his gratitude, Zuko offered to make breakfast, considering that Katara had always been the one to prepare their meals. This was an offer that Katara politely denied, pointing out that Zuko still hadn't mastered the art of preparing white rice, something she'd tease him over till it stopped being funny.
Breakfast passed peacefully. Katara had made another dish from her homeland, thanks to some ingredients provided by the villagers, who had indebted themselves to Zuko after what he had done. Afterwards they'd set out for Biyu's hut, wanting to see if the last of the children had finally recovered.
Biyu had greeted them both with smiles, offering her deepest gratitude to Zuko, although she still made it clear that he was a fool in her eyes.
" The next time you're sent out to do something, don't go picking a fight with the whole Fire Nation army! " She'd chastised him, albeit in an almost grandmotherly way, something Zuko had never experienced firsthand. With how little Zuko remembered, he felt that her scolding him was the closest he'd ever be to having a grandparent show care for him. And because of this, even as Biyu reprimanded him, Zuko found himself smiling; it was sort of like how Iroh would tell him what mistakes he'd made while training, only with more shouting, and a great degree of bluntness.
Once the elderly healer had gotten everything out of her system, she'd pulled the bandaged teen into a hug, thanking him before showing them that the last child had indeed recovered.
As the two teens and their kit left the hut, they were greeted by the villager elder, smiling broadly and bowing as a show of thanks. Elder Fong had said 'thank you' at least twenty times as he walked with Katara and Zuko, telling them how their actions would go down as a permanent part of their village's history, and to celebrate something so momentous, he'd told them that a feast would be held in their honor.
The feast lasted all night, not that Zuko and Katara would have known. All of the attention had started getting to Zuko, who, without his mask, felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of people that had gathered.
Seeing how uncomfortable the swordsman was becoming, Katara excused them mid feast, taking him and Yuki back to their little hut.
" You know, I don't like crowds very much either. " Katara had said truthfully. While very few opportunities came up before he'd met Zuko, going somewhere with far too many people had bothered her, what with growing up in such a small village. Her visit to Kyoshi island had been far more strenuous on her than she let on, not wanting her brother to concern himself with her, especially since he'd been too preoccupied wearing a dress at the time.
He'd looked at her in response, his bandages removed so she could see the lighthearted smile he wore. " Thanks...But it's never been the crowds...I managed to look past that a while back… " He'd started, glancing to the ground while he absentmindedly stroked Yuki's back. " ...What's always bothered me is the looks...All those people focused on me...All it takes is one time for someone to see past my disguise...See me...And then it's all over… "
It had taken Katara a minute to understand what he meant by it, but when it finally dawned on her, she felt her heart breaking. When Zuko wore his mask, he portrayed himself as what he was called, a spirit, an untouchable entity whose power is unrivaled by any earthly being. But in reality, Zuko was terrified under that mask, terrified that someone would see the real him, and there'd be nowhere for him to hide, not even behind the mask.
As a result of this fear of being found out, he'd developed an innate paranoia, one that bombarded him with fear any time more than a few sets of eyes were on him. The saddest part to Katara was that Zuko was just so unique,so unusual in a good way, that, even when disguised, he drew far more attention than he ever intended.
The whole situation was one riddled with cruel irony. All Zuko wanted to do was fade into the shadows, help others without ever having to be seen, and yet, the opposite always seemed to happen.
" You don't get that way when I look at you though… " Katara hadn't really any idea what to say after what she'd heard, rather she found words flowing from her mouth with no forethought.
His gaze had lifted, meeting hers, his soft smile growing while still keeping the sad look in his eyes. " I like when you look at me...It makes me feel...Normal… "
How Katara had resisted throwing her arms around him after hearing the vulnerability in his voice, had been beyond her. Ever since Zuko had told her the truth the night before, she'd found herself far more attached to him, having learned everything about him in such a short time. She learned his many fears and doubts, how his nightmares really affected him, and how abandoned he'd felt after "Iroh" had just up and left one day.
How someone could abandon someone as kindhearted and special as Zuko, was a mystery to Katara. And if anything, learning that Zuko feared being left alone, only furthered the feeling she'd had in the past, the one that practically yelled at her to protect him at all costs. Well, not it was more of a scream, one that basically said 'don't you ever hurt a hair on his head or you'll regret it for the rest of your life'.
They continued to converse with one another for some time, only stopping when Katara couldn't keep her eyes open any longer; a contrast to their last few nights where Zuko had been the first to be claimed by sleep. Even Yuki tended to fall asleep before Katara did, so for her to be the first one slumbering, had left Zuko in a peculiar situation; A situation that Zuko hadn't actually thought of since they first arrived in the village.
Falling asleep on his own.
He'd become so accustomed to falling asleep with Katara being there to watch over him, so used to having someone there to wake him from his night terrors. So to have only himself, had reminded Zuko so much of the first handful of nights he'd been forced to endure after he awoke on the beach.
He'd fought for hours to stay awake, trying to fend off the visions, the voices. But with only the darkness of the night to keep him company, and his own thoughts to keep him preoccupied, sleep was an inevitability.
And when it finally overtook him, all Zuko could do was silently pray that the voices spared him, just for tonight, a prayer he'd said many times over the three years. A prayer that was seldom ever answered.
That night however, it had been different. For Zuko wasn't plagued by the voices, nor did he see the visions of the terrifying figure standing over him, hand ablaze. No, what Zuko had seen, was himself.
The void that made up Zuko's mind had become a familiar setting for him. Anytime he dozed off, passed out, or dropped from exhaustion, he'd find himself here. It was like the middle ground that connected the nightmares to the few memories that Zuko possessed, a type of no-man's land.
And yet, it was here he found himself at peace the most. There were no voices, no faces, or distorted faces, no conflicting feelings or impossible decisions, just Zuko and the quiet that filled the rest of his mind.
But something was different, something wasn't right. The stillness that filled his head had been disturbed, leaving the emptiness laced in a thick fog.
He looked around, seeing just how far into the depths of his mind the fog stretched, and he'd come to the conclusion that it was endless. Without even realizing it, Zuko found himself walking, traversing the vastness of his psyche with no control of his legs. Whatever had been responsible for the thick blanket of fog that filled his mind, had been calling out to him, drawing him deeper and deeper into the abyss.
And just when it had seemed he'd never stop walking, Zuko saw it. A figure, pitch black in color, darker than even the void around them. It had faced away from him, standing over something shrouded by the fog.
" ...Who are you...You shouldn't be here...Nobody should be here… "
The figure remained still for the longest of time, just standing there, head tilted downwards, staring at some unseen object. Just as Zuko was about to call out to it again, the figure started shifting, it's body turning, and as it turned, Zuko found his eyes widening.
When it's face came into view, Zuko found that it wasn't an actual face staring back at him, rather, it was the very mask he wore. It was the Blue Spirit, with it's unforgettable, nightmarish smile. With the slits of it's eye holes peering into Zuko's very soul.
" I shouldn't be here..? It's you that shouldn't be here… "
Cold. Zuko felt cold staring the masked figure down, colder than he'd ever felt in his entire life. It was like looking himself in the mirror, only it wasn't Zuko staring back, it was something darker, angrier, something malevolent.
" ….What….What are you… " Zuko demanded to know, his mind racing around him as he and the masked entity kept gazes locked.
It took a single moment, one little blink on Zuko's behalf, for the figure to vanish, appearing right in front of Zuko, swords grasped in it's shadowy hands. A black fog rolled off what should have been it's body, but instead of skin and cloth, the figure was made of what looked like solid shadows. " That's a funny question coming from you. " The sound of its voice sent chills through Zuko's body, as if ice cold claws had just run across his exposed back. It sounded so much like him, the same rasp his voice generally carried, only it was warped, distorted by the veil of darkness it wrapped itself in.
" Of course, it's only fair you don't know me...It's only fair you don't know yourself. "
" ...What...What are you talking about...You...You aren't making any sense! "
The Blue Spirit turned away from Zuko, glancing back just enough to maintain "eye-contact". " I used to be you. I used to be what you became...You used to be the Blue Spirit...Striking fear into the hearts of anyone you chose...But you're changing...Becoming someone you don't even recognize. "
That's when it struck Zuko like an axe striking a tree. This entity, this thing, it was Zuko. It was the truest essence of the Blue Spirit persona, a piece of Zuko that had been born shortly after dawning the mask, and what others saw when coming "face-to-face" with the spirit. The unshakable fear, the chills, and anxiety, were all things people felt when he first took up the role of the Blue Spirit.
Zuko had been different in his first year behind the mask. He'd yet to develop his righteous beliefs, and let anger guide his blades, anger formed from the void that once held his memories, his identity. Back then someone didn't even have to be Fire Nation to draw his ire, Zuko was angry at the world, and took it out on whoever the mask told him to.
It was only thanks to the intervention of Iroh, and a few minor memories, that Zuko stopped his "rampage" swear to never do harm to anyone who didn't deserve it.
" By letting rage guide you, you are only bringing yourself one step closer to self destruction. You have a great capacity for kindness in you, Zuko...You just have to find it, dig it out from the darkness within you, and show it to the world...This world is full of so much pain and hatred...So many unjust acts...It needs someone to bring back the peace that has been so unfairly taken, and I believe you can do this, you just have to believe in yourself. "
Iroh had spoken those words after Zuko had broken down, he remembered how badly the tears stung as they fell from his left eye; it had been the first time he cried after removing his bandages after all.
Zuko shook his head, stamping his foot down, pushing the fog at his feet away. " No! I'm not...I'm not like you anymore...I don't hurt anybody...I could never hurt anybody…Katara would- "
" Katara would what?! That girl has been nothing but trouble since you first found her...She's changing you...Turning you into someone you don't want to be anymore...Thinking that you could never hurt another person, all because the little waterbender would be upset is laughable...If only you knew the truth...Knew what hides behind these shadows...She'd despise you forever...Then again, she couldn't possibly know...You don't even know. "
The spirits' words had triggered something in Zuko, causing the boy to lunge forward, only to pass right through the shadowy figure, eyes widened. It's shadowy body reformed behind Zuko, it's arms crossed as it shook its head.
" What don't I know! Tell me! What is it I don't know! " He lunged again, getting the same results as his first attempt. " You know something about my memories! Tell me! " He'd tried a third time, rushing the spirit in desperation, failing once more as the spirit's body turned to smoke, flowing past Zuko, and reforming behind him.
" You won't get any answers trying to catch a ghost...If you truly want to learn what's locked away behind these walls you've put up...Then go southeast, past the city of Gaoling, and into the furthest reaches of the largest swamp...There you'll come in contact with a spirit named Koh...He'll give you the answers you seek...But hurry...Time is of the essence in a world slowly consumed by fire… "
The spirits' final word echoed as it turned to face Zuko one last time, it's body dissipating into the void around it, taking the fog around it. And as the fog faded, Zuko's eyes fell upon what the Spirit had been so focused on; a portrait of Zuko, his mother, and two others, a little girl, who he figured to be his sister, and a man, a man who was no doubt his father.
Wanting desperately to get closer to, see more of it, Zuko sprinted, arm stretched out to grab it. He'd gotten so close, only for a light to envelop him, dragging him from his psyche, and back into reality.
When Zuko had woken the next morning, Katara had been standing over him, holding him in her arms out of worry. Apparently he'd been thrashing about in his sleep, and talking, saying "tell me" over and over again.
It had taken him a solid ten minutes to regain what little composure he had before carefully explaining everything he'd seen to Katara. He'd tried refraining from sounding too energetic about it, fearing that Katara might think he'd knocked some screws loose or something of that sort. But rather than think he was making it up or that it was all in his head, Katara had smiled, nodded and responded with a smile.
" If that's what you need to do, then let's do it. "
Zuko tried arguing, saying his memories could wait, and that if they moved quickly they could still catch up with the Avatar and her brother. But to his surprise, she'd shaken her head no, saying that while it would be nice to see her brother so soon, that some things were just more important. He could tell she was lying, at least for the most part, but knew that trying to argue with her was pointless.
Instead Zuko swore that as soon as they reached the swamp and he got his answers, they'd move twice as fast to find the Avatar. As he said it, an amusing thought passed through Zuko's mind; that never once in his life did he think he'd find himself tracking the Avatar across the world.
Still, even after telling himself he wouldn't try arguing over the fact, he found himself asking if she was sure.
" ….You don't have to do this you know...If we move now we could catch up in a day or two...I can always just...Go on my own… "
She'd taken hold of his hands, smiling as she gazed into his eyes. " It's fine...Really it is. I miss my brother, more than anything, but if what you saw in your dream was true, this could be your big opportunity to get your memories back! Besides...A little detour would be a nice excuse to see some more of the world... " He'd never felt a grasp as tight as the one Katara had on his hands at that moment, a grasp that told him just how vehement she was about this.
Her assurance had been more than enough to silence any further attempts at talking her out of it. Zuko had learned fairly quickly that when Katara set her mind to something, she wouldn't quit. She genuinely was just like her element; when water runs into an obstacle it doesn't stop flowing, not until it's found a way around it.
That was the perfect way to describe Katara. Well that, and kind-hearted, socially awkward, attractive...and Zuko really should have really stopped his mind from wandering so far.
With that out of the way, the duo proceeded with packing their few possessions, readying themselves for the long road ahead. Packing had never been a tedious task for them, what with how little they actually had to their names; Zuko's mask and swords, Katara's water skin, bending scroll and necklace, along with the satchel they kept their smaller miscellaneous items in.
Waiting outside for the teens and their kit, was the entirety of the village, who'd been gathered by the elder, who himself wanted to see the two off personally. He quickly explain that in return for practically bringing life back to their village, they'd be sent off with a good deal of provisions, that and and something that filled Zuko and Yuki with a sense of dread.
" SKRAWK! "
" ...I hate ostrich horses… "
It wasn't that Zuko actually hated the animal, or it's species for that matter, it was more-so the fact that every time he'd ridden one he'd found himself flat on the dirt by the end of the ride. He was an animal person yes, but after being thrown off every saddle he'd seated himself on in the past three years, Zuko was adamant that these birds were no animals, but rather feathered demons sent to torment him.
" Come on Zu-Lee! " Katara had remembered to correct herself at that moment; having to swap back and forth between names was going to be something she'd have to get used to. " It looks friendly. "
" SKRAWK! "
" ...It looks hungry… " Zuko had muttered, absentmindedly keeping his hand over Yuki, as if he feared for the smaller animals' safety.
The village elder had let out a deep laugh, patting the bandaged teen on the back before telling them about the "spirited" animal, a poor choice of words in Zuko's opinion, would be an excellent companion and aid to the duo.
" She's the fastest bird we have, young, full of pep, and she has a particularly...Irascible, attitude, perfect for someone such as yourself! " He'd finished with a smile, one that left Zuko with the faintest feeling that he'd just been insulted.
While elder Fong spoke to Zuko, Biyu had made her way over to Katara, holding a small pouch, wrapped carefully in leather and twine. " I want you to take this with you 'Ming' " She'd smiled knowingly, having heard Zuko call her by her name on more than one occasion. " Just a few medical supplies, enough to let you keep practicing in the ways of medicine...And enough to help keep that fool from getting himself killed. "
Katara accepted it with a smile, pulling the older woman into a hug, and whispering her thanks, to which Biyu replied with gratitude of her own.
The villagers had escorted the three and their new "mode of transportation" to the exit on the opposite end of the village. Each grateful parent held their children close, waving as the two teens, now, albeit reluctantly, saddled on the ostrich horse.
Zuko had looked back one last time, seeing Fong make his way to the bird's side, his hand grasped tightly around something. " Lee, my boy. I would like you to hold onto this...I feel that you may have some use for it in the near future. " Placing the object in the teen's hands, he stepped away, giving a deep bow. " And remember: The white lotus opens wide to those who know her secrets. "
Before Zuko had a chance to question as to what exactly the old man's cryptic words meant, he'd slapped the back of the ostrich horse, sending it off in full sprint.
Careful not to drop whatever it was fong handed him, Zuko opened his hand, revealing to him something just as, if not more perplexing in nature than Fong's parting words.
A single, pai sho piece, marked with a white lotus.
" ...Stupid old geezers and their cryptic messages… "
Riding ostrich-horseback was something entirely new to Katara. She'd ridden animals in the past, with a little help from her father of course. But there was a stark contrast between the fluid movements of a four legged snow-leopard caribou back home, and the rather rugged trotting of the avian she was riding now.
Of course the matter wasn't helped by the fact she and Zuko had to ride in the saddle together. It wasn't that it was cramped or anything of that sort, in fact the saddle itself was spacious considering just how big the bird was. No, what Katara found "awkward" as she'd chosen to word it, was how they were seated.
Zuko had been adamant on taking the reins, despite "fear-not fear" of the creature, while Katara had been insistent on steering the horse for that very reason. As if it were to prove a point, Zuko had in fact let her take the reins, to which the result had been the ostrich horse veering off the road and nearly careening into the nearby marshland.
This had left Zuko sitting at the very back of the saddle, and Katara, sitting in front of him, her back pressed against him. The warmth he gave off alone had been more than enough to send Katara's teenage mind into a flustered spiral, bringing a shade of red to her face, one that she was sure Zuko was also wearing beneath his bandages
Yuki on the other hand, or paw in his case, had quickly gotten over his fear of the larger animal, and was having the time of his young life; being blissfully unaware of his owner's dilemma whilst he sat atop the bird's head.
" ...I could walk and lead it by the reins if you'd like… " Zuko said, breaking the silence they'd been sitting in for the past half hour. He could sense just how "problematic" the situation was, having Katara's body pressed against his, having to fight back against the evil that was teenage hormones.
She turned back to him, smiling sheepishly in response to his generous offer. " N-no no...there's no need for that...I'm just...Not used to being in a saddle is all… " It was the half-truth. She'd quickly gotten accustomed to riding in Appa's saddle, but what was an ostrich horse bridle in comparison to the saddle of a ten ton flying bison?
" ...Yeah...It's been a good while since I've ridden an ostrich horse...Takes some time getting used too… "
Small talk was neither of their forte, something they'd quickly picked up on in the first few days of their journey. To mitigate this, rather than trying to force conversation and make an already awkward situation just as bad, they'd opted to just talk about whatever popped up as they went along instead.
And for Katara, the perfect conversation starter poofed into her mind. " She needs a name! " She'd said, almost too eagerly. Yes it felt a little forced coming out of her mouth, but thinking up a name would be the perfect way to pass time, after all, they'd spent so long trying to pick out Yuki's name.
" Ikari. "
So much for having an excuse to pass the time.
Katara was utterly baffled. How had he just so happened to think up a name off the top of his bandaged head like that. She could hardly think of what they'd eat for lunch, and here Zuko was, listing names off for living creatures like it was his job.
" I-Ikari..? What exactly does that mean? " No matter how agitated she was, it would never be enough to quell the curiosity she felt. There was purpose behind every little action Zuko made, and naming something as no different.
" It's an old Fire nation word I picked up from a book...It means anger...Fitting for it's attitude… "
" Skraw! "
The ostrich horse clamped back at Zuko, obviously displeased with the choice of name. " She doesn't seem to like it…Don't you have anything else? "
He sat silent for the briefest of moments, as if he were actually mulling over the decision. " How about 'Oni'? "
Katara gulped, visibly nervous to ask what the name meant. She was in the line of fire if the yet to be named bird decided to lash out at the scarred swordsman.
" Demon. "
Oh why did Katara have to ask?
" SKRAWK! Skrawk! " The ostrich horse reached its head back, clamping it's beak at Zuko, who was now leaning away for dear life.
" Something nicer! Is what meant! "
" Well you find me a nicer animal, and I'll give you a nicer name! " Zuko argued, trying to keep from getting pecked or bitten by the flightless avian.
" Yip yip! " It seemed that even Yuki was admonishing Zuko for his poor taste in names.
With the hopes that their new feathered friend would calm down, and not bite her fingers off, Katara reached forward, stroking the bird's beak. " E-easy girl...Zuko didn't mean to make you upset...He just doesn't know how to filter himself is all… "
The ostrich horse ceased it's assault on Zuko, looking Katara in the eyes before leaning into her touch, cooing as her anger fled.
Katara smiled. " You're such a friendly girl aren't you...That's it! "
Zuko arched his visible eyebrow, able to be curious now that he wasn't in imminent danger. " and what exactly is 'it', if you don't mind me asking..? "
Continuing to rub her hand against the ostrich horse's face, Katara turned back to Zuko, holding a bright gleam in her eyes. " It's a name from back home, one my Gran gran told me when i was little...She had a friend by that name when she was my age. Amka. "
" Amka? " It was official in Zuko's nonexistent book. The Water Tribes had the most peculiar choice when it came to names, this one in particular. It just didn't seem to roll off his tongue as well as 'Ikari' and 'Oni', of course this was his own opinion and he wasn't going to start an argument over naming the she-beast he was forced to ride.
" Uh huh. Back in the southern Water Tribe, Amka means friendly spirit, just like our friend here. She might seem all grouchy, but she's actually a sweetheart, just like someone else I know. " Katara smiled slyly, glancing back at the less than enthused look in Zuko's eye, only broadening her smile in response.
" Right...Because comparing this bird to me is fair...I don't have a razor sharp beak and giant crushing talons! " Zuko paused, mentally facepalming a moment later. " No...But you have TWO razor sharp swords, and a healthy understanding of hand to hand combat...Katara's right, maybe I'm just like this devil bird… "
" Fine… " Zuko sighed in defeat. " Amka it is…..Even if it is too generous a name for a monster like thi-AAGH! " Before he even had time to finish the insult, Zuko was thrown from the saddle, landing on his back with a hard thud.
" Z-Zuko! " She knew he deserved it for insulting the hard working bird, but couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He was still recovering after all and a fall like that would only bruise worsen his condition. " Are you OK? "
" Do I look OK to you?! It did it on purpose! "
" Well...You did kinda deserve it… "
" Skraw skrawk! " Amka cried out, looking as pleased as an ostrich horse could.
This earned a scowl from the dirt covered swordsman. " No one asked you! "
Pulling Amka's reins ever so gently, Katara slowed her to a halt, stroking her head once more before climbing off, going to Zuko and offering him her hand. " Let's try this again...Just, without the insults. OK? "
Zuko wanted to be mad. He wanted to, but wouldn't, not with the tender smile Katara was giving him. He turned his head a huff, although there was no anger in the action, being more along the lines of mild frustration.
As Zuko took Katara's hand, the faint sound of a jovial chuckle resonated from within his hand. Iroh always did choose the most random of times to pop into Zuko's head; He could make a physical list of all the times he'd been in the middle of a skirmish, only for Iroh's voice to distract him, telling him the perfect way to brew jasmine tea!
" You laugh now, Zuko, but I am completely serious when i say this: In this world so blanketed in the darkness of one mans thirst for power, there is nothing more joy inducing than, a fresh cup of tea, a game of pai sho, and a woman's smile. "
Maybe listening to Iroh every now and then was justifiable. The old man was annoying, but he knew what he was talking about. Katara's smile was truly something else in Zuko's eyes, handcrafted by the spirits themselves and given to her in a show of benevolence.
It was the kind of smile that he felt could make him do just about anything. " Yeah...Fine… " Taking Katara's hand for support, Zuko pulled himself up, dusting his tunic and trousers off. " No more insults…" " Doesn't mean I'm going to forgive that monstrosity though… " Well, almost anything at least.
Making their way over to Amka, Zuko and the ostrich partook in what was essentially a staring contest, one that culminated in Amka clacking her beak in Zuko's face, startling the scarred teen. The large avian chirped in what could only be its own form of laughter, drawing further ire from Zuko.
" Easy Zuko...She's a very playful animal, just be nice, and she'll do the same. "
" Yip! "
There was a dry look in Zuko's eyes as he muttered under his breath. " ...Traitors, both of you… " Thankfully nobody heard him, especially not the feathered beast he was currently mounting.
Offering Katara his hand, Zuko helped her onto the bridle, getting her situated in front of him in the least awkward way possible.
Then again, two people can only be so at ease in such a 'compact' seating arrangement, and with such a long ride ahead of them.
A road is only as long as someone wants it to be, Iroh had once said.
That little proverb was a complete load of ostrich droppings in Zuko's opinion. The road they'd been on for the past three hours seemed endless, stretching and winding through marsh and woodland alike with no foreseeable end in sight.
Zuko and Katara had gotten over the issue of their seating arrangement, and moved directly onto another problem, one, a little more difficult to ignore.
" We're lost aren't we? "
The question alone was harmless and justified, but after being asked a total of twelve times in a row, it was starting to wear on Zuko's gradually thinning patience. " For the twelfth time...And I've been counting...No Katara...Believe it or not, I haven't been everywhere in the Earth Kingdom...So I'm flying...Or should I say riding, just as blind as you are… " He hadn't meant to sound so irritated, especially not with Katara, but in Zuko's mind, the word 'lost' was associated with a particular word he held disdain for. Helpless.
Katara found this out on her own, and rather than taking an offense to his 'snappy' attitude, she instead placed her hand on his shoulder, patting it gently. " We'll find somewhere eventually...I can just feel it. "
" I'm surprised you can feel anything...My butt's gone numb from sitting in this saddle for so long… " And despite the dryness in Zuko's voice, the comment was enough to earn a cheerful giggle from Katara.
" M-maybe you're sitting on it wrong then. " She said through her giggles.
" Yip! Yip yip! "
" Skreh… "
The addition of the animals 'weighing in' on his dilemma of discomfort, didn't help to improve his attitude. " Maybe I should just walk… " He deadpanned.
" Skreh! "
" No one asked you! "
Before Katara could cut in, and prevent another 'fight' between Zuko and Amka, she was cut off by the roar of a platypus bear, one that came crashing from behind the nearby brush. Now, as much as Zuko 'disapproves' of Amka, he would admit he was impressed by her overall size. She was easily a head higher than other Ostrich horses, and weighed a good deal more than others of her kind as well, but not even she could compare to a mother platypus bear, which was exactly what they were staring down.
Pulling hard on the reins, Zuko steered Amka away from an oncoming swipe, a swipe powerful enough to down all but the sturdiest of trees. "Wh-what is that?! " Katara cried out, keeping a tight hold on the saddle, and leaning against Zuko to keep from being tossed off.
The platypus bear matron gave chase, moving onto all fours and sprinting after the ostrich and it's riders.
" A Platypus bear mom! Big, mean, angry, and crazy protective of her babies! Tied all together with a deceptively cute beak! And we just ticked her off by getting too close to her den for comfort! " Zuko had yanked Yuki down from atop Amka's head, pulling the kit between himself and Katara before putting all his focus on the path their feathered friend was sprinting down.
" We just gotta keep moving! She'll run out of steam eventually! And then we- "
Zuko's visions of a safe escape were immediately scrubbed away as Amka suddenly veered off to the right, trampling the brush and bushes in what Zuko could only describe as a self appointed shortcut. A shortcut that ended with the ostrich slipping off a ledge, down a slope, narrowly avoiding a man who was no doubt on an afternoon stroll.
" Oh my. " Was all the man had to say, seemingly unfazed by the sight of two teenagers, an ostrich horse, and a serval fox kit, crashing down mere feet away.
Now in what one could only describe as a pile, Zuko and Amka were in a heated glaring match. " Stupid bird! What were you thinking! "
" SKREH! "
" Don't you 'skreh' me! You could've killed us! "
" Would you please stop, Zuko! " Katara pleaded, her hands encircling Yuki's shaking form.
" That was some tumble you took. "
The two teens quickly swiveled their heads, their eyes landing on the old traveler. The realization that they nearly flattened an innocent bystander hit both Zuko and Katara like a stone chucked by an earthbender. " Hey, are you alright..? " Zuko asked.
" Yeah...We didn't hurt you, did we? "
The stranger shook his head, holding his face in a perpetual smile. " You didn't hurt me, and I didn't have to worry about being hurt in the first place. "
That was certainly an unusual statement, especially coming from someone who came within an inch of being crushed by an overweight bird. " What exactly do you mean..? " Zuko questioned.
" Well you see, Aunt Wu said I'd have a close encounter while on my daily stroll, but in the end I'd come out unharmed. She also mentioned meeting someone new. "
" … Who's Aunt Wu..? "
" ...And...What do you mean by 'she told you'..? "
With much enthusiasm, the stranger started explaining to the traveling teens about his home village and Aunt Wu's amazing predictive powers before leaving. Just that brief explanation the stranger had given was enough to leave Katara enamored with the prospect of finding out about her future.
Zuko on the other hand, while having a healthy respect for the spirits and how cruel and unfair they could be, was more along the lines of being a skeptic. He'd witnessed numerous spectacular sights and events in his time traveling the Earth Kingdom, most of which were linked to some sort of spiritual occurrence, but having the ability to read fortunes, to look into another person's future. Well it just sounded too good to be true.
But Katara seemed dead set on going to this village, and telling her that he thought the whole thing might be a fake would only upset her. " ...I don't ever want to upset her again… "
" Z-Lee! "
She called out, almost slipping up again; that brought a smile to Zuko's hidden face. " Yeah Katara..? "
She had the zeal of a child who'd just been told they were going to see the circus. Even if the whole thing ended up being a sham, Zuko would always remember just how excited Katara looked in this moment. She had a beautiful smile, and it was when she was happiest that he wanted to always remember, and he'd suppose that this moment counted towards that.
" Do…Do you think we could take a- "
" A little detour? " Zuko finished for her, continuing to wear his smile beneath his disguise.
The light blush that came to her cheeks only helped to broaden the rarity that was Zuko's genuine smile. " Yeah...Yeah, a detour...Soooo, can we? Please?! " She tried her hardest to not sound like she was begging, but her enthusiasm was getting the best of her.
He'd told himself after he awoke from that dream, that nothing would get in the way of finding what was waiting for him in that swamp. But as it would turn out, some things just held a higher priority than his own goals, and one of those things was making Katara happy. " Yeah...Yeah I think a little scenic deviation might be good...And if it means I don't have to ride that feathered monster for a little while then my answer is a definite yes. "
" SKREH! " Taking offense to being called a monster, Amka stood up, trotting over to the bandages teen and pecking at him.
" OW! Hey! Quit it before I get real mad! "
" SKREH! "
" OW! Katara! Make it stop! "
Of course Katara wouldn't intervene right away. Instead she'd just gather their things, keeping Yuki nestled comfortably on her shoulder, smiling while Zuko and Amka 'bonded' behind her. " I'm telling you Zuko, she doesn't like being insulted...You have to be nice to her. " The unmistakable sound of Zuko's swords being drawn brought about sudden panic in Katara as she spun herself around, eyes wide. In an attempt to defuse the situation quickly, Katara bent the water held in, waterskin, using it to knock Zuko to the ground. " I-I'm sorry Zuko! But you can't just do that when she gets mad! "
Zuko, now drenched to the bone, just laid there, grumbling to himself about how they'd only just gotten the damned bird and it already received better treatment. " ...I wasn't gonna hurt her...Just try to get her to back off...Stupid bir-HEY! " He cried out in irritation, having just had dirt kicked in his face, before being hauled to his feet by Amka's powerful beak.
" What do you say? " Katara said in an almost too-motherly fashion.
It reminded him of Iroh almost, who himself was a little too motherly for his own good. He'd always remind Zuko to use his manners, even if he really didn't want to, or if the person he'd been interacting with was a really big jerk, which nine times out of ten, was the case. So to be 'mothered' again for the first time in a long while, brought about some resentful irritation from within Zuko, which came out in the form of mutters and growls.
" ...Thank you….Amka… " It sounded so forced, but drawing anymore of the beast's ire would surely upset Katara. " ...And you don't even want to upset her again, do you? " That was going to be something he'd be reminding himself until he was old and grey, Zuko was sure of it.
" See, that's better. She's happy now, aren't you, Amka. " Katara smiled, gently stroking the side of the now cooing avian's face. After ensuring that their feather friend was calmed, Katara turned to Zuko, bending the water from his clothes and helping to brush the dirt from him. " Next time don't make me think you're going to fillet her...I swear, it's like your swords do all the thinking for you. " She admonished him, but she did so with a fond smile.
" ...When you have nothing but those swords, you tend to learn when and where the best time to use them is...Even if you don't realize it… "
She'd just finished changing his bandages, making sure to avoid making contact with Zuko's scar out of respect for how he felt about the blemish. " ..I know, but you aren't on your own anymore. It isn't just you and you swords anymore… " She looked him in the eye, her smile brimming with affection, affection that Zuko was sure that Katara didn't even realize she had. " You've got the three of us now, Yuki,who I'm sure will never leave your side after what you did for him, also, whether you like it or not, you have Amka...And...And you have me. "
Zuko's eyes fell slightly, just enough so that he couldn't meet Katara's gaze; he didn't feel like he deserved to. " Yeah...You're right...I'm not alone… "
" Skreh. " Amka came up behind the swordsman, nudging him with her head. If she could, the large bird would have been smiling at that moment.
" Yip! Yip yip! " Yuki crawled from Katara's shoulder, across her arm, and up to Zuko's face, all just to nuzzle against him.
" See. You'll never be alone, not as long as we're with you...So stop thinking it'll always be you against the world, cause it's not. " Still wearing her bright smile, Katara took both his hand, and Amka's reins, guiding them both down the path. " Now come on! I want to see this fortune teller with my own eyes! "
Zuko liked this excited Katara. Her smile was so bright that if everyone in the world could see it at the same time, it could lift the veil of perpetual darkness from their bleak world. He wanted that smile to stay, so just for now, he'd indulge in her enthusiasm, running alongside her and the trotting ostrich horse. If that smile could always stay there, Zuko would put his mask and swords down for good, but knew better than that. Who knew what would happen to them next, because he certainly didn't.
Only time could tell what the future held for them, or was that really the case now that they'd been presented with such a unique opportunity?
