Disclaimer: I own nothing from Avatar the Last Airbender except Qin and other characters I created.
Chapter 15: Welcome … To the Northern Water Tribe
WARNING: ADULT THEMES AND LANGUAGE ABOUND! READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION!
SPECIFIC WARNINGS: MAJOR RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, MINOR LEMONS
"I'm not one to complain, but can't Appa fly any higher?" Sokka complained.
"You complain all the time you dork." I pointed out. "At least once every hour."
However, I had to admit Sokka had a point. Appa was basically skipping across the frigid water, his paws trailing in it before rising back up a few feet … only to lower himself again.
"I have an idea. Why don't we all get on your back and you fly us to the North Pole." Aang snapped.
Aang also had a good point. We'd been flying for … two days, actually. There were no islands or big enough glaciers we could stop for a break on, so we had to bite the bullet and fly there in one go. Well, I say we, but it's actually Appa who had to. Katara wasn't even paying attention to the two boys, her face clearly displaying irritation and boredom. I probably wasn't much better in that regard, just a bit bluer.
"I'd love to. Climb on everyone! Sokka's ready for takeoff." Sokka pointed to his back, at which point Momo jumped on. Sokka looked back at Momo with a deadpan, clearly expecting Momo to understand human sarcasm. Great job.
"Look, we're all just a little tired and cranky because we've been flying for two days straight." Katara reasoned.
"And for what? We can't even find the Northern Water Tribe. There's nothing up here."
"Sokka, we're not going to miss it. It's a massive city made out of ice, with a huge mountain range behind it." I rolled my eyes.
Suddenly, Appa balked as a freezing sound was emitted from in front of us, causing us to swerve awkwardly. Several more ice spikes soon appeared, causing us to dodge like crazy before one caught Appa's foot, causing us to spin crazily before we landed in the water, a ripple of ice quickly surrounding us. Several canoes of strangers encircled us as well, all of them men. Okay then.
"They're Waterbenders! We found the Water Tribe!" Katara exclaimed.
"Greatttt." I sighed, already sensing the predicament that's about to happen.
"Halt! State your names and intentions!" a young male called out, standing up.
"My name is Aang, and I come in peace! I'm the Avatar, and I'm looking for a Waterbender to teach me Waterbending!" Aang stood up, his hands held high.
"Prove it!" he barked. Aang merely snapped open his glider and made several figure eights before he landed. "Very well! Who are your companions?"
Oh boy. Here it goes …
"This is Sokka and Katara, they're from the Southern Water Tribe and the ones who found me! They also come in peace!"
"And the last one?"
I sucked in my breath.
"This is Qin. She's also tagging along."
There was silence from the Waterbenders except for some nondescript muttering between some of the expedition leaders. I sat with a carefully neutral face, not really looking at anyone, while silently screaming at the three others to stop looking at me with so much worry on their faces. If we somehow got through with that introduction for me, I'd probably lose my mind. In private, of course.
"Very well, Avatar Aang! Follow us, and we will deliver you to the Northern Water Tribe!" The same voice from before told us, and as the ice receded, the canoes created a formation around us, while I sunk lower into my sleeping bag. Even with the warm clothing, I was still freezing. How everyone else put up with it, I had no idea.
Eventually, after about twenty minutes, we saw it: The Northern Tribe.
"There it is!" Aang stood up excitedly, pointing.
The front gate was absolutely gargantuan in size, with turrets facing the sea. A massive crest of the Water Tribe was carved into the wall, a crescent moon with the Water Tribe symbol coming out of it. Two cliffs on each side somehow were double the size of the gate, so there was no question as to how they would enter. Each cliff continued onwards until the eye could see until they abruptly ended.
"The Northern Water Tribe." Katara whispered in awe. I couldn't blame her, the comparison between the two tribes is incredibly unfair. It was also incredibly saddening to think the Southern Water Tribe was probably once of this caliber.
"We're finally here …" Sokka said disbelievingly.
When we arrived in front of the gate, a group of Waterbenders stood up and created a massive tunnel everyone could swim through. When we passed through, the opening behind us was closed, and we ended up in a small box, where another group of men stood and opened up several slits in the walls, simultaneously lowering the wall in front of us while also raising us.
"I can't believe how many Waterbenders there are up here." Katara noted.
"But why are they all men?" I asked quietly. Nobody had an answer to that. I decided to let the idea go. Katara would be learning alongside Aang soon enough anyways.
"We'll find a master to teach us no problem." Aang said optimistically.
When we finally passed through the choke point, all of our jaws hit the saddle immediately. The city inside was … wow. Everything was made of ice: the canals, the walls, the towers, even the massive buildings in the distance seemed to be made of the stuff. Countless people stopped and watched us swim by in interest, some gaping unabashedly while others watched us with more tact. A small raft guided us through the canals, never stopping or allowing us to enjoy the sights. Everywhere we looked, something new and exciting would ensnare our attention, with us passing by. Massive fountains and stores made us whip our heads around in order to try to see everything.
As we passed under a bridge, a canoe headed in the opposite direction, with a sole occupant. She was definitely pretty, even from a distance, her carefully groomed white hai – wait, white? Was that normal? Either way, it certainly caught everyone's attention, most of all Sokka's, much to my disappointment. He was ogling her without any tact whatsoever, which made jealousy rise up like a wall of hungry flames before I smothered it. Firstly, we weren't together, which was probably a good thing right now. Secondly, she was beautiful, you'd have to be an idiot to deny it.
"This place is beautiful." remarked Katara, her eyes focused solely on the Waterbenders in front of her, and I couldn't blame her; she was the only one she knew for her entire life.
"Yeah … she is." Sokka replied dreamily, causing me to just turn away from Sokka, who was looking after the other girl with an expression of pure longing.
Don't do it, Qin. Deal with the emotions later, just suck it up for now.
0-0-0-0-0-0
The throne room was massive, and also made of ice. The dais held three thrones, one for the Chief, and a smaller one, which was occupied by the girl they all saw from earlier, but at least this time Sokka had the tact to not openly stare at her. The last was the same size as the first one, but it was empty. Near the thrones were situated two long tables on either side, occupied by what I assumed were the advisors. The walls were decorated with rich carpets and even some pelts, though it was a lot more elegant and distinguished than Bato's temporary abode was. Tapestries and banners hung from the ceiling, all blue with white and black detailing.
"Announcing, Avatar Aang and his three companions, Sokka, Katara, and Qin!" someone bellowed from the entrance before the doors behind us were closed. Lovely. The four of us approached the dais, the three of us kneeling while Aang merely gave a deep bow.
"Rise, friends. Today is a day for celebration, not something as trivial as formality." The chief spoke. "I am Chief Arnook, and this is my daughter, Princess Yue."
"A pleasure to meet you all." She said politely, standing up and giving a curtsey before sitting back down.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too! I'm Aang, and this is Sokka and Katara. They're from the Southern Water Tribe!" Aang said, smiling widely.
"Our sister tribe! My, we haven't had word from them in years! How fares it?" Chief Arnook smiled warmly.
Sokka and Katara winced. "It's not, um, great. All that's left are a few small villages and … well, no Waterbenders except me." Katara said slowly.
Chief Arnook went white, realizing his mistake, while everyone else began muttering in dismay. Even Princess Yue, who was looking the perfect role of a perfect princess, briefly had her face shift into one of remorse before schooling her face.
"I sincerely apologize. I had no idea that that was the gravity of the situation of our sister tribe. When we have the opportunity, we will definitely send aid. Oh, I almost forgot, your friend is awfully quiet … and bundled up."
The three turned to me, the same question on their face: Should we lie for you? I shook my head, though I was touched. When the truth would inevitably come out, it would be a massive strain between Aang and the tribe.
"My name is Qin, Chief Arnook. I am originally from the Fire Nation." I said boldly, though I was realistically shaking in my fur boots. Immediately, outrage resounded from his councilors, and even the chief himself scowled slightly.
"The Fire Nation. You dare come here, ashmaker? After what your people have done?"
"Please listen, Chief Arnook, Qin has been helping us. She had to abandon Prince Zuko's ship to -" Aang tried to reason, but was almost immediately interrupted.
"Prince Zuko's battleship?!" screeched a man from the left table.
"She's clearly come here to spy on us and send reconnaissance to the banished boy!" another added.
"How can we trust the three then?! They could be compromised!"
"We should throw them out immediately!"
"Silence!" Chief Arnook shouted, and at once, the throne room quieted down. "What do you have to say for yourself, girl?"
I gulped, looking at my three friends. They were going to be banished. I couldn't let that happen. What could I – Wait, maybe there was something.
"Chief Arnook, I sincerely apologize for what my people have done. However, I completely understand that an apology can't and won't make up for the past one hundred years of war. You don't trust me, which is perfectly understandable, and I would never try to insult you or your people. Aang and Katara need to learn Waterbending, sir."
"And what do you have to offer?"
I gave one last glance at the three. "Myself." Confused silence reigned before Katara balked at the realization.
"Qin, wai-"
"I am the sole surviving child and heir to Generals Feng and Long. If Sokka, Katara, and Aang are able to stay and learn, I will give myself up as a hostage, for you to decide to do whatever you want. Execution, ransom, … slavery."
An astonished silence filled the throne room. Arnook and most of his advisors were looking at me in complete shock, while Princess Yue was looking at me in horror. I looked down at my feet.
"I helped Aang because I wanted this war to end. If Aang and Sokka and Katara were thrown out, I wouldn't forgive myself. I'd just be a burden. And I … I can't let that happen. I will do anything so that they are able to win."
"Qin." Sokka whispered in disbelief.
"I watched my family fall apart because of this wretched war." I felt my emotions pushing upward, but I swallowed them down. Barely. "I don't want that to happen to anyone anymore"
There was no reply to my request, and I was too afraid to look up. I could feel the scrutinizing gaze of the chief on me, and I desperately wanted to shrink and flee, but for my three friends I'd go to the Spirit World and back.
"We will need to discuss. Avatar Aang and Katara and Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, you will be escorted to your rooms. You, girl, will stay here." Chief Arnook said slowly.
They began to protest immediately, but I shook my head. "Guys, please. Just … do this."
I could feel the discontentment radiating from them like a ship furnace, but they left, and I was swooped upon by three or so guards, chaining my hands and legs before I was forced to kneel. I felt myself practically suffocating from the hatred of the men, though curiously when I looked at Princess Yue, all I saw was fear and … pity.
"Are you a Firebender?" a guard growled.
"No, I am not able to bend any element."
"You better not be lying, scum. If you are, well." He licked his lips greedily. "You will be having a very bad time."
0-0-0-0-0-0
I'm pretty sure they were arguing for hours while Chief Arnook brooded, his hands clasped under his chin as he was leaning forward on this throne. A third of the advisors wanted me to be executed for the crimes of my parents, a second third wanted to just banish me before I could do anything, and the final third actually wanted me to remain, just under heavily armed guard at all times. Obviously, I preferred the last option, but it was unclear as to which one the chief would choose. He never spoke once during the debate. I had already cramped in my arms and legs, stiff from being in the same position for so long.
Suddenly, frantic knocking sounded on the throne doors, silencing the advisors.
With a wave of approval, a messenger ran into the throne, skidding to a kneel.
"What is it, Qalaq? We are discussing a very important topic." Chief Arnook growled.
"Chief Arnook, the Deserter has arrived!" Qalaq yelped, obviously afraid of the terrible mood his leader was in.
"The Deserter?" a man stood up from beside the throne, his clothing suggesting he was a Waterbender. His graying hair and strict face impressed everyone with the idea of him being no nonsense. He himself took no part in the argument brewing about him, speaking for the first time since I entered the room.
"Let him in." Chief Arnook straightened up. Everyone was silent as a pair of footsteps sounded through the hall, before none other than Jeong Jeong walked into the room, ignoring the look of absolute confusion I sent him.
He bowed in front of the dais, receiving the go ahead to straighten.
"Jeong Jeong, what a surprise. We had not received communication saying you were coming."
"Chief Arnook, please forgive my sudden appearance, but after my campground was found near the Fire Day's Festival and learning of the Avatar's quest to reach the North Pole, I have come to speak on the behalf of Qin."
"Indeed? Why would you speak for this … child?"
"I knew young Qin before I left the navy in the Fire Nation. Though she is indeed the daughter of two Fire Nation generals, Qin is one of a decently sized portion of the population in the Fire Nation to have had her life destroyed by the war. Her father and two brothers, dead through combat and assassination. Her mother, the sole surviving military personnel in the house, was driven mad. And, I have one more piece of evidence that Qin's allegiance is not to the Fire Nation."
"Oh?"
"It requires her legs to be unbound." Numerous protests sparked across the tables, but Jeong Jeong turned a withering glare in their direction. "Are you all savages? Do you have no decency as to make a disabled child suffer?"
The quiet that overtook the room was filled with some indignation, but mostly curiosity. My legs were unchained, letting me stand, wincing as I felt the beginning of more cramps start. Jeong Jeong approached me, silently asking me permission. I nodded, turning away from the tables, flinching as the shocked gasps arose from the Water Tribe elites.
"This wound was given to young Qin by none other than her mother."
Silence. "Though your argument is compelling, Jeong Jeong, you do realize that you are not among the advisors, but are merely here as an honored guest?"
"I understand that Chief Arnook, but I believe it would be a grave mistake for anything to happen to Qin; she is nothing like her parents. For she has been raised primarily by retired general Iroh of the Fire Nation."
I blanched. How the hell was that supposed to help me?! Already, the councilors who were even willing to let me live were suddenly hesitant. However, I caught a gleam in the old man's eye that wasn't there before. He was observing Jeong Jeong play fiddle with … was that a lotus tile from Pai Sho?
"Chief Arnook, if I may." The man began.
"Master Pakku, you have been unusually quiet this whole time. Please, your insight would be most appreciated."
"Jeong Jeong has been a valuable ally in the war efforts since the first day. War supplies, enemy strategies, and skirmish tactics have resulted in being a large thorn in the side of the Fire Nation. The Deserter is a proud man, unwilling to lie, so it would be prudent to listen to him speak. Especially since this is the first person he is defending who is of Fire Nation origin."
A silence wafted through the throne room, the chief's eyes no longer holding the same amount of frustration and doubt on what decision to reach.
"Councilors, I have reached my decision. Qin will be…" everyone waited with bated breaths as to the verdict, most of all me. "A guest. A guarded guest, both for our safety and hers."
0-0-0-0-0-0
A very tense and awkward silence reigned aboard Zuko's ship. Most of the crew mates were tactically not looking in the direction of Zhao, instead now packing up their instruments and heading below. They were not looking forward to when he found out his niece was missing. Though it was now common knowledge he could care less about her, he could use it to completely destroy Iroh's and Zuko's already fragile reputation in the Fire Nation.
0-0-0-0-0-0
My table was … lonely, to say the least. While Sokka, Katara, and Aang were seated near the chief as the guests of honor, I was relegated to the farthest table possible, sitting with a guard. Curiously, there was only a single guard, instead of three or four, but I was assured (read, threatened) that he was enough. Even Appa was treated with a massive pile of seaweed, but accidently scared his handlers when he let out a small roar of happiness. The seafood was great, not that I was particularly hungry. Heck, even my guard, whose name is Suna, didn't eat anything. He just sat there … watching me. Rarely blinking, never moving. Saying I was slightly unnerved was an understatement.
"Tonight, we celebrate the arrival of our brother and sister from the Southern Tribe, and they have brought someone very special, someone who many of us believed disappeared from the world until now. The Avatar!" Chief Arnook announced, much to the delight of everyone there. Aang nervously waved, shooting me a concerned look before looking like everything was alright. "We also celebrate my daughter's 16th birthday. Princess Yue is now of marrying age."
I winced sympathetically. So this was how things were, huh? Arranged marriages? To be fair, I had no idea if this was only for the nobles or if this was for everyone, but it was still pretty crappy.
"Thank you, Father. May the great Ocean and Moon Spirits watch over us during these troubled times." Princess Yue said, a smile plastered on her face. Only, it wasn't a real smile; it was more of a diplomatic smile. Like she was playing an act, which meant one of two things: A, she either really didn't like her people (probably not the reason), or B, her whole life was an act to appease others. I felt that.
"Now, Master Pakku and his students will perform!"
The chief gestured to Master Pakku, who stood on a central platform with two other students and three massive pots of water. It was definitely pretty, the way the three blobs of water turned into swirls and streaks in tandem with each other, but I think I liked their movements more. It was almost like dancing, really. While Firebending was pretty aggressive in its stances, Waterbending was a lot more … calm. Which was probably a given, but still. It wavered between defensive and aggressive, and involved a lot more usage of the hands than the legs.
My attention was redirected, however, when I saw Sokka and Princess Yue talking. I frowned bitterly when I saw Sokka's vain attempts at impressing her, stabbing at the fish with a passion.
"What has upset you so?" Suna asked suddenly, causing me to pause.
"It's nothing." I muttered.
"It is not 'nothing', as you say. While my primary duty assigned was to make sure you do not manage to do anything you should not be doing, my secondary, and realistically just as important task, is to make you comfortable."
"Yeah, you clearly managed that by the way you were staring at me."
"Did that make you uncomfortable? My apologies. It is just that … social interaction is not my strong suit."
I gave him a look, turning away to eat.
"It's stupid. You probably would make fun of me for it."
"I can assure you I will not."
I hesitated. Should I? I have nothing to lose, right? "It's just … there's this guy I like, and while I thought he liked me back, I just …"
"You are referring to Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe futilely flirting with Princess Yue."
"Yeah."
"You have nothing to worry about, for you see, Princess Yue is already engaged."
I looked back at Suna, who was looking at me with the same blank face he was before.
"Already?"
"It is not uncommon for young women to be proposed to as early as thirteen. Princess Yue, in this case, was proposed to at fourteen, but the legal age here is sixteen."
"Oh. That kinda … sucks."
"It does?"
"Well, what if the girl doesn't like the person proposing to her?"
"We're not barbarians, the girl would have some say in the matter."
"But not the final say."
"I do not understand your dislike."
"I don't understand how you're so calm about it. What if you were a girl, forced to marry and have the children of someone you didn't like?"
"My personal desires and thoughts are meaningless; I will do my duty."
"Your duty is horrible."
Suna pursed his lips and finally looked away, clearly not wanting to argue his point further. The sudden withdrawal made me scowl, shoving my food away.
"Where do I take this?"
"Leave it. Servants will come later and collect it. Do you wish to retire for the evening?"
"Yes."
"Very well, follow me."
0-0-0-0-0-0
"For the last time, I'm not playing the Tsungi horn." Zuko scowled, leaning away from his uncle.
"No, it's about our plans. There's a bit of a problem." Iroh said hesitantly.
The problem in question? The newly christened Admiral Zhao, glaring balefully about the room.
"I'm taking your crew." Zhao said in a bored manner.
"What?!" demanded Zuko.
"I've recruited them for a small expedition to the North Pole."
"Uncle, is that true?"
"I'm afraid so. He's taking everyone, even Jin Lin!" Iroh stated in an apologetic manner, shedding a tear at the thought.
"Sorry you won't be there to watch me capture the Avatar, but I can't have you getting in my way again." Zhao said, clearly not sorry based on the deadpan he had in place of his face.
Zuko snarled, running at Zhao, only to be restrained by Iroh. Zhao, meanwhile, turned away calmly before Zuko was even stopped, looking at a pair of broadswords hung on one of the walls. Zhao took one off the wall, swinging it experimentally.
"I didn't know you were skilled in broadswords, Prince Zuko."
"I'm not. They're antiques. Just decorative."
"Have you heard of the Blue Spirit, General Iroh?"
"Just rumors. I don't think he is real." Iroh said in a bored manner.
"He's real alright. He's a criminal, and an enemy of the Fire Nation. But I have a feeling justice will catch up with him soon." Handing the sword to Iroh, he left the room without looking back. "General Iroh, the offer to join my mission still stands, if you change your mind."
As the door was shut, Zuko let out an exhale, but tilted his head slightly when he realized something.
"Uncle, he didn't ask about Qin." Zuko said, perplexed.
"It is not that big of a surprise, Prince Zuko. He made his view of Qin quite clear all those weeks ago. As to why he didn't use the fact that his niece clearly isn't onboard, I don't have a clue."
0-0-0-0-0-0
The morning had arrived, and I was left all alone in the suites provided to them in the icy fortress, courtesy of Chief Arnook. Well, alone meaning with Suna. I wasn't allowed to go exploring, or outside at all, for that matter. Word had spread of my arrival, and Chief Arnook claimed that 'It was for your safety.', but I sincerely doubted that. If Suna was even half as good as I kept hearing about last night, there wouldn't be any problems. Yet here I was, sitting at the table, staring at Suna, who stared at me.
I decided to see how long I would keep staring at him before he got bored, or I managed to prompt a reaction, but not even ten minutes in I was already incredibly bored. At least I got to take in his appearance normally. He had steely gray hair, his skin darker than the average Water Tribe citizen I saw. His hair was a pitch-black, darker than even some I remember from the Fire Nation. He had no clear weapons on him, but I was sure he at least kept a knife or two on himself. My interactions with him yielded the following facts: he was polite, spoke in a very sophisticated manner, and was curt in his replies. Meaning he wasn't the greatest conversationalist.
"Want to play twenty questions?" I finally asked, tired of waiting for a reaction.
"The game where I ask a question, you answer, and then you ask a question?" he confirmed.
"Yeah."
"Very well. I'm assuming we keep the rule where if the question makes the addressee uncomfortable, you can skip?"
"Well, duh. We don't have the best relationship, considering … you know, you're my jailor."
"Guard. I am not your prison warden."
"Could've fooled me."
"I am merely doing my duty, as you did when you offered yourself up so that Avatar Aang and Katara of the Southern Water Tribe may learn Waterbending."
I sighed. He had a point. I could hardly expect him to disobey his leader for a girl he met just yesterday.
"Do you want to start?"
"Ladies first."
"How old are you?"
"I am twenty two. How old are you?"
"I'm … almost 15."
"Oh, you're young."
"Well, I'm not thirty."
"Obviously."
I tilted my head.
"Is that humor I sense coming from you, Suna?"
"I've been told my humor is surprisingly dry."
"Jeong Jeong would love you." I said quietly.
"Pardon?"
"Nothing! Um, is being a guard what you want to do?"
"Well, I'm doing it now, am I not?"
"That's not the question. It's more along the lines of what your dream job is."
"Ah." There was a silence as Suna for once changed his face so that it was slightly perplexed in nature, though it too was mild. "I do not know?"
"You don't know?"
"No, I do not."
"A baker, a fisherman, a guard … I don't know, chief."
"I cannot become chief."
"You've never dreamed of it?"
"Not once. But I believe it is my turn now. What is your dream job?"
"An inventor."
"An inventor? Interesting, anything in particular you like?"
"Uh, I mean, I was working on a diving suit for everyone who isn't a Waterbender so they can reach the ocean floor. I always thought it would be cool."
"An interesting idea. Even many Waterbenders cannot reach the bottom, and even if they do, not for long. What do you suppose will be found down there?"
"I dunno. Maybe some new animals, perhaps resources. Who knows, maybe we'll find a lost civilization."
0-0-0-0-0-0
Aang and Katara arrived earlier than Sokka, who had left claiming he was meeting up with Princess Yue. The message was met with a twitch of the lips from Suna, but no other reaction was given, which was bizarre given what he and I knew. Well, I didn't say anything because a small, petty side of me wanted him to see it for himself.
"How was warrior training?" Katara asked Sokka, who had arrived back to their rooms with a scowl etched on his face and a slumped posture betraying his bitter mood. I twitched in guilt. Perhaps I should've warned him …
"That bad?" Aang asked, seeing Sokka kick his sack across the room.
"No, it's Princess Yue! I don't get it! One minute she wants to go out with me, the next she's telling me to get lost!" Sokka spat.
I went to tell him the issue, but Suna stopped me with a shake to his head. I frowned, deciding to ask him later.
"So how's Waterbending training?"
"Master Poophead won't teach her because she's a girl." Aang muttered bitterly while Katara had faceplanted into her sleeping bag.
"Why don't you just teach her, Aang?"
"Why didn't I think of that?" asked Katara brightly. "At night, you can just teach me all the moves Master Pakku taught you. That way, you have someone to practice with, and I get to learn Waterbending! Everyone's happy!"
"I'm not happy." Sokka moped.
"You're never happy."
"I don't think that's a good idea." I warned.
"It'll be fine, nobody will know!" Aang agreed with Katara.
"But -"
"Qin, relax, Aang's the Avatar, I'm sure nothing bad will happen to them." Sokka reasoned.
I sighed, watching the two leave. Oh, what could possibly happen?
0-0-0-0-0-0
"YOU WHAT?!" I shrieked, causing the three to wince near me. Suna remained visibly unperturbed.
"I-It's not a big deal, we'll just go and ask the chief -" Aang tried to reason.
"Chief Arnook will not side with you, Avatar Aang. Avatar you may be, but our traditions and customs stand at the forefront in any issue." Suna interrupted. "The only possible way would be to apologize to Master Pakku. Perhaps he will take Avatar Aang back."
"But, surely defeating the Fire Nation …?" Sokka trailed off.
"For one hundred years, the Fire Nation has tried to infiltrate and defeat the Northern Water Tribe, and for one hundred years we have thwarted them at every turn. Should Ba Sing Se fall, we would become the new Ba Sing Se of the north."
"Anyways, it can't hurt to ask the chief." I sighed. "Maybe he'll give you some advice."
"The question I have is why didn't you warn us?" Sokka asked Suna pointedly.
"Qin did that, yet you three disregarded her concerns in favor of Waterbending. All you had to do was leave the Northern Water Tribe, and Avatar Aang could have taught Katara outside the walls."
Katara and Aang winced.
"Sorry Qin." Aang mumbled.
"It's not a big deal." I waved off his apology. "You should go. No point in wasting time."
The three nodded and left hastily, causing me to sigh.
"You think Master Pakku will take Aang back?" I asked Suna.
"Perhaps if Katara apologizes. He has likely seen that Katara is a proud young woman, so having her apologize may sway him." Suna replied honestly.
0-0-0-0-0-0
I thought very little could still amaze me. However, Katara just loves proving me wrong. The events that transpired left me feeling shocked, amazed, and (justifiably, I think) upset.
"You're telling me that you challenged a Master to a Waterbending duel." I asked in disbelief.
"And he let both you and the Avatar back into his class." Suna summarized, just as mystified.
"Yup! It's great, you should come and see the city!" Aang nodded rapidly.
"Aang." I sighed.
"Oh, right. Sorry." Aang cringed.
"Uh, where's Sokka?"
"He went after Princess Yue." Katara explained, causing me to twitch in annoyance before schooling my face. "Why? Are you jealous?"
"No!" I refuted, only to wilt under the collective grins of Katara and Aang. "Maybe just a bit."
"I wouldn't worry about it, once we leave, you'll have Sokka all to yourself!" Aang reassured me.
"Gee, I hope so. Otherwise I might have to leash him." That caused all of us to giggle at the thought.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Night had fallen, yet Sokka had still not come back to their rooms. I began to worry, sitting in the living room area of our suites. It got to the point where I was contemplating sneaking out to look for him before someone, rather noisily, knocked on the door. When I opened it, Sokka tumbled into the room, hiccuping and muttering to himself.
"Sokka? What happened?" I asked worriedly, helping him up.
"It's all Princess Yue! She kissed me, but then rejected me!" Sokka slurred.
"Are you … drunk?"
"Just a tipsy bit!" He frowned. "Just a bit tipsy."
I sighed. I really should've told him, but it's kind of late to admit it. "Let's get you to bed, hotshot."
"But i donwanna."
"Sokka, bed."
"Fiiiine, you should really try this stuff, it's great!"
I quickly grabbed the bottle and tossed it, much to his distress.
"No more alcohol for you until you're at least of age."
"Aww man, what a party pooper."
I dragged him to his respective bedroom, hesitating before helping Sokka out of his outergarnments. I wasn't anywhere ready to head down that rabbit hole. Gathering his clothing, I wrinkled my nose at the smell coming from it; I never understood how people tolerated it, it's not like the taste was any better. Tossing his clothes into the hamper, I returned to Sokka once again standing up, now moodily staring out of a window.
"Cmon Sokka, bed time."
I grabbed Sokka by the shoulder before he whirled around, pinning me to the wall with his taller frame, his arms now on my shoulders. I swallowed, suddenly noticing that there was very little space between us. He was now staring at me with a drunken grin, leaning into my right ear.
"Has anyone told you how pretty you are?" he whispered, his breath tickling my ear and causing me to shiver.
"Sokka, you're drunk. You're not speaking clearly." I whispered.
"Mm, mayhaps, but I think I'm sober enough to still tell you're beautiful."
I swallowed, looking away. While on one hand Sokka was drunk and not thinking clearly, his compliments still had the intended reaction from me, based on my burning cheeks. And if I could tell, Sokka probably could too.
"Look Sokka, just let me go and we can tal - hmm!" I was interrupted by his lips pressing on mine, the shock of the whole thing making my brain shut down. While his breath perhaps wasn't the most pleasant, the sensation on my lips was the complete opposite. My entire body felt like it was lit on fire, my legs practically turning to jelly. I couldn't really feel anything but his lips, a bit dry from the alcohol, but still soft. It wasn't long before my brain restarted and I pushed him away, my breath coming out in ragged gasps as I struggled for air.
Sokka too was panting, though his was more along the lines of exhilaration, his amazed grin telling me all that I needed to know. As he leaned in once again, a sharp CRACK sounded as he fell to the ground, his usually balance nonexistent due to his drunken state. I left his room without a word, tears betraying my resolve.
0-0-0-0-0-0
When I woke up the next day, everyone was gone except Suna, who was staring at a Pai Sho board in confusion. It took a moment for me to realize two whole other people were playing Pai Sho. Jeong Jeong and Master Pakku, who both looked up when I entered.
I flinched and gave a low bow, waiting for the audible cough from Jeong Jeong to straighten up. My first instinct was to wrap the man in a hug, but I didn't think it appropriate in Master Pakku's presence. Master Pakku, looking a bit more closely, had very light eyes, not quite gray, but a very pale blue, almost like a thin piece of ice.
"So, you're the girl Jeong Jeong is talking my ear off about. Don't look like much do you?" Master Pakku asked, placing a tile on the board without looking.
"No sir." I replied.
Jeong Jeong frowned at the board before smirking and placing one of the tiles. Master Pakku merely raised an eyebrow, smugly grinning before placing one more.
"I do believe you lost, Jeong Jeong. You've lost your touch."
Jeong Jeong scowled, turning away. "That is hardly fair."
"World isn't fair, get over it."
"Um, sirs? If I may ask, why are you here?" I finally asked.
"To see if you can be let out of your prison cell." Jeong Jeong muttered.
"He's not wrong. Suna would still need to accompany you for obvious reasons, but you'd finally be able to access … most of the city." Master Pakku continued. "So, how would you like to tour this place?"
A chance to get away from Sokka? Obviously I would take it.
"Yes sir!" I answered excitedly, before coughing. "Sorry, um, please allow me to explore the city."
Master Pakku nodded, standing up. "Very well, get ready. Two old men and your prison warden will show you the true impenetrable city." It didn't take very long. Suna didn't object when he was called a prison warden by Master Pakku. Jerk.
"Master Pakku? How do you know Master Jeong Jeong?" I asked as we stepped outside, heading to one of the corners of the city. Smart. We could start with the perimeter and circle inwards.
"We met a long time ago." Master Pakku answered. "Step onto the raft."
"Met, huh? More like attacked me without provocation." Jeong Jeong said calmly.
"WIthout provocation? Your memory is worse as well. Perhaps a trip to the hospital is in order."
"If I have memory problems you have a psychopathy problem."
It was … bizarre, watching the two old men arguing like an old married couple. Clearly Suna was as intrigued as I was, based on the way he was observing the two men.
"And here we are, the edge of the walls." Master Pakku said suddenly. "Next stop, the back end of the Northern Water Tribe, where, you guessed it, more walls."
"Pakku, you must give Qin some time to observe." Jeong Jeong remonstrated. The view was kind of scary, I'm not going to lie.
This high up, the view of the ocean was incredible, the water glistening under the sun as it crashed against the walls. The cry of some sort of bird carried up to us four, the only decipherable details being that they were white. Other than that … there wasn't much to see. Some glaciers in the distance, some sort of breaching mammal, and … water. And sky, I guess. I wasn't much for the sights.
"Well, there's not much to see." I acknowledged. Jeong Jeong choked while Master Pakku smirked.
"Ooh, I think I like you. Let's go." The Waterbending master guided me by a nudge.
The borders weren't anything too interesting. Just patrolling guards, ice, watchtowers, a few store rooms, ice, a bird or two, ice, and more ice. Welp, this was riveting. Thankfully as we made our way inwards, things got more interesting. There were some interesting stores, a few restaurants that Master Pakku pointed out ("You'd do well to stick to those. Oh, you like meat too right? There's one.") sorry, told me to go to later to, and finally took me to the training grounds, where, currently, a bunch of teenage males were undergoing a lesson in swordfighting. Specifically? They were using some of the same whale tooth weapons just before we met Bato.
"I was told you are competent with swords, yes?" Master Pakku asked.
"Uh, yes sir." I answered, fumbling awkwardly as they were tossed to me.
"Let's see how good you are. Hahn!"
A male stepped forward, his smirk dropping only when he gave a shallow bow to Master Pakku.
"Master Pakku, you called?" Hahn asked. Ooh, I so did not like him already. His voice oozed cockiness.
"Yes, I did. I want you to fight one person in particular."
"Who is it, sir? With all due respect, I've fought everyone here in my training group."
"Oh, I wasn't referring to them. Most of them are pretty average."
"Do I know him, sir?"
My left eye twitched at the question. Of course he only expected to fight guys.
"You are going to fight Qin here."
0-0-0-0-0-0
Here we go, next week as promised. Or, that's what I wanted to promise, but I think I wrote 'tomorrow' instead of 'next week'. Sorry. Anyways, let's get to the story shall we? Most of this chapter is not very detailed in regards to the Northern Water Tribe, I think you understand why, considering poor Qin was locked up in her given room for most of it. That'll be fixed in the next chapter, I promise.
Now, to Sokka and Qin, and their … complicated relationship at this point. I think you all can understand why Qin is upset here. If not, well, the next chapter should fix that. Relationships are hard, people, and most of them do not go smoothly. And if you're wondering why Sokka was pining away after Yue and basically forgot about her, PATIENCE DAMMIT. Kidding, next chapter.