Chapter 3

The History (Part 2)

Zuko

1 month later.

The air was warm as everything I wanted was happening. The rose pink color glasses finally took effect in my life. Walking outside to the palace courtyard, I saw hundreds of people lined up, eagerly waiting to see me.
I felt my posture increase as I walked past the large golden gong, a Fire Sage pounding it hard behind me. The crowd's attention was captured, now all looking up anticipating their soon-to-be Fire Lord Zuko approaching.

Making my way in full view of everyone the crowd cheered cheerfully, old and young all stood in the hot sun happy to greet me. I can't remember the last time I was this happy.
Kneeling my breath quickened to match my heart rate exhilarated waiting for the Fire Sage to crown me.

"By decree of the late Fire Lord Ozai, I now crown you Fire Lord Zuko! All hail Fire Lord Zuko!"
the dozen of Fire Sages bowed as Zuko raised, the crowd happy to witness their new ruler.

Naturally taken to this life, my arm went up waving to all those excited to witness history. Looking around me I saw all my guards all my citizens ..but no family.

.********************.

Later that day...

My nerves were engraved in my veins as I walked down the hall of the prison tower.
Would he accept my apology?

Gulping the lump in the back of my throat I didn't know how to feel within the pit of my stomach becoming upset. Since Ozai's death, Uncle has refused to speak to me. Every day he would just sit there with his back turned. Before my official crowing, I didn't have the power to let him go. But hours later... I do now.

Taking a deep breath sighing out before opening the door, wanting to make myself ready.
All I have to do is act excited.. right? Then he'll be excited... reverse psychology?

"Uncle you're free-"
OH MY—

The air was knocked out of me as my eyes widen at the scene. I felt as if I stood there for hours just staring in front of me. When in reality, it was only a seconded.

"HELP! HELP!"
I felt like my scream and pleads were being suffocated. There in the middle of his cell, my uncle lay dead his lips blue showing signs he couldn't breathe. A cup of spilled tea on its side inches from his fingertips, the brown liquid scattered on the floor.

Katara (Yami)

1 year later...

My head was buzzing and there was a throbbing pain. I felt like my head was spinning as I squeezed my eyes shut to try and regain some type of equilibrium. I tried opening my eyes and a dim white light invaded my vision with a dark background. Wincing in pain, I shut my eyes again and waited for them to adjust before I tried to reopen them once more.

Opened and closed a few times again before I was able to see it. My naked body hung by my wrist. It was only rope, yet it felt like razors were cutting into my wrist. Looking out the small basement window I could tell it was night once again.

It's been almost 2 years since I've seen my brother, closer to a year since I heard about the invasion attack on the Fire Nation capital. Not knowing what day it was Aunt Sei made me pack all of her things two nights before the attack. Every day I wish if I had only known... if I had a clue... but there's no use in wishing now.

That old bitch had us come to this place, high in the mountains outside the capital. Her personal own break-in-cabin as she calls it, the home is heavily made of wood with a basement downstairs. I didn't know it when I first started running away, but she was getting ready to take us back to the Fire Nation capital... My idiot actions made her decide otherwise.

Had I just held on for a little longer I could have run away on the way back to the Capital, somewhere near water would have been ideal?
The only luck I've had was not using my bending, slaves who had bending abilities which of course were either fire or earth was given the choke-e. A heavy iron choker along with cuffs for your ankle and wrist that is connected by a spiral iron vine.

She lock me down here for the past month, the longest of all her punishments. This night in particular I kept hearing the wind blowing harshly against the open glass window. My limbs consistently shivered trying to conserve body heat as I felt a new breeze blow inside the crevice. The wind slipped against my cuffed hands sending chills throughout my body. My legs had grown weak but all I could do was let my body hang down.

After the week of my cycle, my skin was splashed with water daily, not as a bath or for hygiene but for her whips to be felt deeper. Nothing had penetrated my skin, however, I did have raised marks all over my thighs, stomach, and back that were beyond pain full.

"I will survive.." I told myself.
Oh how I wish that statement was true but I feel like giving up so badly.

" I can't even water bend anymore". Not wanting to show them who I was, I stopped bending more and more. The last time I bent my element was when I was cleansing myself of Aunt Sei's smell 5 months ago, I remember stretching my element in the tub allowing me to feel closer to my home.

Trying to close my mouth I could feel the dryness between my teeth. My body is severely dehydrated and under nourish since Sei has been keeping me weakened.

Suddenly I felt the moon peek in through a small window, it was like having my cup refilled. A fresh blanket washed over me.

"I am the element of change. I can adapt to anything.. "

Realizing this key point was truly my only restraint. My breathing deepen as I wrapped my arms around the chains and held them above the cuffs. I soon found the strength to pull my legs up into my chest hanging off the wall. Repeating the process.
"I will survive! You will not break me!"

Sokka

"Suki! Sokka! Welcome back to Kyoshi island !" Oyaji the village leader greeted us at the wooden post entrance.

"Oyaji! It's good to see you" Suki yelled practically running into his arms said. Over the years Sokka could see how much she missed the green grass, her family, and friends here.
Although Toph would never admit it, he could see how much she also missed the earth ground.

"This is Toph, she's from the earth kingdom," Sokka said introducing her.

"Welcome please come with me". Oyaji said inviting us into his home.

Sitting inside for a delicious but simple meal, Oyaji informed us about the condition of Kyoshi Island and the booming tourism happening.

"Say Sokka how has the Southern water tribe been since the war ended. I hardly see you two". Oyaji asked picking up a piece of grilled fish between his chopsticks.

"It's been.. good. The Fire Nation wasn't heavy present in the South Pole, to begin with. But they had backed off completely. Allowing us to rebuild what we once had".

"Mmm... I heard the new Fire Lord has done the same in the earth Kingdom".
Hold his hand up to his mouth as if to tell a tremendous secret Oyaji spoke softly. "the rumor was the Fire Nation offered to help but the Earth King turn him down flat! You think it has to do with shame?!" Oyaji laughed adding.

"Probably". I added right alongside him laughing.

"Sokka!" Suki yelled out appalled, swatting me right in the head.

"OUCH"!

"That's so mean! His uncle died! Knowing how lonely he must feel, he probably realize the other nations isn't ready to forgive or trust them. Backing off was the best move".

"Didn't he burn your village?" I sarcastically asked rubbing the back of my head. For a girl, she hit so hard!

"I'm not a fan of his Sokka,.. but it just seems distasteful to laugh at something like that."

"I remember talking to his uncle once... at the time I didn't know who he was. But his uncle wasn't a bad guy." Toph added eating her food.

"Hey! I'm not saying it wasn't sad his uncle died." I said putting my hands out feeling I had to defend myself.
"But I am saying the Fire Nation been pretty.. well shitty! The last 100 years or so! And with that accounted it would make sense for them to get told off, then close their borders and hide. Especially since Aang didn't end the war."

"What of the Avatar? Has he gotten better?" Oyaji asked changing the subject.

"Aang is.. coming around I suppose. He's able to remain awake although still sluggish. He's in a really bad place right now."

"Since Katara's disappearance, he seems defeated. It's depressing honestly." Toph said shifting her shoulders.

"It's really sad actually. All he does is visit Appa and then go back to sleep. I think he blames himself for not being there for the invasion plan. And not there for Katara especially after she healed him". Suki said looking down.

"There has been no news on her ?" Oyaji asked sadden.

"No.."

Katara

3 1/2 years later...

"Mmm... what to do ..what to do.." the late wife of commander Shane said, her boney finger tapping on her chin smoking tobacco in a long slim holder.

Commander Shane was never able to come back for me and I wasn't able to keep my promise to him either, I was still here. The commander passed away earlier this year, but since his wife didn't need me she left me with Aunt Sei.

Now that was going to change... Aunt Sei didn't wake up yesterday and the late Commander's wife looks at me as a burden.

"Lucy, why don't you sell her? She is 19 now".

"Ah, that's true!" Lucy agreed. "The madam house in the capital will fetch the most for her."

" Should we train her for a week? Or two?" Her henchman named Choku said looking at me licking his lips.

"No, take her as is. I'm sick of looking at her. " Lucy expressed rolling her eyes at me. Lucy saw everything her husband was attracted to. Long lush hair, beautiful dark skin, and soft ocean blue eyes.

"Are you sure? They're supposed to be trained." Choku asked again trying to get what he wanted.

"Aunt Sei had her for almost four or five years, by now the little bitch should be welled trained".

I couldn't look up as Lucy decided my faith with her henchmen at her side. The commander left all his land and money to her. She had no kids and was free to leave but I was glad, this way she wouldn't want to drag me behind her.
Whenever Commander Shane visited Aunt Sei in the past he would always be extra nice to me gifting me things, I could always tell something was wrong with her demeanor whenever she saw me. Admittedly something was wrong with commander Shane too. His lust for me as a child was sickening, but admittedly when he came that was the only time I was spare any punishment from Aunt Sei's wrath. Sadly I began to look forward to his visits.

"Let's go!" Her henchmen ordered pushing me outside to a carriage snapping me out of my private thoughts.

It has been a little over 4 years since I would return to the capital. The last time I was punished was over 2 years ago, Aunt Sei left me in the basement cuffed to the wall for 5 months, then locked in the basement for another 3 months.

I made myself promise no matter how long she took to go back, I will remain calm and not run away. There was no point in doing so, every time I tried I would just get caught. When she let me out I acted beyond obedient. Never slipping up giving attitude, showing weakness. For two years unresponsive glaze formed within my eyes.

"I said I would survive and I did." my heart smiled as I felt the wheels turn in the carriage knowing I was growing further and further away from that place.

I can finally leave this place in my past...

.******************.

2 days later...

The confirmation of arriving in the capital came as I heard Choku Speak to the guard at the checkpoint. I could barely see outside the dark red carriage, there was a small hole in the wall not even large enough to see out. After driving to the lower part of the capital the carriage stop. My heart beat increased as I could hear the heavy footsteps Choku made making his way to the side door to unlock it.

A dim light shined inside the rectangle prison I was transported in. Stepping out the smell of chard air hits me, opposed to the fresh grass air I've become used to high in the mountains. The streets were dirty and nasty as if urine and smoke residue had been painted on them.

"Come on!".

Pulling me with him Choku knocked on the door attached to a brick building. The small metal slide that was only big enough for your eyes to look through, opened to us.
"Name"

"Jing "

"Come in," a large scary man said after I heard the click noise of locks opening.

I was pushed inside where I stumbled forward, Choku following me closely behind. Looking around I saw many doors with many girls my age and older standing in front of it. A lot of golden honey and emerald green eyes stared back at me as I was forced to move through the hallway. All of the girls had on colorful outfits some see-through, some short revealing the hump of their ass, and some were bold enough to walk without any clothing.

"Ahhh! how are you, man!"
A fair large belly man with many gold rings said shaking Choku's hand.

"Good to see you! But I'm afraid I'm here on business for the Jing family."

"Ahh, I see". The large belly man said looking down at me grinning. His fat fingers trailed my womanly deep curve that develop over the last few years. If looks could kill he would be dead the moment he touch me.

"This one is a beauty. Large breast and hip so strong".
He places his hand on my waistline making me flinch back.

"Ah and she's so small in her stomach...
Is this a trick?" The large belly man said laughing looking up unbelieving the rare beauty before him.

"Ha-Ha! no. I know right too good to be true? and she's still a Virgin."

"My friend you bought me an angel!" the large belly man laughs.

"she was trained by Aunt Sei. I'm looking to get a good price. I don't have her paperwork."

Paperwork? What the hell are they talking about?..

"..mmm no paperwork? How do I know she's been trained? Let's say 50"

" 50?! don't insult me like that! The only reason I have no paperwork work is because of Aunt Sei's sudden passing. We don't know where she kept her records."

"My friend I still have to make a Profit! And buyers today want to know how much trouble they caused and behavior problems"

"I know you're going to sell her for at least 3500. That's if a bidding war doesn't start! She was trained by Sei Jing! you know that is worth it's weight in gold!
Plus have you seen her? Copper skin, ocean eyes, luscious wavy dark brown hair. Any man would fall in love. I would take no less than 750 and travel fee"

The large belly man looked down at me with a hungry stare's rubbing his chin.
"Ok fine.!"

With those words, I saw the two men shake hands in front of me.

My head spaced out to their agreement and as if time sped up I was now standing in the middle of a hot brothel. Looking around this sinful place I saw a similar theme. There were girls my age and older walking around with no shirt, breasts out with a thing-string. I looked up the open two-story and saw a few girls having sex in the open with many men. Another had a man's penis in her mouth causing me to shyly look away.

Turning my head away I couldn't help but blush embarrassed, even though Aunt Sei had done horrible things to me, but she never penetrated me. Always saying how lucky I was Shane wanted to be the first.

My eyes were disgusted as I touched the rope chain I made to disguise my mother's pendants. It reminds me of my strength.

Quickly I was washed and dressed in a white laces bra with matching delicate panties. Hanging off my waistline was a band embroidered with shiny stones that hung embroidered strings attached to my thigh band enhancing the curve of my hip. Around my shoulders was a large shiny stone fringe chain, my hair was washed and left natural opened, allowed to fall to my hips, making wavy curls as it dried.

I remember one of the women washing me mention how the owner must think I will fetch a large sum. I was told the last time a girl was dressed like me she was brought for 10,000 gold pieces. I remember her congratulating me.
But what was I Celebrating?...

Walking around I tried keeping my eyes low as I felt so many men stare at me. As I walked past a table full of men one reached out to grab me, and my body naturally swerved his hand accidentally hitting someone.

*CRASH!*
"Oh excuse me!"
Accidentally bumping into a woman she dropped her tray of drinks on the floor.

"Oh it's ok- wow...you are so beautiful!" she said looking up at me, stunned. "they dress you so beautifully too! they must think you're going to get a lot!"

"I keep hearing that... what does that even mean?" I asked her confused.

"Well me for instance, I didn't get any bids which made me branded unsellable. The brothel sometimes keeps girls who are unsellable and brands them with their symbol".
Lifting up her short kimono she showed me her upper thigh and the small symbol embroidered on her skin.

"Oh my- what the fuck-"

"Don't worry, at first I had the same reaction until I started working as an unsellable.
We rarely have to sleep with anyone, just serve drinks and food. We do have to take care of the girls who were brought at a price but the tradeoff is so much better.
Plus we still have all the rights as sellable, same health care same opportunity to purchase homes all because under the law we are the same."

I couldn't understand what this girl was saying it sounded almost as if she was happy to be there.

" they told you to walk around right?" She asked. Nodding my head to her I look down a bit, ashamed.

"that's because they want the men or patron," she said with air quotes. "to see you. They dress you in white to brand you as a virgin without doing it physically. That way all the men here know you are basically untouched goods.
The guards over by the doors are supposed to heavily guard you and the others in white.. making sure nobody tries to steal you or use you."

I looked over my shoulder to the exits.
She was right...
I could see all the guards eyes shifting between me and three other women in white.
" so if nobody buys me I'll be like you?"

" yes.. but I wouldn't count on it... The first night any woman is bought here they put her up on stage to be bided on. If no one shows interest the brothel feels that women would never bring in any profit so they are either sold at the market or kept as staff. And trust me you do not want to go to the market.
However most of the time women are bid on for the night and then are kept to work for two years or so at which part everyone in a capital knows of her status, so they are free to leave. Many do get their own apartment because the brothel knows they'll come back to work.
But with the virgins, most men bid to buy not to rent I suspect that's where you would fit".

The girl looked up and down at me with her honey gold eyes.
" you're pretty, I mean really pretty, and judging from the way they have dressed you tells me you will be bought to be a concubine for some rich governor or Noble. I've seen men go into debt to buy women like you".

"Hey, you two! Break it up and you get back to work!" The large belly man said behind us screaming.

I have to get out of here! Scrambling to get some distance between me and that girl. I turned away not wanting to be yelled at again.

" hey, there sweetie" I heard an old man say putting out his hand as I walked by. With his quick reflexes he pulled me closer to him. "how old are you?"

I didn't want to answer this man, I didn't want him touching me, I wanted to knock his teeth out but instead, I kept my eyes low.
His hands moved to my waist pulling me in and causing me to look at him. He was old with dusty grey hair, and yellow tanned long face. He had no facial hair but many wrinkles.

I don't know why but I felt I had seen him somewhere...
"... I'm 19" I hesitantly answer.
Clenching the ends of my hair, he lifted it roughly to his nose sniffing on my scent.

"Oh, yea... I definitely want you". The man said feeling a rush of blood flowing between his legs.

"Yon Rha!"

I heard a man yell behind me. The old man held on to me tighter. Soon was joined by another at his table.
"how are you, sir! hows retirement?!"

"Ah, Zao! How are you?! Retirement is great! look where I am!" The old man said smirking pulling me closer, his hand was too close to my breast for my comfort.

"That must be great! I only could come here when my wife off visiting family!...oh! And who is this" Zao said now taking notice of Katara present?
Moving closer to her his rough fingers grip Katara's chin tilting her face up to him. He looked menacingly at her licking his lips. The man was young perhaps mid-20s if she had to guess, but his presence made her wary of her unsafe surroundings.

"I was just getting to know her," Yon Rha said gripping my waist tighter and pulling me away.

"Oh, she dressed in white with beautiful crystals, so you're a Virgin?" Zao said looking at Katara smirking, his member getting excited as he had no shame in front of her.
"I am definitely betting on you".

"No, she's mine!" Yon Rha claimed proudly.

"All due respect old man, I don't could afford her on your pension. I'm betting on her she looks so exotic". Zao said trying to reach out and slide his finger against my jawline before Yon Rha pulled me back again.
I look down quickly avoiding eye contact with this man.

I need to get out of here...

Yon Rha not taking what Zao said seriously suddenly remember an old war story.
"speaking of exotic! she reminds me of this woman I was going to take from the southern water tribe. But do you know foolishly she declined my generous offer!" Yon Rha announced loudly taking a shot of alcohol with his other hand still holding my waist strong.

I could feel my hatred starting to swim freely in my veins. There weren't too many raids in my lifetime...
was this bastard speaking about my mother? No couldn't be... could he?

"What did you offer her," Zao ask laughing.

"My seed on her face!" Yon Rha smirked.
"so I told her I'm not taking prisoners today!
But this one here!". Yon Rha reached up quickly, grabbing my face rough, pulling it closer to him.
"This one looks like them. After I purchase her I'm going to plant my seed deep in her pretty pussy!
I wonder if she's as wild and untamed as those water tribe women in the stories?"

"I want to buy you, then fuck the life out of you" he whispered in my ear so only I may hear the last part.

The spirits only knew how badly I wanted to throw up right now. "...that woman was in the southern water tribe.. how long ago," my frail voice asked.
Surprised by my question the two men looked at me.

"Uhm... I don't know maybe 10, 11 years ago?" Yon Rha answered not caring to give Katara the time of day.

*AAAARGGGGGGGGGUH!*
In a fit of rage my bending kicked in, reaching deep inside of his body I felt the blood moving in his veins.

"W-WHATS HAPPENING?!". frightened and scared Yon Rha tried moving his limbs, only to realize he had no power over his body.

The rest of the customers and women stare at me as I bent the liquid blood within this man. I could feel the liquid wanting to rush through his veins. But not tonight if I have anything to do with it!

"YOU'RE THE MONSTER! YOU SON OF A BITCH! YOU TOOK MY MOTHER!"
After years of not using my ability, it kicked in full force, guided by pain and hatred I never wanted to kill someone as I do now!
These last few years I've come to learn about pain very well but this feeling I couldn't begin to explain.

With a flick of my wrist, this monster slammed against the ground his spine hit the wall.

"she's a water bender!"
I heard someone yell behind me but I didn't care I was ready to kill this trash and died. My hate was so strong I didn't need both hands. Using my other hand I bent water from across the room in the air forming daggers, Yon Rah watched me in terror. My sight did not soften up as I aimed the ice daggers at his probably disease fill penis. Striking him with no mercy over and over, wanting to hear his screams louder.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH"
He screamed tears flowing as I cherish all the fear radiating off of his body.

*CRASSSSSSSH*
After a loud sound I felt a heat on my head, my tight grip on his blood losing as I blinked my eyes. I felt my body feeling the aftermath of being hit with something hard, but before I could pull my thoughts together my body gave out, blinking. My eye slowly closed. I was laying on the ground before my eyes fully closed for good this time, I was blacking out.

Zuko.

The next day.

Sitting in my throne room on a golden grand throne made for the Fire Lord, Mai sat next to me at my side on the gold throne meant for the Fire Lady. There were many officials with many motions that wanted to be passed.

Half listening I looked out the window, the sun that had risen in the East this morning was now closer to the west.

"Sire". Teson an official of the court said catching my attention.
Glancing my eyes at him I tried to look interested as if I was giving him my full undivided attention.

"Sire we have a last-minute emergency entry for the day. It appears last night a scarlet attempted to kill a patron of the Madame brothel in the lower region of the capital. "

I have no idea why am being told this.. I thought as I looked at him nodding my head and listening.

"It was the scarlet first night on the bid when she attacked a potential and long-time patron. The victim is seeking damages to be paid by Madame Brothel.
Counter suing the allegations, the Madame brothel is wanting those fines to be pushed on the original owners who failed to provide the report on the scarlet."

Looking down I could see a large belly man covered in gold jewelry standing up with an expensive bright red kimono lined in gold finishes.
On the opposite side of him was Lady Lucy, widow to Commander Shane with her henchmen Choku.
In the Middle of both was the proud Yon Rha former commander of the Southern Raiders sitting in a wheelchair looking like steam was coming off him.

Guess I know who's the victim...

"Fire lord if I may", Lady Lucy began.
" I've bear no responsibility, the owner of the brothel had already paid my worker Choku for the scarlet. Who more importantly was property of my late husband."

" fire lord I must interject!" The large belly man said. "There was no paperwork given! If I had known the trouble she would have gave I would have never accepted!"

"Urgh ..why am I even listening to this nonsense...
Tyson! Isn't this supposed to be handled on a local level?" Fire Lord Zuko demanded to know.

" Normally yes sire, But with her ability and our borders closed we have no idea how she even got in the country..."

"how long has she been here? what do you mean her ability?" Zuko questioned.

" Well, she's a water bender... I think?"

" What are you talking about? what do you mean you think? speak clearly!" Fire Lord Zuko ordered.

" s-she blood bended me!" Yon Rha yelled out groaning in pain.