Book Two: Water, Chapter Two: Hope
Zorok knew he wasn't going to be of any use here. He didn't know a thing about healing or medicine. Lana had fallen asleep by Kas's side, and Zorok put a blanket around her. There was no sense in both of them being sick. He quietly walked up the stairs, not knowing what else to do, and stepped out onto the deck. He noticed they were on the open ocean and saw the tribe members engaged in various ship duties, none of which he knew. The closest he ever came to a ship was the Sand Skiffs used by the nutjobs crazy enough to live in Si Wong Desert. He wandered around the deck for a few minutes before someone noticed him and spoke.
"Hey, you. What do you think you're doing?" A young-looking Waterbender said, walking up to him. "Oh, sorry, am I in your way?" Zorok asked, trying not to sound helpless. The Waterbender, however, didn't look pleased. "Why are you just standing around lollygagging? We've got chores that need to be done!" He barked at him. Zorok momentarily flashed back to his Earth Kingdom Military training and snapped to attention before remembering he wasn't in any military. "What the heck are you doing? Why are you standing at attention like a soldier?" The Waterbender asked, confused. "Oh, sorry. It's a reflex," Zorok said as he relaxed. "Who are you?" The Waterbender suspiciously asked him. "I came in on the sky bison with the sick girl," Zorok said. He looked around and noticed Lolla was nowhere to be found. "Speaking of, where is the bison?" He asked. "In the water," The Waterbender answered as he walked past Zorok and returned to work.
Zorok grew frightened for a moment and rushed to the side of the ship but sighed a breath of relief as he saw Lolla casually swimming alongside the boat. "Nice to see you're relaxing well, lazy horns," Zorok said, defeated. Lolla groaned happily and carelessly kept swimming. "You, we need to talk," Akiron said behind him. Zorok turned and saw he was in a somber mood. "OK, what's on your mind?" He asked casually. "Let's start with who you three are and what you're doing in The North Pole," Akiron said, stepping next to him and leaning against the rail. "Oh, well, I'm Zorok. The woman with us is Lana, and the girl is Kassari, but we call her Kas," He began to explain. "As for what we're doing here, well, that's a little harder to explain," He said, leaning against the rail. "We've got time," Akiron said, looking up at the sun. "We're still two hours from Agna Qel'a. Go ahead, fill me in," He said.
Zorok spent the next forty-five minutes explaining who he was, who they were, and his journey to becoming a fully realized Avatar. He left out certain elements, such as his military days, refusing to enter The Avatar State, and mainly The Winds of Death, but he felt he painted a clear enough picture. "So, The Avatar IS back. I have to be honest; I thought Kiza was full of it," He said, smiling a bit. "You know Kiza?" Zorok asked happily at the sound of his name. Akiron laughed slightly at his question but stopped when he realized Zorok wasn't joking. "Know him? He's the son of Chief Okara," He said proudly. Zorok was stunned. He never knew how important a person Kiza was when they were rivals at The Northern Air Temple. "You didn't know that?" Akiron said, amused. "No, I didn't. We didn't exactly get off to the best start when we met. It was only after I saved his life that we started getting friendly," He said, amazed.
Once the words left his lips, he immediately knew he had screwed up. He didn't want to tell them about what happened during the winter. To his surprise, however, Akiron didn't react. Instead, he nodded in agreement. "He told us about that and how you beat that Airbender like a drum," He said, smiling proudly. There was no use in denying it now. They already knew the whole story. "I wouldn't say 'Like a drum,' per se, just enough to keep him from hurting my friends," He responded, trying to sound humble. Call it what you will; Chief Okara will want to thank you for saving his son," Akiron said, patting Zorok on the shoulder. Zorok felt a little proud knowing he saved a chief's son. Now, he was beginning to understand why Kiza wanted to train him.
"So, how is she?" Akiron said to a fellow Waterbender as he exited the galley. "Not good," He said, slightly worried. "What's wrong with her?" Zorok asked, extremely concerned. "Well, let's start at the beginning. Her body nearly went into shock, which would have caused all her organs to begin failing; there might be some lasting damage there. Her fingers and toes are developing frostbite, and she could lose them if we don't get her to Agna Qel'a soon. She's burning up with a fever, and it will be a miracle if she doesn't develop pneumonia," He finished. Zorok began feeling fear running down his spine. Kas was in big trouble. He should have been awake when she fell in. He should have gotten to her quicker. "This is my fault," He said, lowering his head. "I should have let them go to Omashu instead of giving me a ride here. They would be in Ba Sing Se by now rather than laying on a ship in the Arctic dying," He said. As he did, Akiron comfortingly patted his shoulder.
"Hey, kid, it's not your fault. Stuff like this happens all the time here," He said reassuringly. "The healers in Agna Qel'a are the best in the world. They deal with this kind of stuff every day," He said, trying to instill some hope in Zorok. "Is there any way we can go faster?" Zorok asked as he started walking toward the wheelhouse. "Not unless you know something that can move this ship faster than the wind," He said. Zorok thought for a second, and then, it hit him. "Secure everything not already tied down," He said, racing toward the ship's port side again. Akiron looked confused and followed. "I love your enthusiasm, kid, but I'm not following," He said as he reached the port side. "Hey! Lazy horns! We need you to fly ahead of us!" Zorok said as he airbent himself off the ship and onto Lollas' back.
He ensured all the straps on her saddle were fastened and jumped back on the ship. Lolla did as instructed, launched herself in the air, and began flying ahead of them several hundred yards. "If the wind is all we need, I'll bet I can get this ship to Agna Qel'a in half the time!" He said as he ran to the stern of the ship and began his Airbending stretches. After a few seconds, Akiron finally understood Zorok's plan. "You're crazy, kid, but crazy is better than nothing," Akiron said as he ran up the steps to the wheelhouse. "Let the main sail free! We're running on a new kind of power!" He called out to his crew. They all looked confused at first but excitedly began taking the sails down as they saw the brilliance of Zorok's plan. Once the sails were loosed, Zorok began Airbending wind directly into the sails. At this rate, he thought, they'd be there in no time.
Akiron was thrust backward but caught himself after a few feet. He looked up and saw Zorok moving continuously. It was the first time he'd ever seen an Airbender in action. "A handful of people like this, and we could reinvent our military strategy," He thought, amazed at what he saw. Zorok was sure to pace himself properly. He didn't want to over-exert his energy. It might wear him out before he got to see the city as they entered, or worse, inadvertently called on The Avatar state. He remembered everything Gosarik had taught him about breathing, using it to keep his blood regulated and his heartbeat from increasing too rapidly. The Watertribesmen watched in awe as Zorok propelled their ship faster than they ever imagined it could go. During the entire journey, he never fell below 50 yards from Lolla.
The ship traveled for less than an hour before Akiron called out to Zorok. "Hey, Kid! We're almost there! You might want to ease up on the Airbending now!" He said, straining to keep his balance. Zorok slowed his movements gradually and systematically until the ship slowed to just a little faster than it had been. The Tribesmen raised their sails, along with their flag, and began untying everything. "That was fun. We should recruit more Airbenders to power our ships. The Fire Navy wouldn't stand a chance if we ever came to blows," He said happily. "If you think that's fun, you should try riding a sky bison sometime," Zorok replied, panting a little. "So, where's the city?" Zorok asked, looking around but seeing only an ice wall. Akiron wordlessly pointed forward, and Zorok watched as a team of Waterbenders dropped the ice wall, revealing an opening to Agna Qel'a, the Capital of The Northern Water Tribe. The ship passed through the archway, and the Waterbenders slammed the border back into place in seconds. Seconds later, the ship was docked at a small port outside the city.
"Akiron! Is that you?" A voice called out from the pier. Zorok turned and saw a large, broad-shouldered man with an enormously bushy beard standing on the dock. "Domann! Here!" Akiron replied as he readied a mooring line. He walked over to the ship's edge and threw his friend the line. "How was the trip?" Domann asked as he tied the boat and made his way up the gangplank. "The trip was profitable, but we ran into a spot of trouble," He said, turning and looking at Zorok. Domann's face dropped a little, and he instinctually puffed out his chest slightly to make himself look more significant, though he was already a mountain of man by his standards. "No, he's no the trouble. He's IN trouble. Well, his friend is at least," Akiron said hurridly to keep Domann from attacking Zorok. Domann relaxed at Akiron's statement and looked concerned at him. "What's the problem?" He asked Akiron and Zorok. "She fell through some ice and almost drowned. I saved her, but now she has a fever and won't wake up," Zorok replied. "Let's get her to Siah. She can help her," Domann said, getting out of Zorok and Akiron's way. "I'll go wake Lana; she'll want to stay by her side," Zorok said as he turned and headed toward the galley door.
Zorok walked down the steps and saw Lana sleeping upright in her chair with her head slumped down. He smiled a bit, his heart warming at her love for Kas, and walked over to wake her. "Lana? We're almost at The North Pole," He said, lightly shaking her. She sturred a little before her eyes fluttered open. "Has Kas said anything?" She asked, yawning and looking down at her. "No. She's still asleep," He said, looking down as well. Kas hadn't moved an inch. Her skin still felt hot, and her breathing was erratic. "Zorok... What are we going to do?" She asked somberly. "We're going to The Capital. The Captain said they have amazing healers there," He said, trying to sound reassuring. It didn't work, though. Lana looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "What if... we lose her," She whispered, a tear rolling down her cheek as she did. Zorok wrapped her in a hug and held her close to his heart. "Don't think like that. She's going to be OK; She will," He said, stroking her hair lightly. "Why weren't we watching? We should have been awake!" She cried into his chest. "We can't dwell on that. We have to believe she'll make it," He said, holding her tightly. "We're almost to Agna Qel'a. It's the Capital of The Northern Water Tribe. They'll know how to help her; I know it," He whispered.
The two hugged and watched over Kas for several more minutes before Akiron finally came down. "Hey, Kid! What's the hold-up? Time isn't exactly an ally right now!" He said, coming down the stairs with 2 Tribesmen carrying a stretcher made from hides and bones. "Oh, sorry. We got a little caught up in emotion," Zorok said. "Oh, Akiron, this is Lana. Lana, you remember Akiron. He's the Captain of the ship and the one who applied the water to Kas when we landed," He said. The two shook hands and nodded at one another. "My apologies for my rudeness, ma'am. I was in a hurry and a little flustered by the girls' state," Akiron said. "No offense taken. We were all a little sturred by it," Lana replied. They watched the large Tribesmen gently lift Kas, still in her blanket, and rest her on the stretcher. "How far are the healers?" Lana asked as she watched them gingerly carry her up the stairs. "Not far; maybe 10 minutes walk," He said as they followed them out the door and off the ship. "Lucky for her, she won't be walking," Akiron smiled as they began loading her on a large dog sled pulled by a team of Polar Bear-Dogs. "Neither will we," Zorok said as he put his fingers to his lips and whistled loudly. Seconds later, Lolla soared overhead and landed next to the sled team. The Polar Bear-Dogs were frightened but settled down as they realized Lolla's calm demeanor and personality.
Once Kas was secure, the sled leader whistled and lightly cracked a whip in the air. The dogs took this as their cue and simultaneously began running towards the large city only a few miles away. Zorok and Lana boarded Lollas back and followed behind in the air. As they approached Agna Qel'a, Zorok and Lana were stunned by its elegant beauty. Everything, from the most prominent buildings to the canal, the gates, and even the streets, was made of blue ice. "Zorok... It's..." Lana said, breathlessly stunned. "I know..." Zorok said, equally as floored by this fantastic city. The gates slid down, and the sled entered the town, followed by Zorok and Lana on Lolla. It reached the center and stopped near a large cluster of tents gathered by a wellspring. Lolla landed beside them, and the two watched as various female Waterbenders exited the tents and began carrying Kas inside. The two followed close and sat as they laid Kas in the center of the large tent, sitting around her in a circle.
The women watched over Kas, almost as if they were waiting for something. "What's going on?" Lana whispered to Zorok, confused. Before he could respond, the tent door flapped open, and in walked a significantly older woman accompanied by two males assisting her in walking. "Are you her parents?" She asked the two as she stood in front of them. "Sort of; more like her guardians," Zorok tried to explain. "You're lucky she got here when she did. A few more hours, and I don't think we would be able to help her," She said as the males helped her to the center with Kas. She ran her hand down the length of Ka's body multiple times, stopping at various places like her hands, feet, navel, and especially her throat. The other females sat humming and meditating as if their sound kept the Elder on track. The two watched as the Elder bent a crystal clear water out of a special-looking jar and began applying it to the various parts of Kas's body she previously marked. They marveled as the water started glowing blue and sinking into her skin at the point of contact. The Elder added more and more water, but it never seemed to be enough. They wondered why she needed so much but didn't want to question or break her concentration.
Several hours passed as the healers tried over and over to help Kas. When finally the melodic humming stopped, causing Zorok and Lana to awaken from the sleep the humming lulled them into, The Elder came to them in silence. "We have done all we can," She said somberly. "Is she..." Lana gasped. "No, but the rest is up to her. If she is to come back, she must do it by her will alone," The Elder replied. As the women left the hut, Lana ran to Kas and knelt by her side. She put her hand on her face and felt her wet, hot skin. "Kas... Please... Wake up..." She lightly cried. Lana held her in her arms when she didn't respond and silently sobbed. "Don't give up hope. Her body hasn't stopped fighting; it is merely having trouble. She could very easily come out of this, or..." She said, stopping short. "No or. She's going to make it through this," Zorok said, refusing to give up on her. "If you wish to help her, talk to her, tell her stories, sing to her. She can hear you. Her mind is still there," The Elder said as she exited the hut. "Thank you," Zorok said as she reached the exit. The Elder smiled, nodded, and silently left them alone.
Kas, sweetie, I know you can hear me," Lana said, trying to sound hopeful. "Zorok is here too," She said, looking up at him. "Zorok, say something," She said desperately. "Lana, I..." He started to say. He stopped, however, when he saw the almost begging look in her eyes as they filled with tears of desperation and sorrow. He sighed and sat down on the opposite side of Kas. "Kas, It's Zorok. You're going to be OK," He said, half believing himself and doubting it. The two sat in silence for a few seconds before, finally, Lana spoke again. "Please... Don't go..." She softly cried. "Please, Kas... Please don't leave us..." She whispered as she lightly grabbed her hand. "You're so close to beginning your training. You know how excited about that you are..." She said, trying to smile but failing. "You have to come back... I... I love you..." Zorok said, taking her other hand. "You're not just some kid anymore... You're our daughter... To hell with what anyone has to say about it..." Zorok said, lightly crying as he did. "Finding you was the most important thing either of us has ever done..." He said. As Lana silently sobbed and Zorok did his best to hold himself together, they were shocked when Kas lightly squeezed their hands. "Zorok! She's listening!" Lana said, now crying happily. "Kas, sweetie! You're going to be OK!" Lana said, lightly hugging her again. As Zorok watched her for a moment, a tear fell down his cheek as he saw Kas lightly smile for a second, then fall back unconscious.