Woo! The illustrious long-awaited chapter seven! And don't let the first section fool you...things WILL start moving faster...soon.
Chapter Seven: " A Call"
So. There was a village. Zuko peered down on the settlement from his hiding place amongst the island's foliage. Katara watched him silently from a few feet back. She hadn't spoken a word since they had left the beach and started scouting more inland about a half and hour ago. But Zuko felt her presence constantly as they made their way cautiously through the island's forest. Scrutinizing the scene, Zuko could see the locals scurrying around. It looked as though the people living here were aware of what had happened and were on the alert.
Zuko crept back a few feet and nodded to Katara, indicating her to follow. He led her away from the village where they might be spotted and reported by one of the locals. It was absolutely vital they remain unseen–this island was going to be searched soon by the arriving navy vessels, and if one of the villagers informed the incoming soldiers about seeing them, it would be even more difficult to avoid his nation's military.
Looking up, Zuko noted the sky's deep shade of scarlet. It would be nightfall soon–finally some circumstances to their advantage. In the cover of the night, he and the waterbender wouldn't have to worry as much about being found by any soldiers, and they could both get some well needed rest. Not hearing any footsteps behind him, Zuko stopped and turned around to find Katara frozen in spot a couple yards or so back, frowning, listening hard. He strained his ears as well, and picked up the sound of water. The prince swallowed with difficulty as he realized how thirsty he was–he hadn't had water since before he was brought on Zhao's ship. Zuko caught Katara's eye and they both headed quietly towards the sound of water.
After a short walk, they came upon a small stream traveling swiftly towards the sea. Zuko pulled off the helmet he had taken from the soldier and dropped to his knees to scoop handfuls of water into his mouth, gulping quickly. When he had quenched his thirst, he wiped his mouth and took a glance over at Katara. She was drinking gracefully from a water-ball she levitated in her hands. Zuko glared at her, somewhat indignant that a peasant could drink as if from a cup while he had to lap on the ground like a dog. He dismissed his feelings with a snort and scanned the area. A few yards downstream was a large tree fallen over next to a boulder, providing a small covered area for shelter. He strode downwards to it, ignoring the waterbender.
When he reached it, he stopped and squatted, inspecting the shelter more closely. It was small–only able to accommodate the two of them if they laid parallel to the tree–but it would keep them dry and relatively hidden from any soldiers that may happen by. Footsteps to his left informed him of the waterbender's approach, and he looked up to see her questioning face. "We'll camp here for the night," he said stiffly, "We can rise early in the morning tomorrow and decide what to do then."
The waterbender looked apprehensive, but nodded. Zuko crawled into the 'cave' created by the side of the bolder and the fallen tree, careful to watch his head. He felt about, and shoveled out whatever loose rocks or sticks he could find to make the ground more comfortable to sleep on. After he was satisfied with his work, he scooted out. The waterbender was still standing in the same spot, looking awkward. Uncomfortable under his stare, she finally asked, "Ah...shouldn't we make a fire?"
"No," he replied, as if she were completely dense, "We don't want to attract any soldiers, remember?" Katara nodded and looked away, slightly embarrassed at her question. After a moment, Katara rolled up her parts of her clothes and went to the stream nearby to try to clean herself off as best she could. Zuko followed suit. As he took off his shirt and started to wash himself, Katara noticed numerous cuts and bruises all over his body. Probably from Zhao's men beating him, and the escape from the ship...not to mention the blows Aang landed on him when they had been running from Zuko this morning...
Katara finished her washing and pulled her leggings and sleeves down. "Um...would you like me to use my waterbending to help heal you?" she asked.
Zuko stopped his washing and turned around. "What?"
"I said," she asked a little louder, "Would you like me to use my waterbending to help heal you?" There was a short pause. Feeling perhaps he needed further explanation, she continued, "Waterbending can be used in many ways, both to harm and to heal. I can use my bending powers to help lessen the cuts and bruises on you..."
Zuko stayed silent a moment, unsure. "Why are you offering that?"
Katara gave him a curious look. "Because you look like you need it."
Zuko narrowed his eyes. "Are you saying I'm weak?"
The waterbender looked taken aback. "That's not what I'm saying at all! Look, you're hurt, and we're going to be having a rough time ahead, so I'm offering to help you out a little. Is that okay with you? Do you want itor not?"
Zuko eyed her suspiciously. What was she getting at? Could he trust her to "heal" him? She had helped him off the ship...After a moment of thought, he turned back around and muttered, "Fine."
Katara summoned some water from the stream and walked over. She sat down behind him and evaluated his injuries. There were cuts all over his torso and several large bruises along his ribs. She wondered if his ribs were broken and gave them a soft push with her fingertips. Zuko stiffened instantly, but his ribs felt fine. Beginning to work the water over his body, Katara noticed how tense he was. Even after escaping Zhao's ship together, she could see he still didn't trust her completely. Not that she trusted him all the way either, but she felt they needed to have at least some level of comfort around each other.
"You can relax. I'm not going to hurt you," Katara said.
Zuko turned his head slightly and looked at her out the corner of his eye, its bright yellow a sharp contrast to the red of his scar. "As if you could," he answered acidly.
Zuko turned his head back around and stared out into the darkening scenery as the waterbender continued her "healing". He tried to relax, but himself only able to after a conscious effort. It wasn't as though he was afraid she was going to hurt him (though he kept note of all her movements just in case), but he simply felt uncomfortable having her so close to him. Zuko had to use much of his training and meditation's discipline to resist the urge to jerk away from her touch.
Her water moved over him, finding its way to his cuts and bruises. A very cold sensation came from the liquid and dissipated much of the pain. The bruises where the soldiers had kicked him lessened in their ache, and with a downward glance, he saw the angry purple blotches had been reduced to mere shadows. His cuts didn't seem any smaller, but they were cleaned and didn't hurt as badly as before. Zuko twitched when she put her hands on his back, trying to feel for any sore spots, and his muscles unconsciously became rigid once again.
"Relax," she repeated.
Zuko clenched his jaw hard and willed himself to relax, slowly feeling his muscles slacken. The waterbender felt around with her fingers, locating all the knots in his back, and used her waterbending to work them out. Zuko felt the tenseness fade and he found himself beginning to be lulled by the sensations of the water's repetitive movements. Almost like waves. He was surprised when he caught himself dozing off. The firebender prince decided he had had enough and stood up. "Thank you," he said mechanically, "We should get some rest."
The waterbender nodded and placed the water back into the stream. She stood up and brushed herself off. When she started heading off into the woods, he asked, "Where are you going?"
"Oh, uh, you know," she answered sheepishly, "Nature calls." The girl turned heel and quickly headed into the woods. Zuko stared after her, frowning. Would she try to leave and make her way back to the Avatar herself? No...there was no way she could survive the Fire Nation without his help. Confident she would return, he turned to do the same as she, realizing he hadn't relieved himself since they had first gotten on this island. When he returned, he found the waterbender sitting by the shelter, waiting.
A long silence. "You first," Zuko said finally.
Katara looked at the shelter warily. She really didn't want to go in first–she wasn't overly fond of the idea of being 'stuck between a rock and a hard place'. Zuko noticed her hesitation and snapped, "Look, I should sleep on the outside because I'm a light sleeper and can react to anybody who might find us quicker."
"Yes," Katara countered, "But I can defend us by using my waterbending, plus I can attack from behind." She pointed to the stream. "Besides, if anyone does find us, your armor will give away you're a firebender and they'll know what to expect. No one here knows who or what I am. I provide a better element of surprise."
Zuko closed his eyes in irritation. "Fine. Whatever."
He crawled into the shelter and laid down. Zuko couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief–after all the stress and strain of today, the hard, uneven ground might as well have been the softest bed of the royal chambers. He scooted towards the back as much as he could to provide Karara enough space to sleep under the fallen tree overhead. The girl crawled in after him and laid down with a sigh as well. Zuko closed his eyes and let his mind wander. The Avatar was alive and out there somewhere with all those navy ships searching around. Would they find and capture the Avatar before he could? Would they find out about him? Did they know he was alive? Did his uncle know he was alive? Where was his uncle? What was he doing? And there was Zhao to think about too... Zuko's mind ran in circles until exhaustion overtook it too and he fell asleep.
Katara lay on her side looking out from the shelter into the night. Her hand rested over her throat, her fingertips tracing her mother's necklace. She closed her eyes and said a prayer for Aang and Sokka. Were they alright? Did they escape the wreckage unhurt? Had they been found by the Fire Nation ships patrolling the waters? What about Appa and Momo? Were they okay too? So many people to worry about...Katara's fingertips rested on the pendant of her mother's necklace, and she slipped into sleep.
Sokka looked up into the night sky. It was dark, but still too early for stars. He returned his gaze to Aang. They were camped out along a grouping of large rocks a little ways inland of the island they had arrived on. Sokka had dragged Aang here when he had spotted several Fire Nation ships coming in to investigate the wreckage and nearby islands. The rocks provided decent cover, and when stood on top of gave an elevated view of the surrounding area . Aang was still asleep from earlier. Momo had woken up finally, and sat curled up next to Aang, trying to be of comfort. Occasionally a tear would slip down Aang's face and Momo would lick it off and give him a few head-rubs.
Sokka couldn't bring himself to look at Aang anymore and went back to staring at the sky. Was Katara out there somewhere too, looking at the same starless sky as he was? Or was she seeing black? Sokka closed his eyes. Stupid, stupid. He had gambled with Zhao, gambled with Katara's safety on the line...and lost. He could only hope Katara had managed survive his stupidity and make it safe somewhere. But...how were they going to find her? There were ships all around now, and they had no idea where Zuko's uncle and Appa were. Or if they were okay. Sokka prayed Appa was all right. He didn't want to see the big lug hurt...and Aang wouldn't be able to handle anything more after...Katara. Sokka put his head in his hands. Katara...please be okay...
The young warrior let out a sigh. This wasn't the time for being depressed. They needed to take action. They would find Katara...but the needed to get other things together before they did that. First, Aang needed to rest so he would be ready for whatever might be heading their way. Second, they needed to find their allies...Appa and the old, fat man. Then, thirdly, they could gather information and look for Katara. Sokka pondered. How were they going to find Zuko's uncle and Appa, anyway? They didn't even know where they were!
Sokka paused. Of course! He could have slapped himself for being so dumb!
"Momo!" he hissed. The lemur looked up quizzically. "Appa's whistle!" Sokka whispered, pointing to Aang's coat. Momo carefully fished his small paws around Aang's coat and retrieved the whistle. He leapt over to Sokka and handed him the small, buffalo shaped whistle. Well, if there was any way to reach Appa, this would be it. Sokka blew.
No sound.
Sokka and Momo exchanged glances. The young warrior frowned. He really hated these "special whistles" only bison could hear...how could you tell if they worked? Sokka drew in a deep breath and blew into the whistle as hard as he could several times. He hoped that would do the trick...
Sokka looked over at Aang, still sleeping. He turned to Momo and said, "I hope that worked..."
Momo chirped in response.
It hurt to move. Appa lay on the deck of his master's enemy's ship, his wounds cleaned and bound to the best of ability, which was hardly at all. But Appa was tough. He could take it.
Where was his master? And the others? He did not know. He did not know why the enemy had taken him aboard and treated him either, but as long as they did not hurt him, he would not fret over it.
Appa tried to replay his memories over, seeing if he could perhaps piece together what could have happened to his owner. However, it was very difficult, because a persistent, annoying sound kept bothering him. The bison tried to shut it out at first, but then he recognized it. His master's whistle! His master was calling to him! Appa was happy. If his master was blowing the whistle, that meant he was all right! Hmm...were the others with him too? He hoped so.
The whistle's sound was shrill and insistent. Appa shifted his weight, ready to head towards the sound, but his wounds would not permit it, and he sunk back down to the deck. He could not fly. Not yet. And his master was calling. This was bad...how would he get to him? Appa thought for a moment. Well, he couldn't move...but that didn't mean he still couldn't come to his owner's aid.
He began rocking the boat.
Appa heard with a sense of satisfaction the cries that came from throughout the ship. The old man who had made a pact with his master and had taken him aboard earlier wobbled out onto deck. "What is it?" the man exclaimed. Now that he had gotten their attention, Appa stopped rocking. The old man looked slightly irritated as he approached him. "Yes?" he inquired.
Appa pointed his head in the direction of the sound and moaned. The old man looked in the direction, then back at him. "I do not see anything," he replied. Appa gave an impatient rumbling. He shook and nodded his head in the direction of the sound, indicating the direction he wanted the ship to head. The old man's eyebrows lifted as he understood.
He looked back in the direction Appa wanted him to go. "I'm sorry," he said, "but we simply cannot change course. There are many Fire ships in these waters now, and if we are seen, we will be taken into custody. We must remain hidden." Appa lowered his head so he was nearly eye-level with the man and snorted, blasting back the man's hair. "I understand your desire to change course," the man said slowly, "but we must–"
Appa cut him off with a loud groan. What would it take to make this man understand the importance of changing direction? He needed to know what it was they needed to change course so urgently for. The bison thought a moment, trying to come up with a way to communicate to the man that his master needed him. Finally, an idea hit him. The bison brought up one of his six massive limbs, and patted the arrow on his head several times. He watched as comprehension dawned on the old man's face.
"The Avatar!"
Finally! He understood! The man whirled and shouted to some of the men and shouted, "Prepare to change course!"
Cries of disbelief and dismay echoed around the ship. The old man waved them silent, " This beast knows where the Avatar is. It is critical we find the Avatar as soon as possible! He may have Prince Zuko with him, or knowledge of his whereabouts! We must secure Prince Zuko and the Avatar at all costs!" The other men looked skeptical, but followed as commanded.
The man turned to him. "You do know the way to the Avatar, yes?" He nodded his head slowly in confirmation. Appa felt the ship change direction. He was on his way...he would come to his master's aid soon...
Where? Where were they? Zhao peered into the darkness, nostrils flared. They had been combing the island for nearly and hour, and still no sign of the Avatar. Damn! The cover of night kept the rest of the Fire Navy out of the way, but it was making it near impossible to find the Avatar himself. And time was running out.
When they had reached the island the Avatar was believed to be on, they had split up to search sections of the island meticulously, and meet back every half an hour to report. Two meetings, and they still had found no sign of him. Zhao worried. Was the Avatar on this island? He'd better be...or he'd have the skin of the soldier who pointed it out.
Zhao heard with irritation some mumbling from his men. His men were close to mutiny, he could feel it. They wanted to be brought aboard one of the navy's vessels, where they could recuperate. But Zhao couldn't afford to leave the Avatar for someone else to find–that boy was his only ticket to amnesty, once Lord Ozai caught wind of what happened. Mutiny, he could deal with. Ozai, he could not.
Zhao could feel himself slowly losing patience. He didn't have time for this! He needed the Avatar now! The commander inhaled deeply and forced himself to calm down. Panicking would not help. Rationality and cunning would. Now...if he were hiding from himself, where would he go? Someplace sheltered that provided him with some advantage against anyone who might find him... As he moved forward with his men over the last remaining quarter of the island, Zhao studied the land with a critical eye... a grove of bushes? No. Perhaps in the trees? No. A dip in the ground? No. A grouping of rocks?
Yes!
Zhao felt glee flow through his veins. This hiding spot was too perfect–of course the Avatar would take refuge there! He signaled his men to surround the area and close in. They crept closer...closer...closing the distance, until they were close enough to ambush. Zhao gave the command, and they rushed in and saw...
Nothing.
Zhao stared in disbelief. No! How could they not be here? A small sound caught his ears...another one of his men noticed it too. Zhao turned around and spotted a flash of movement–a tail? He followed after it, going behind one of the larger rocks–and was met with a sharp blow to the head. Zhao was knocked to the ground by it, and another blow was landed to his ribs. He raised his head in time to see the Water Tribe boy from earlier about to land another kick. The commander caught the boy's kick, and twisted his foot, forcing him to fall to the ground. The young warrior leveraged himself by placing a hand on the ground to break the fall, and used his free foot to land a kick square in Zhao's face. Zhao let out a shout of pain, and gripped the boy's foot in a searing-hot hand. The water-warrior screamed and tried to get away, but Zhao wasn't letting go.
Frantic, the boy reached around back of him and brought out a bent blade–one Zhao had seen from a long time ago. He held the weapon point-down and stabbed it into Zhao's arm, who let go immediately with a scream. The young warrior scrambled backwards, only to be met with one of his men. The firebender made a grab for the youth, but he ducked and knocked the soldier out from under his feet with a low sweep-kick. By this time, Zhao had recovered, and threw a furious fireball at the boy. The young warrior nimbly ducked, and made to hurl his boomerang, but Zhao blew a cloud of hot smoke in his face before he could make the throw. Coughing and gagging could be heard as the Water Tribe boy stumbled around, blinded. Zhao wasted no time taking advantage of this, and charged into the smoke, knocking the bent blade out of the boy's hands with one kick and sending him sprawling to the ground with another.
The commander stood triumphant over Sokka, a flaming palm faced downwards toward him, ready to finish him off. Sokka heard some screeching, and glancing to the side he saw Aang, conscious but groggy, and Momo brought forward by some of Zhao's men.
"Sir, we found the Avatar hidden off a little in the distance, as well as this animal."
"Excellent!" Zhao crowed, "I must admit, you put up a good effort. Judging from your pet's ears, it must have alerted you to our presence just in time for you to make a hasty attempt to hide the Avatar. Unfortunately, it was a warning a little too late...for all of you..."
Sokka glared. He wanted to kill this bastard!
"Well, it was a good run," Zhao sneered, "but the Avatar is in my possession now..." Sokka looked over at Aang, who could had to be held upright by the soldiers detaining him, a look of dazed alarm on his face. "And you," Zhao said, his palm growing brighter, "are no longer needed..."
Sokka, NO! Whoa...while everyone else is scrambling around, things seem to be a little sloooow over at Camp Zutara. Well, they'll get involved soon enough...hehe.