Smoke
Katara smiled softly as Appa landed on the small island they found. It was deserted from the looks of it. Sokka glanced around and crossed his arms.
"Great. No one here." Shooting him a sharp look Katara hopped down from Appa's back.
"That's a good thing Sokka." She petted Appa before she peeled off her fur coat. The island was humid, making the air feel heavy and muggy. However, Katara was not going to complain because this was one of the few times they hadn't seen Zuko's ship trailing them. So she would enjoy the time on land as much as she could. Not only that, but Appa needed a rest from all the flying. Inhaling deep, Katara smiled. However, that smile dropped as a look of confusion crossed her face. Katara sniffed the air as a sent caught her attention. The air seemed stale. Not only that but there was a thick and strong sent that filtered through all of the humid greenery. "That's odd." Aang and Sokka glanced at each other before looking at Katara.
"What's odd?" Aang asked as he leaned on forward, curiosity taking over. Katara looked back at the two she considered family.
"I smell smoke." Aang's eyes narrowed in confusion as Sokka shook his head.
"But there was no fire sis. You're imaging it." Katara sighed and stared off into the distance.
"I guess you're right . . ." Maybe she was wrong. They had seen no fire from the air. And there was no clouds of smoke so it had to be her imagination. Aang looked around and smiled at the two siblings.
"Hey, how about we explore this island alittle while Appa rests." Sokka yawned as he leaned back against the flying bison.
"I'm tired so I'll stay here and set up camp." Katara sent her older brother a glare.
"You haven't done anything!"
"So? I'm tired!" Defended Sokka as he crossed his arms and glared a her.
"How!" Katara demanded.
"I dunno! I just am!" Aang fought back a sigh as the two argued.
"This might take awhile."
- - - - -
Zuko pivoted and kicked a soldier before ducking a punch from a different soldier. He spun around and kicked out at another soldier, knocking his feet out from under him. Zuko stood up and glared at the three soldiers. With a wave of his hand he dismissed the three and turned away from them as they hurried away from him, eager to get out of his range of sight. They could tell he was in a foul mood. Those three were unfortunate enough to be the first firebenders he saw when he decided to train.
"Prince Zuko." Iroh called from the doorway, causing Zuko to turn and face Iroh.
"Yes uncle?"
". . . I know you are trying to prepare for it but still . . ." Zuko closed his eyes and sighed.
"I know." Zuko punched the near by wall. Startled, Iroh walked into the room with a concerned look on his face.
"What is wrong?" Zuko sighed and looked back at Iroh.
"How can the one thing that has ruined my life be the key to saving so many others?" Iroh patted Zuko's shoulder with an empathetic look in his eyes.
"I know that this will be hard for you Prince Zuko. Especially since your scar will constantly be brought up during this ordeal. It will not miss the chance to use it against you. But you must remember; what has been done can not be undone, not by any means of its dark magic." Zuko nodded wearily.
"I know." Heavily, Iroh sighed and shook his head slowly.
"Why don't you take the rest of the day off?" Iroh watched sadly as Zuko shook his head with a determined look shinning in his eyes.
"No. I have to train." Iroh fought back a sigh as Zuko began to move through all of his basic firebendering skills.
- - - - -
Aang glanced ahead at Katara. It had been nearly a hour since she and Sokka fought. Since then, Katara was quiet. While it was not unusual for Katara to be silent, Aang found the silence unnerving.
"Katara?"
"Yeah Aang?" The young boy, or old man, depending how one looked at it, bit his lip. While he wanted to break the silence, her had no idea what to say. Things were uneventful and he didn't want to talk about the weather. There was nothing.
". . . . is something wrong?" It was all he could think of. And it did make sense. Katara had seemed distant lately. Ever since they landed on the island Katara was on edge. Yet Aang wasn't one to talk. That deep feeling of dread and danger was almost too much. It threatened to overwhelm his senses. Every step it was double. The Avatar didn't say anything to his friends. He couldn't. He had no idea what it was and it would seem crazy to them. Not only that, but Appa needed rest.
". . . . I still smell smoke." Aang shook his head in disbelief.
"That's impossible, Katara. There is no fire on the island. And the island is deserted." Katara nodded in agreement as she glanced at Aang before pulling herself up over a fallen tree.
"I know that. But that doesn't mean that I won't check it out." Katara squinted as she searched the woods for any sign of smoke. "Can't you smell anything?" Aang was quiet, causing Katara to look back at him. "Aang?" Aang leaned on his glider slightly as he pondered silently.
"Well . . ." He began, uncertain. ". . . . I haven't noticed anything like that, really." Katara rose an eyebrow as her curiosity got the best of her.
"Why not?" Aang looked away nervously. He didn't know if he should tell her. She could over react. Or she would not take him seriously. "Aang, you can tell me." Aang muttered something under his breath, making Katara strain her ears in order to catch anything of it.
". . . ong . . ." Katara hopped down from the fallen tree and smiled at Aang softly.
"You don't have to be nervous. We're like family. I won't laugh. I promise." Aang chewed on his lip in thought before replying.
"Well . . . something feels wrong. I have no idea what it is though."
- - - - -
Zuko let out a frustrated cry as he pounded his fist into the ground before collapsing to the ground utter exhaustion. Iroh sighed before taking a sip of his tea.
"Prince Zuko, you must remember that this is not going to be easy." Zuko snapped his head up and glared at Iroh.
"I know that uncle!" Taking another sip of his tea, Iroh was not disturbed by Zuko's outburst. "Why can I not perform this technique!" Zuko demanded while slamming his fists on the ground where he sat.
"Your majesty, in order to perform this move, you need something more than anger or hate fueling it. It is a firebendering from more than pure breath. You must put everything you have into this." Zuko forced his body to follow his commands and stand up. Though he felt weak and wanted to sit down again, Zuko pushed his body into a simple stance. "Do not bother going through the movements anymore. Your form is perfect." Sending a sharp glare towards his Uncle, Prince Zuko stormed out of the room. The guards walking down the corridor moved out of his way, wanting to avoid his wrath. Finally, after navigating through the endless maze of this ship, Zuko threw open a door and entered the room. In the room were several candles in front of a small mat. After slamming the door shut, the exiled prince sat down on the mat and closed his eyes. The flames flickered as Zuko began to control them with the simple exercise.
- - - - -
Wow, I'm surprised I was able to get that out so fast. Well, I hope you guys like it! Remember, review! Even if it is to say you don't like it! I like reviews so anything is welcomed. Reviews make me happy and when I'm happy I type fast! Ja ne!