A/N—Please read and review if you want updates. Pilot chapter #2.
Chapter 2"You know, you should probably take a break before you pass out again," yawned Katara as she woke up and saw Zuko firebending again. It had been a week since the day they escaped Zula, and most of Zuko's wounds had at least partially healed.
"No," Zuko grunted abruptly, as he continued to practice his stances. Katara rolled her eyes; for some reason, she admired what he was doing, especially in the shape he was still in. There was no way he could have been back to full health, not after passing out in that boat and waking up twenty hours later. 'He must have really pushed his body to its breaking point,' she had thought to herself. Since that day, their plan had been to journey north to avoid Zula and hopefully find a village.
"You know, you're going to end up setting the whole forest on fire," Katara said matter-of-factly as she stood up. She didn't actually believe her statement because she had witnessed Zuko's impeccable aim for the past few days. Not to mention he was smarter than that and knew when and when not to firebend. She just said it in hopes of starting a conversation with the quiet prince.
"So be it." He was always so heartless and cruel in his statements. 'But his eyes betray him,' she thought to herself. 'I know he cares. It's not a weakness, Prince Zuko.'
"Are you ready to leave?" she asked, hoping that they would reach a village today. Without saying a word, he used his sleeve to wipe the sweat off of his brow and walked ahead; it was his way of saying yes.
They silently walked on a dirt trail, trees lining both sides. This had been their daily routine for the past week; Katara would wake up to see Zuko training, and the two would journey on. They had been through grasslands and forests but had not reached any form of civilization. For the most part, it had been uneventful. They would stop at nightfall to rest; well, at least Katara would rest, usually falling asleep while the Prince still trained. She had tried to make conversation numerous times, despite the fact that she openly disliked the Prince for both being fire nation and hunting Aang—not to mention he was selfish, egotistical, self-centered…and strong, both physically and mentally. He wasn't the most beautiful person, the scar burned deep into his face made that impossible. He had harsh brown eyes which hid the soft, caring ones that Katara had initially seen.
"So…do you think we'll find anything today?" To her surprise, Zuko actually replied.
"Maybe. I have a gut instinct that we're headed towards a village." Those instincts—her brother had them. They were usually wrong, except for the time they met Jet. Boy was he right then. Zuko, on the other hand, seemed to be the polar opposite of her brother. He wasn't carefree or petty—his father had made sure of that. As if on cue, they saw a group of kids playing in the distance. As they approached, they began to see the small houses with people bustling about.
"Wow, you were right on about that," she said, with a hint of admiration. He nodded in response. As they entered the wooden gates, an elderly man greeted them.
"Are you two a wandering couple?" Before Katara could reply, Zuko respectfully began speaking.
"Yes, elder. We are trying to found our way home; we got lost at sea and have no supplies and request supplies and sanctuary. I can pay you for your services." The old man smiled brightly. 'Such a respectful young man,' he thought to himself. 'Not many of those left in the world…not in these times. No wonder he found himself such a beautiful lover.'
"Nonsense, my boy. I'd be ashamed to take your money; in these dark times, we must stick together. Here, I'll take you to my house for some food. You must be starving."
"Thank you, sir." Zuko gave a slight bow as the old man walked towards his house, Zuko and Katara following close behind. She was quite stunned, both at Zuko's respectful speech and the fact that he called them a couple. It wasn't that she particularly minded, not deep down anyway. On the surface she was trying her best to be angry. They entered his house, which was a small, comfortable abode. Katara took a seat, and Zuko pulled up next to her and slung an arm over her shoulder. She jumped slightly but kept under control for the most part. The old smiled at them before speaking.
"I hope you like corn cakes. It's all I have right now. We've…had trouble getting food ever since the fire nation raided us." Zuko cast his eyes downward.
"We would be honored," he said quietly, "and thank you." The man quietly left the room and began making the food, attributing Zuko's sudden glumness to the boy's own tragedy involving the fire nation that he was reminded of.
"A couple?" Katara asked through clenched teeth, making sure the man couldn't hear her. Zuko had removed his arm from her shoulder.
"It saves a lot of questions." Straight and to the point.
"But…" she wasn't sure where to start. "That's disgusting," she contemptuously finished.
"Live with it," Zuko said bitterly. "You think I like pretending to be your boyfriend?"
"Better than having to be the girlfriend of a bitter and hateful Prince." He turned his head towards her.
"I wouldn't even be seen with a lowly peasant in my nation."
"Oh yea? And what nation is that now?" She hit a sore spot, and she knew it. Anger flashed through Zuko's eyes, but the old man came in with the food just in time.
"Fresh from the fire. I hope you enjoy them."
"Thank you."
"Yes, we really appreciate your help. May we learn your name?" asked Katara, doing her best to ignore Zuko.
"I am Heero, and this is Arnis Village. We are part of the earth kingdom, though we have no benders left. The fire nation took them away. Ever since then, farming has been incredibly harder." Katara had seen a village like this one before.
"Where have they taken the earth benders?" The old man shrugged, but Zuko answered.
"They are now deep in the fire nation. A few months ago, a group of earth benders successfully rebelled against their fire nation captors. My fath—my uncle told me that the Fire Lord is not risking any more rebellion."
"Ah yes, I have heard about that rebellion; don't tell anyone, but that story is an inspiration to our village," the old man said quietly. "It gives the people hope—a fool's hope mind you—but hope is all we have left in these dark times."
"Don't worry; everything will be okay," comforted Katara. It was almost humorous, and the old man actually smiled. 'So young…so full of life. If only everyone in the world were like this…we'd have a chance against the Fire Nation,' he thought to himself.
"Thank you." They ate their food in comfortable silence for a few minutes. Zuko was the first to speak.
"I thank you again for your hospitality, but my love," and Katara bristled, "and I have to head off."
"So soon?"
"There are dangerous people after us," he said darkly.
"Ah, I understand; but you must see the village Elder first. I will take you to him." Zuko bowed and followed the man; Katara followed suit and slipped her hand in Zuko's. He growled at her, but she didn't let go. He hated it when things weren't on his terms.
"I'm sorry about my…earlier statement," Katara whispered to him. She was referring to Zuko's lack of home, which she knew hit deep.
"Shut up peasant." All of her sympathy flew out the window as she let go of his hand. A few minutes later, they mercifully arrived at the village Elder's house.
"Go in; he's expecting you."
"Once again, thank you. We will repay you one day; I promise." They slowly walked in and sat across from a very old man who stared intently at Zuko and particularly his scar.
"Thank you for seeing us," said Katara, bowing to the elder. He didn't reply as he continued staring at Zuko.
"Agna-kai."
"What?" asked Katara in confusion.
"You are Prince Zuko, are you not?" Surprised, Zuko dumbly nodded. 'How did he know about the agna-kai…unless…he's fire nation!" He jumped up with hands flaming. Katara yelled in surprise. "Sit down, young Zuko. I am not fire nation and if I were, I'd be too old to be a danger to anyone."
"Tell that to the ruler of the earth kingdom. Rumor has it he has the power of ten earth benders and is over a hundred years old." The elder sighed. Young kids these days.
"I have lived in this village my whole life; I was ten years old when the fire nation attacked us, killing my parents and younger brother," the elder said sadly. "Time does not erase all wounds, Prince Zuko, but it does provide us with unexpected meetings. You see, I met young Iroh about twenty years ago looking for sanctuary." Zuko stifled the flames a little at the mention of his uncle's name. "I know of the agna-kai and your scar from your uncle, who keeps me updated on fire nation movements when he can. How else do you think this village still has any food after the last raid?"
"How do I know you're telling the truth?"
"Well, do you know any other man who could empty out my entire tea reserve in a month?" Zuko growled; not many people knew that about his uncle.
"Okay." He cautiously sat down.
"Can anyone tell me what's going on?" asked a confused Katara.
"In time, young water bender. For now, I'd appreciate it if you dropped the façade of a happy couple." 'What? How did he know I was a water bender? And that Zuko and I weren't a couple?' "I know what you seek; you both want the Avatar but for completely different reasons. To achieve your goal, you two must stay together."
"What? I refuse to journey with this peasant! As soon as we get to a big city, we're parting ways." The elder calmly replied to Zuko's outburst.
"There is more to this "peasant" than meets the eye, Zuko." He turned to Katara. "Just like there is more to this snobbish prince than meets the eye." The two looked at each other before turning back to the elder. "In peaceful times, the two of you might have become the best of friends or even lovers. However, these are desperate times, but I believe you two will soon forge a bond that will be remembered throughout history—if you stay together." Zuko and Katara both made disgusted faces at each other. "Think about it; without Prince Zuko, Zula would have killed you, Katara, and without Katara, Zula would have killed you, Zuko."
"How do you know this?" gasped Zuko.
"In a way, I've become a fortune teller, not to mention that I've been having prophetic dreams lately. That is how I knew you would come and why I sent Heero to greet you; but let's not waste anymore time explaining ourselves to each other. You need to stay together, at whatever cost." He turned to Zuko. "I know you hate Katara because you think she's a self-centered, naïve peasant who has been nothing but a hindrance to your goal." He then turned to Katara. "In turn, I know you hate Zuko because he has not only hunted the Avatar for months, but you also consider him a bitter, spoiled prince. I will tell you now that neither of you are right about the other, and until you figure out why, you will continue to hate each other. Ignorance breeds nothing but hatred and fear. Isn't that what your uncle used to tell you, Prince Zuko?"
"Yes, elder."
"And Katara, your grandma found the courage to break from traditional water tribe customs. Surely you can put aside your differences to journey with Prince Zuko."
"Yes, elder."
"Good. Then it's settled. I will provide you with traveling necessities for your journey. Remember, you two must stay together, or you will be destroyed."
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