Part: One- The Lutdeo
Chapter: Twenty Four- Guilt
Author: Fritters-4-Psi
Disclaimer: I do not own the show Avatar: The Last Air Bender or the related characters. Nor do I profit from this fanfiction. The only things of my creation in this fanfiction are the Koertan, Kashi, Risha, the concept of the grith coin, Vioniza, Raven's Watch, and Kali. Other possible things to come in later chapters.
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Nobody looked at Sokka after Risha left. They avoided his glance, almost like it was his fault that this whole fight happened. His own sister didn't even offer to heal his wounds. Instead, Katara had walked off to see how Zuko was. Aang and Iroh were talking with their backs turned to Sokka. He felt very alone. Also, his arm hurt from where he was burned.
Sokka was extremely surprised when he saw Zuko walking in his direction. The majority of the Prince's wounds had been, at least, partially healed by Katara. In some places, though, he was still bleeding. "You have proved to be a worthy opponent. I despise you no less, though. I have seen that, maybe, you genuinely care about my cousin," Zuko stated, "If you do actually care for her, why haven't you gone to see if she's okay yet?"
Zuko's eyes showed a respectful understanding. Almost as if he was giving his consent for a relationship between his cousin and Sokka. That seemed unrealistic, though. Perhaps, it was just permission to go make sure Risha was unharmed. Or a command to do so. Either way, Sokka took it to be semi-good news. "You, too, were a good opponent," Sokka remained polite.
With that, the warrior from the Water Tribe turned to walk toward Appa, but was stopped. "I hope you know that I would never do anything to purposely harm your sister. We have become friends, in the least," Zuko explained, "Of course, I won't let that friendship stand in the way of my mission to capture the Avatar."
"I guessed that you wouldn't intentionally harm Katara," Sokka replied, "But I still don't trust you."
"I expected no less of you," Zuko walked back to Katara.
When he went to put the massive saddle on Appa, Sokka didn't ask for help. The reason was, he doubted anyone would want to help. After several unsuccessful tries, he settled on just attaching the reins to the Flying Bison's horns. When the leather straps that served as reins were adjusted, Sokka climbed onto Appa's back. "Yip, yip!" Sokka commanded, and they were off.
Once in the sky, Sokka kept a good eye on the horizon. So far, though, he had seen no sign of Kashi or Risha. It was possible they had already landed. If that was the case, Sokka had Appa fly just above the tree tops. They had flown for only seven minutes when Sokka saw a break in the trees just ahead. Appa passed over that spot while Sokka looked below to see if that was where Risha was.
Sure enough, in that clearing, Risha sat with Kashi standing behind her. Sokka pulled the reins back around and Appa landed in the same clearing. Once on the ground, he heard quiet sobbing. It was coming from Risha' direction. Sokka stepped toward her to comfort her. "Go away," she managed to say, "I need some time to myself. Leave me alone."
Sokka ignored her request. He walked forward and sat down next to her. For a few moments, they said nothing to each other. Then, Sokka put an arm around Risha's shoulders and said, "You've lived out in these woods by yourself for I don't know how long. Never having anyone to talk to. I think it would be good for you to have someone to talk to, instead of sending them away."
"I do have someone to talk to," the Fauna Bender choked, "I have the animals. Now, go away."
"Animals think differently then we do, though. Please, tell me what's wrong," Sokka insisted, "I'm not going back until you tell me."
For several minutes, Risha sat there without saying anything. She just fought back the tears that threatened to spill. She was too proud to let Sokka see her cry. Vioniza, her mother, probably wouldn't have cried. Risha doubted that her mother even cried when she was taken hostage by those pirates that had killed her. Risha had to be strong, like her mother would have been.
Slowly, though, Risha's guard fell. On top of everything else, thinking about her mother sent her over the edge. She greatly missed her mother. It had been eleven years since Vioniza had died, along with Teyo, Risha's brother. Two years ago, news had reached the Fauna Bender that her father had died. Really, the only family she had left, that actually cared for her, was Zuko and Iroh. Zuko wanted to protect his cousin, and during the Agni Kai, Risha had acted horribly. Tears fell down her face. "You were at the Agni Kai! You saw how I behaved," she managed between sobs, "I almost killed my own cousin!"
Now Sokka realized what this was all about. Risha was feeling guilty. "You didn't almost kill Zuko. Trust me. For the past few months, when he was following Aang, he's seen worse," Sokka tried to comfort Risha, "Even if you did kill Zuko, you would be doing the world a favor. Without Zuko in the way, there would be fewer people trying to hinder the Avatar. It would have made Aang's job easier."
"You don't understand! I ordered Horo to kill him," Risha whimpered, "There are worse things in the forest. If Horo hadn't killed him, I would have ordered a bigger, fiercer animal to."
"Everything turned out fine, though, didn't it? Sure, we all will feel a bit sore tomorrow and can show off some bruises," Sokka stated, "But no one died. And that's what matters."
They said nothing more. While drying her tears, Risha realized Sokka was right. It was a good thing that no one had died. Also, as far as she knew, no one had been seriously hurt either. She wrapped her arms around Sokka and hugged him. "Thank you," she whisper.
"You're welcome," he replied, "Lets bring you back to your home now."
Apparently, although Sokka had known nothing of it, Kashi had said that she was going to go graze deep in the forest. That meant that they would have to ride Appa back. The male Flying Bison wasn't wearing his saddle, though. The safest way to fly back, with both of them on, was to sit on Appa's neck. Sokka sat closer to the Bison's head with the reins. Risha, behind Sokka, held on tightly with her arms around his waist. Before Sokka could say anything, Appa took to the air and flew toward Risha's home.
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It seems like I haven't updated in forever! Last week does seem very far away actually. On Wednesday one of my sheep died. That was very sad. I really liked her. Her name was Allen, which I thought was great. it really sucks that she died...
Reviews
23, SovereignxXxBrunette: I know, poor Zuko. He got hurt. I think he does need a kiss... To make his wounds feel better, that is.