I Don't own Avatar.
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"You know Katara, maybe you should be a little more tolerant." Aang lazed back on a mossy tree, his teeth clenched on a long blade of grass that he'd long since given up trying to whistle with. He looked pretty carefree for someone who had yet to master Firebending.
Katara sat across from him, cross-legged on a small patch of smooth summer grass and sewing patches on their clothing. She remained quiet for a moment, before speaking hesitantly.
"I'm trying my best Aang, but I can't trust people as easily as you can. Zuko hasn't given much support for his 'I'm trustworthy now because I teach the Avatar Firebending,' act." She raised her head to stare across camp at Zuko, who lay sleeping on a rock.
She shifted around as she looked at him, and stabbed the fabric a little more violently than necesary.
Aang's eyes floated around a bit, staring up and the leaves and branches, finally resting on Zuko. He frowned momentarily, bringing his eyebrows together in thought.
"He's in a pretty bad situation too, if you think about it. He's a wanted man in the Fire Nation, just like me; and for Zuko it's even worse, because his pursuers are his own family." Katara thought she heard a note of sadness in the Avatar's voice when he said the word family.
Afterall, Aang doesn't know what it's like to have a real mother and father, or siblings even. I'll bet he can't imagine how painful it would feel to have your sister and father chasing after you with such hatred. I don't ever want to think about Sokka despising me that much, I mean, truely hating me.. Katara smiled at him.
"It's not that I don't see your point, but for whatever reason, there's something about his eyes I don't like."
Another voice interrupted the conversation.
"I wouldn't make a habit out of staring at Zuko's face, if I were you. He's very sensitive about his scar." Iroh groggily raised himself from the ground and nodded in Katara's direction. "You know what his temper is like. Just be careful you don't provoke it."
After giving his words of wisdom he lumbered off, most likely to hunt for tea leaves.
"Anyway, just remember the Fire Nation is after him too."
"There's another thing I wanted to talk about- the Fire Nation." Katara sighed lightly, and breathed in the flowery air before continuing. "I think we should change camp; I know we killed all of the soldiers that found us here, but it won't take long for more to find us. I suggest we move further down the coastline, even if just a few miles. We have to make sure we stay hidden."
Aang hummed for a moment, chewing the grass; and made a face very reminiscent of Appa.
Katara continued. "We've got nothing to lose by moving; we can travel at night, sleep during the day, and stay in the forests as much as possible."
"I guess so, he replied, nodding and begining to lift himself off the ground to brush all the dirt from his clothes. "When should we leave?"
"As soon as we can, there's no sense in staying any longer. We really should have moved camp as soon as Azula died, we weren't thinking clearly I guess. All of us have been too relaxed lately, as if no one is on our tails, chasing us in order to capture you." Katara sprung up and began rustling about, gathering various utensils and blankets that'd scattered themselves across the grounds, and packing them into her bags.
"Sokka, go wake Zuko up."
"What? Why me?" Sokka had been stretched flat on the ground, shaded by a small tent of huge leaves and comfortably resting.
"Because Katara and I are busy packing up, and I have to go find Appa. He wandered into the woods again."
Sokka snorted casually. "Why don't you just use the bison whistle?"
"Oh, right. But you still have to go get Zuko." Aang pulled the bison whistle from the folds of his cloak and blew, and after about a minute, a rumbling Appa-growl was heard from the trees. "Appa!" Aang laughed and jumped onto his pet, spreading his arms in a hug.
Sokka just grumbled and stalked over to Zuko.
Great, I get to wake Zuko up. He's probably dreaming about killing someone, and when he sees my face he's gonna want to kill me. Just great.
In a rather annoyed manner, Sokka tapped the prince on the shoulder. "Zuko, wa-"
"There's no need, I'm awake," Zuko answered cooly as he rolled over and sat up, rubbing his head.
"Have you been awake this whole ti-"
"No, I woke up when Katara suggested we change camps." After standing up, he took a few minutes to gather his things and then went and sat silently by the growing pile of baggage.
Sokka stared blankly at the rock Zuko had been sleeping on. Is it me, or does he seem a bit.. subdued?
"I think we've got everything here, Aang." Katara counted the bags and blankets, making mental notes of the numbers for later use. She glanced around, searching for Iroh and Sokka.
Katara's eyes then found Zuko, who continued to sit placidly by the pile, calm and cool. It was funny how even when he wasn't in a rage, he could rile her.
What is it with him? Yesterday we were fit to kill each other and now he's silent as stone.
However, today he did seem tranquil (if that would ever could be used to describe him), and she remembered what Aang had said earlier. Perhaps, just perhaps, she was taking the wrong approach by treating him with hostile suspicion. Instead, maybe she ought to try and accept his seeming change of heart- or at least pretend to. After all, he hadn't killed them yet.
"This is the last of everything. Sokka, load this up onto Appa."
"No need, Katara!" Aang flipped his wrists, and bended up a flat tablet of dirt underneath the pile of bags, and levitated it over Appa's back. Sticking his tongue out in concentration, he gradually tilted the tablet downward, sliding the bags off and onto Appa's fur with soft plops.
"Where'd you learn to do that?" Katara looked on incredulously at Aang's accomplishment. "And why haven't you ever done that before?"
"Just picked it up, I guess," he said with a shrug.
"Now where did we decide to go, exactly?"
"Let's get on Appa, first, and then pull out the maps."
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"No, Sokka, LISTEN to me, we need to find a place with water!"
"Why? So you can Waterbend?"
"No, to drink you idiot!"
"But a town would have water!"
"YES, WATER THAT IS MOST LIKELY IN THE WOODS, LIKE A STREAM OR SOMETHING!"
"Why don't we fly inland a little more, and stop in this area, it's bordered by hills and a forest, and there's a town a few miles away, which means it's very likely there's water near by."
Katara nodded. "I agree with Zuko." Katara pointed at the spot on the map in question, motioning Aang to have a look. "Here, which means we need to bear East a little bit."
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A few hours later, night had fallen upon the five, and soon only Aang, Zuko and Iroh lay awake under the stars. However, Aang was preoccupied with playing about on Appa's head with Momo, so Iroh and Zuko were free to speak in guarded whispers.
"Zuko, why are we flying inland? We're going further from the Fire Nation. Why did you not suggest we head closer to the coastline, and further south?"
"They're not idiots, Uncle. They know very well the location of the Fire Nation Capital, and the minute I suggest we travel towards the coastline, Katara will suspect. Plus, there's bound to be more Firebenders on the coast than inland, merely because of ships and trading and supplies, I'm watching our necks as well as keeping their suspicions low."
"I seemed to have underestimated you, then. Very well, but what happens next? You know eventually if you still want to capture him, you'll have to get close to the Fire Nation, right?"
"What do you mean, still?" Zuko stared hard at his uncle, trying desperately to read his piercing look in the faint starlight. "You talk almost as if you wish I would give up my goal." Zuko whispered.
"You know what I have said, Zuko: the Fire Lord does not forgive easily."
"I am his son." Zuko, his face set with unflinching confidence, turned his head from his uncle's eyes.
"And I, am his brother. Family means little to him." Iroh sighed and settled back again, gazing upwards at the clouds rushing past, ending the night's conversation.
How had his uncle known that doubt had begun to permeate through his thoughts, in fact, his very dreams? The change to Zuko felt sudden, but to his observant uncle, it was nothing but gradual wearing away.
What does he mean by telling me that father will not forgive? Is he trying to sway me away from my father's desires? He's no fool, though I often call him one, he must have some meaning for it; but what? What does he know that I don't? Zuko shifted around on the rough fur, twisting on to his back to feel comfortable. Light snoring indicated his uncle has drifted off, and he was left alone, awake, with the Avatar. Now was a good a chance as any, so why did he remain motionless and pensive, ignoring the countless opportunities fickle life had presented to him, shunting them away with the excuse that the time wasn't right? There's still time. Better opportunities than now will come.
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Dawn's gentle lights melted over the approaching hilltops, waking the sleeping five from a good rest.
Aang yawned his drowsiness away, peering ahead at the green hills and trees. "Katara, I think this is it."
"Looks to be, but we should stop anyway, people are going to notice us now that it's morning."
"Right." Appa glided down out of the air, touching down in a small cleared area, cut through by a brook and enclosed by thousands of birch trees.
"This is a good place." Aang noted as he slid down Appa's nose onto the ground, and looked about. "We've got everything we need right here!"
"Perfect, a stream so I can practice Waterbending and everything." Katara too dismounted, and began to set down her packs before heading over to the water's edge.
"And so we can drink, right Katara?"
"Look at all this moss- perfect for sleeping on!" Aang plopped down on a generous pile of soft green fuzz, before yelping in horror at the swarm of bugs that paraded out.
"Well, it looks like we've found ourselves great place to live for now- we're protected by both mountains and forest!"
Each began to claim a small portion of the land as his or her or spot to settle down in, and rest for the remainder of the day.
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A million thoughts raced through Zuko's head.
My one objective for the past three years, has been to capture the Avatar, that much is true. During these three years, I have done whatever it takes to try and accomplish that objective, all for one purpose: to see my father again.
What is it that makes a boy respect and love his father so, even though he is treated like an outsider that does not belong in the family?
I always strived to please him, to show what I was capable of, be it in school or in Firebending. I wanted to be acknowledged, like Azula.
In the back of my mind I knew, and still know, that I was pushed aside for her sake, because she was a Firebending prodigy.
She was the one to learn advanced tactics while I was still working on the basics- and she was the one to win all the attentions and praise when she mastered them.
Why is that?
What makes her so special? She's the second child after all, generally the firstborns are the ones pampered and treasured.
He sees right through me, and yet I continue to do my fathers bidding just to gain his affection and pride. How true are his words: "Bring the Avatar back and I shall accept you into our family again."?
I know all this, but I still can't get past it; because I care about him.
Emotion. The one thing father says we should be without, and yet the one thing a Firebender needs most to control his bending.
Bending. That's all Azula can do, is Firebend. I will admit she is a genius, yes; but in instead of a heart she has fire.
What would I rather have?
Compassion, or talent; and with that talent, my father's adoration?
But I don't have compassion anyways. I'm here to capture the Avatar for my own purposes and to finally end the war Sozen started. My father will be a glorious champion in the eyes of the Fire Nation's decedents because of his triumph; and I will inherit his throne, to begin a new reign over the new world.
But then the question is, how have I not accomplished this feat yet? What has held me back?
Zuko shifted again, staring up at the trees and recalling every failed attempt with a bitter half-smile.
There's always something, so it would seem.
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What is it with him that unsettles me so?
It must be that look in his eye, a hunger, a pain of something missed, something lost; and of something desired.
I almost feel like asking him- but no. He'd never tell me, and why should he? We aren't friends, we barely tolerate each other, and most of the time I hate his very presence; but that's only because I don't trust him. With our current situation, I can't trust him, for Aang's sake. Someone has to keep a clear head and a watchful eye, and it may as well be me, as I already do anything in my power to make sure Aang can accomplish what he needs to by summer's end.
I've been going about it the wrong way, though. Keeping my guard up doesn't mean I have to hate him outwardly, I suppose.
I can pretend to trust him, and in turn he will trust me, though I will be deceiving him with my falseness.
Perhaps then, he will let down his guard enough so that I may gather his true intentions, which no doubt revolve around Aang.
I wonder what he is planning. He sits with such confidence in himself, like he knows something really worth knowing; with a cold look in his eye as if to say, "I dare you to ask me what I know.." But perhaps it is just a facade, the best of us have them to cover our weaknesses.
I wonder, though, what is Zuko's weakness? Does he have one? He's human, he surely must; be it mental or physical every person has one weak spot within them.
But how can I learn it, other than by carefully observing him? He knows how to fight, this much is true, but what of his person? He did not seem to hesitate in fighting his sister with all the passion and fury he possessed. If he can turn so cold to his family, then surely he doesn't care much for the well-being of others; yet, his shows a peculiar affection for his uncle..
Something is strange about his family, there's no doubt. I believe he said, once, he was trying to regain his honor, for whatever reason.
If only I could ask him; but he'd never trust to tell me.
Trust.
Such a fragile thing.
The still air of midday did nothing to stir life into the five, and they continued laying in their various positions, nearly dead to the world in sleep or thought. Not even the heat could penetrate their calm, for the numerous birch trees enclosing them provided an excellent canopy, and the rushing water soothed their spirits and throats as needed.
So, silence reigned upon the camp, in a broken, empty sort of way. It felt like one of those days that drags on for ages, stretching time itself till it's thin as a shadow; and it was not until night crept around that the travelers began to stir themselves.
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"Well, nobody from the Fire Nation's found us yet, so I'll take that as a good sign."
Katara huffed. "Don't get ahead of yourself. We've just moved into new territory and there's no telling who will come stumbling across us here. We don't know if this stream is frequented by many people in the nearby towns, or travelers, or what. This could be a gather place for a group of sorts, we don't know!"
"If it were a popular place to visit, there'd be more signs of human life. When we first arrived, I didn't notice anything but animal tracks. It seems like we're pretty safe here."
"Fine, Sokka, but that doesn't mean we're suddenly safe from discovery; we still have to be careful."
"I suppose."
"Where's Aang, by the way?"
"I think with Uncle Iroh, training,"
"And Zuko?"
"Over there by the bush, sulking."
"Great, then I'm going to practice Waterbending."
"And what am I supposed to do?"
"Eat. Sharpen your boomerang, I don't know."
Katara shrugged and removed her shoes and leggings, and stepped into the rushing water. She let it play around her legs lightly, letting it's freedom of movement and cool splashing ease the tension in her body.
Water is so beautiful, she mused while bringing waves of water up and down in the air, and making small spheres of it circle around her, before letting them drop gracefully back into the stream.
"I know what you're thinking."
"What?" Katara opened her eyes to look at Zuko, who happened to be staring at her.
"That water is a wonderful element, perhaps the best element to have under one's control."
"It's better than fire, that much is true," she replied placidly.
"Really? And why is that?" Zuko moved forward a little, narrowing his eyes.
"Fire does nothing but destroy." While saying those words she looked directly at him, curious for his reaction.
"That's a lie. Fire destroys only when a bender cannot control himself; and it does more than destroy; it brings life. Not only does it warm us, it cooks our food and gives us light. Tell me, what can water do, compared to fire?
"Water can heal, and water also gives life. A human can live longer without cooked food than it can go without water, and it washes and cleanses; and water also-"
"-Has the power to destroy, does it not?"
"Yes, when used in the wrong ways."
"So they are both vital elements, then." Iroh stepped between the two, and looked them both in the eyes, raising his eyebrows and creasing his forehead. "There is more to each element than perceived at first sight. You would both do well to remember this; because fire and water, although opposites, must learn to work together, just like the sun and the moon; both are vitally important."
His words met with staunch silence.
"Remember that."
Katara turned away from Zuko and stepped out of the water to dry herself off and get ready to sleep. Zuko remained still, and silent.
"It's been a long day, Zuko, we should both get to bed."
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Dark night fell upon them, with all it's heavy warmth and summer scent. Pressed close by the overwhelming temperatures, no one used a blanket to sleep on, and each removed all the excess clothing possible.
Heat thumped heavily on her chest as she breathed deeply, sweating and panting. Tossing about and trying in vain to sleep, Katara got up to walk around for a bit, and decided to wander in the trees for a while, hoping to calm down.
She wound in and around the white barked trees in the dark, humming softly a tune she'd learnt from her mother long ago; and she soon forgot to pay attention to where she was going, and mistook Zuko for a tree when she grazed lightly against him.
"AUH!"
"SHhhh!"
"What the hell are you doing out here?" She demanded, clenching her fists angrily while her eyebrows furrowed dangerously over her eyes. He'd caught her off guard again, something she always hated. He had the ability to sneak up on people without their noticing, and she hated feeling foolish like that.
"What of it? It's none of your concern where I walk at night." He whispered back sharply, remaining in a wary, poised stance.
She could barely see his pale features in the dark, but he appeared calm enough, just a bit riled. She shifted back, relaxing her body a little. Half of her had expected to be ambushed when she had suddenly bumped into him. I mean really, who knows? He could pick us off one by one in the dead of night, until only him and Aang are left. But Zuko remained still.
"I gather you couldn't sleep either?" Katara questioned guardedly, still examining the curious expression on his face.
"I didn't expect anyone to be awake, so I took a walk. I never meant to disturb you," he answered in a deep, serious tone; devoid of any indication of his true thoughts; though his answer seemed genuine enough. Neither used a friendly tone when speaking, but luckily, each kept the fire and hatred out of their voices.
"Of course." Katara never changed the set look on her face, trying to keep calm and stay away from provoking a fight. She continued looking straight at his face, despite what Iroh had said before. Pale face, dark hair, golden circles glared suddenly in the moonlight, revealed from the clouds. He has such a harsh expression, she thought.
Dark hair, tan skin and blue eyes. Nothing special, to be sure; and yet she carries such a temper, it's as if she were a Firebender.
Long silence stretched between them, before faint, clunking, boot-steps disrupted their stares.
Both crouched low out of instinct, searching for the cause of the noise. Multiple crunches, though still a distance away, penetrated the forest's previous dead silence, and told Zuko and Katara that the company was not of the friendly kind.
"We need to warn Aang and Sokka!" Katara whispered quickly to Zuko.
"We'll both go back."
They crept up quietly, pausing to hear the direction of the noise, and deciding that it came from forward (away from camp) they should run back to the group and leave as soon as possible.
They flew through the forest, ignoring the scratches and slices the branches gave them. It was quite a scene. Two young benders blinking past the white trees, illuminated by the sickly half moon, panting in the overwhelming heat. Their chests rose faster and faster as they sprinted the last leg, eyes wide and sweat pouring down their faces.
Shit, shit, this is so bad! We can't get ourselves captured, not after we just moved camp! Shit, how is Aang ever going to master Firebending if we can't stay put in one place without being found! We need to get back and get away!
Katara panted, breathing wildly, her body fatigued from over-excitement.
"Katara MOVE!"
Suddenly everything began to feel better for her, as the her eyes closed and her body slowly crashed to the ground. Blood flowed from the corner of her mouth, but she was no longer able to notice.
"Fuck." Zuko steadied himself, pushing her behind a bush and facing the blood red uniform of the Fire Navy Captain.