Chapter 34 – The reunion Pt. 2

For weeks on end, Marok, Taruq, Amim and Milah were making a journey so long, it seemed as if there wasn't an end. As if they would never reach their destination. By foot, by ferry, by carriage – name it and they had used any means of transport. Whatever they could get their hands on, all so long they would reach their goal sooner.

The weather was nice, which wasn't surprising seeing it was the Fire Nation where the earth was naturally heated by volcanoes and the air was dry and hot from the lack of wind and the never-ending sun. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, just inconvenient when they had to hike a trail up one of the many mountains all of the islands in the Nation seemed to have.

No citizen had blinked an eye at Milah either. Her stomach had grown over the time she'd been here. Now, her pregnancy was clearly evident which she marvelled in. The clothes she wore did little to hide the bump, but no one seemed to mind it. Only congratulated her on the fact, especially when Amim would always come to her side whenever he noticed someone staring at her. Amim played his part well, his arm around her waist protectively at all times while she flashed her ring inconspicuously, in case someone would second guess their little performance. No one did, in the end.

The sun had just started to set, making way for a first quarter moon when all four of them arrived at the last village they needed to pass before they would finally arrive at the black cliffs, also known as the rendezvous point. They had assured themselves a passage on a tradership the night before, having overheard some men talking they would head that way. It didn't take long to convince them, especially when they realised Marok, Taruq and Amim could easily help sail the ship that way. But mostly because Amim coughed up a sob story about his pregnant wife being ill and that the only healer that could save her was in that particular town.

It had worked every. Single. Time.

She couldn't say she felt bad about it. Not when she knew the urgency with which they had to travel. They only had one more week before the Day of Black Sun. It was of the utmost importance they made it. Amim, Marok and Taruq were fine warriors; they could make a real difference in the battle to come.

''Thank you, good sir. We'll never forget this,'' Amim thanked the captain whole-heartedly with a sincere smile and made a traditional Fire Nation bow. Faint guilt swam in his eyes and didn't need to look into a mirror to know she wore a similar look.

''I wish you all the best and hope you fare well,'' the captain returned the bow and smiled. He gave her a nod and set off with his crew again. The village they had to go to was on the other side of the island.

Taruq blew out a breath. ''Can't believe that still works.''

Milah let out an equally relieved sigh. ''I know. Doesn't sit right with me, though.''

Amim nodded and gestured behind him. ''Let's start moving. We best catch an inn for the night.''

How they got the money for such things was not something she liked to ask, especially when she'd noticed Marok coming back late at night with a pouch of money. She suspected he stole it, but from whom, she didn't dare let her thoughts venture to that.

The walk to the village was short but before they knew it, the sky had turned pink and the shadows of the trees had grown large. There were a few houses, build on the mountain scope, with various vegetable gardens surrounding the perimeter. Smoke came out of the chimneys and a few people were walking down the streets, no doubt returning to their homes after a day's work.

''Excuse me,'' Amim approached a strange woman with a teenage girl by her side. The latter ogled the man with a blush. ''Can you point us to the nearest inn?''

The woman seemed to hesitate. ''We used to have an inn here, but several days ago it was shut down. I'm afraid no one took it over after the innkeeper was imprisoned.''

Milah's relief turned sour. ''That's too bad.''

The woman nodded. She had a basket of fruits in one hand while the teenager carried a sack of what seemed to be potatoes. ''Yes. However, if you really need a place to sleep tonight, I bet you could see if there's anything left at the inn, especially since I think they raided it after she was imprisoned. I should warn you, though, the innkeeper was a witch. Used to kidnap someone every month during the full moon using some sort of spell. My daughter-'' the woman choked up suddenly and turned towards the girl standing next to her. They took each other's hand gently – as best as they could while carrying a basket and sack – and were silent for a moment. ''My daughter was abducted almost half a year ago.''

Milah frowned, not making any sense of the story. ''I'm very sorry to hear that. It must be awful to not have your child by your side.''

The woman glanced down to where Milah's hand lay protectively against her stomach, Amim's ring glinting fainting in the dusky light of the sky. ''It is.''

Amim stepped up to Milah at the right cue. ''I won't let anything happen to you two.''

Milah's heart fluttered for a tiny moment before she repressed the invading feelings. ''I know.''

The woman in front of them smiled at the couple before speaking up again to give them instructions on how to get to the abandoned inn, ensuring the party of four that no one would blink an eye if they would stay there for a night.

And so they went on, all of them puzzled by the story of the woman. Milah thought about it long and hard while they hiked to the inn that was located at the edge of the village by the beginning of the forest.

A full moon, witch, using a spell… it didn't make sense. None of it. There were no witches in this world, and she'd seen enough of it to know that for sure. She could imagine the people from this town hadn't seen the world quite like she had, though, so the only thing they could possibly see as a witch was someone that wasn't a Firebender, like an Earthbender of a Waterbender-

A Waterbender.

The innkeeper was a Waterbender that used her Waterbending during a full moon to kidnap people, somehow. And since Milah had grown up on the North Pole and had learned Waterbending through her grandfather – who was one of the best Waterbending Masters alive – she knew what kind of technique the woman was using.

She'd learned about Bloodbending when she was older. Pakku had sat her down one evening and told her a story about a man wanting to control all living beings so he could be the most powerful Bender there was, but to do so, he had learned to Bloodbend.

Pakku had never taught her the technique. Said it was not done to use that form of bending in either of the Tribes. Sometimes she wondered if Pakku even knew how to Bloodbend, but she never questioned him. Not when he'd had the gravest look on his face she'd ever seen on him, in front of that fire in the darkness of the night.

When they arrived at the house, it quickly became clear that there wasn't really any furniture left to sleep comfortably on. However, the roofs and walls were still intact, so at least they would have shelter for the night. Not that it ever rained in the Nation, but still, it was good to know that there wouldn't be any bugs crawling over their skin or wild animals looking at them through the bushes.

Milah told them about her conclusion after Marok had returned with some animal he had hunted down for them. She took it upon herself to prepare their meals while she spoke of Bloodbending and why she thought the old innkeeper had been a Waterbender.

''Sounds about right,'' Marok spoke up when she finished. ''They taught us about Bloodbending as well. Said there couldn't be anything done when attacked.''

Milah nodded. ''I had nightmares for a week after Pakku taught me.''

Amim joined in the conversation after, and Milah's thoughts drifted off when the three men began discussing some elite warrior move. Only 6 nights of sleep before the eclipse would take place. Only 6 nights until her whole family and all of her friends would put themselves in danger to end a war that had been going on for a hundred years.

Anguish settled in her stomach, knowing she'd have little time left with the people around her.

''Amim?'' Milah whispered into the night after they'd bid their goodnights. Marok and Taruq had gone to find a room for themselves while Amim and her had taken residence in one of the chambers where there was still an actual bed.

It was silent before he spoke up. ''Yes?''

''Promise me something.''

She could hear him turn around to face her while the moon shone softly through the window. ''Anything.''

She reached out to tuck a fallen strand of hair from his eyes and behind his left ear. Not crumpled, not scarred, but a normal ear. ''Promise me you'll return to me after the battle is over. You can't- you can't leave me alone, Amim.''

He took her hand and held it on his cheek, his stubble from going without a shave for so long tickling her skin. ''I can't make that promise, Milah.''

She shook her head and took his hand to guide it to her stomach. ''You can't leave us. Can't leave… him.''

He took a shuddering breath and tucked her in close against his clad chest. ''If it comes to it, I will do anything I can do return to you. I promise you, I will find you again.''

She let soft tears fall from her eyes, her emotions going all over the place again.

''Don't cry,'' he whispered into her ear and traded through her hair with his fingers.

''Stupid hormones,'' she replied and he puffed out a little laugh.

''You said it, not me.''

Her tears gradually stopped and with it, sleep came.

The sun shone through the drapes when she woke up to the happy chirping of birds. Her morning sickness rush had long since disappeared and had been replaced by back pain paired with an unsatiable hunger whenever she woke up. She especially craved sea prunes.

A knock on the door made her get up from bed with strained effort. Her lower back was really hurting like a bitch, but she'd live through it. ''Come in.''

Amim entered shortly after and passed her a bowl of whatever breakfast they'd made. She wolfed down the food like some starved animal.

''Good morning to you as well. Marok and Taruq are already heading down to the village to see if there's a boat that can take us to the black cliffs. It's only a half day's sailing, I think, so we could be there by nightfall already.''

She nodded and made it quick work to finish her food so they both could help the other two men in their tasks.

''About last night…'' Amim began speaking and cleared his throat. ''I mean, I was wondering if maybe you had… reconsidered the offer I'd made you.''

The last bit of food she'd just wanted to swallow down ended up in the wrong pipe and sent her straight into a coughing pit. Amim petted her back while she tried to regain her breathing.

His offer… the one where he'd become the father of her child and they'd live together for the rest of their lives. Where the ring on her left hand would be hers indefinitely. To take up on that offer meant that he'd made, it meant that she would let go of Zuko.

To let go of Zuko… she couldn't bare it. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

''I- Amim, I don't know if- if I can take you up on that offer,'' she managed to say eventually. ''I'm sorry for leading you on and having you by my side while I know… I know it's not easy for you.'' She stumbled over her words, not knowing how to say these things without hurting him in the end. If there's one thing she hated doing, it was hurting people. Especially Amim.

He nodded slowly and stood up from his place. ''I expected you'd say that and it's okay. Come, get dressed and we'll wait for Marok and Taruq downstairs.''

By noon, the couple of men returned from their journey to town and managed to buy a small vessel from an old man that didn't need it anymore. His name was said to be Old Man Ding and apparently, after the innkeeper was taken prisoner by the local villagers, he wanted to retire from his fishing career.

They packed food and blankets as swiftly and quickly as they could, wanting to arrive at the black cliffs before the sun would set, taking away their cover. On their way to this island, however, they all had noticed the stillness and quiet of the sea, so they didn't worry too much about their small means of transport.

Amim and Milah didn't speak again for the rest of the day, the former avoiding the pleading looks of the latter who was aching to apologise so fucking badly for everything she always put him through. Guilt and anger were growing inside her chest, making it difficult to breathe sometimes – which could also be because of the pregnancy, she knew. It was her second trimester already after all.

''Everyone ready?'' Taruq asked the three of them before setting sail to the island just across the gulf they were about to enter.

Yes, the little Waterbender thought. I'm ready to see my family again. I'm ready for this war to end and I'm ready to finally start a life without fear and sadness and anger.

As Marok had predicted, it was only half a day to the island, so before the sun had set, they had arrived. The black cliffs rose before them, proud and mighty against the orange sky. Relief washed over her, relief because they hadn't encountered a single patrol ship or any danger at all.

Five more days until the eclipse. Five days of peace before hell would start.

Marok had quickly found a trail up the cliffs so they could make camp nearby the forest, giving them some cover if needed. She walked behind the man and in front of Taruq, both keeping a watchful eye on the pregnant woman in case she'd collapse from all of the hardship she had to endure. While carrying a child, Marok thought, always admiring the woman for her sheer strength and ability to keep going no matter what. If he'd gone through what she had… he didn't know if he could.

The night passed swiftly and the anticipation of the upcoming battle send flutters of nerves through her stomach. Or maybe morning sickness, but she doubted it. In any case, she made herself busy collecting edible berries and tea leaves for them to eat and drink, seeing they would have to kill time in some way.

By noon, Amim had hunted down a boar-q-pine, which impressed everyone. Marok had suggested earlier that they just slaughter one of the koala sheep on the island, but this had made Milah go into such a raging fit that none of the men dared actually do it. The fluffy animals had been watching them ever since they took residence on their island and she couldn't imagine eating one of the adorable creatures.

A boar-q-pine, however, was a whole different story. There was nothing cute about them and she didn't feel particularly guilty about eating them. Not when it was so big they could probably eat off it for two entire days. Also not forgetting the fact that those beasts hunted down the koala sheep, which was a vicious crime in the Waterbender's eyes.

By nightfall, they had all gathered around a campfire and were drinking the jasmine tea Milah had managed to make. ''Thank you, Milah,'' Marok grunted when handed a cup. His large hands encompassed the make-shift cup ridiculously.

''You're welcome,'' she chirped back and settled back after pouring herself the last cup. ''Are you feeling nervous about the eclipse?'' She knew she was.

It was silent for a moment before Amim spoke up. ''Yes.''

Taruq nodded while Marok shrugged after the reply. ''It's never easy to go into battle, but knowing we're all fighting to end the war for good makes it better. At least now we know that if we win, it's going to be over. Permanently,'' Taruq said softly while taking a sip from his tea.

''I hate that I can't go with you,'' she whispered. ''I hate it that you are going without me and that I won't be able to do anything if something happens.''

Taruq reached out with his hand and took hold of hers. ''I know it's hard, but imagine what would happen if you go out there if you get hurt. Your father, Bato, your siblings, us… we won't be able to keep our focus on the battle knowing you're out there as well. Carrying a baby, nonetheless. It's better if we know that you're here, safe.''

''He's right,'' a voice said behind her that made her heart go still. Milah turned around very slowly, not believing her ears.

But there she was. And there he was, and Aang, and Toph.

Katara and Sokka. They were here.

''Kat-'' she started to say but was broken off by a ridiculously loud sob coming from her mouth. She stood up quickly, her cup of tea spilling onto the grass, but she didn't care. Only cared about getting to her baby brother and sister as quickly as possible before they could disappear again.

They flew around each other's necks, their bodies pressing so tightly together one could swear there wasn't any bit of space left. Tears and sobs were exchanged with little muffled words and sentences that sounded vaguely like 'can't believe you're here' and 'I'm never letting you go'. Katara's scent, which Milah didn't even know she'd missed or picked up on, engulfed her like a second home and for the first time in four months, she finally felt like she'd found her home again.

When the older sister opened her eyes, she saw her brother standing by the edge of the cliff, watching his sisters hug each other like it was their last night on this earth. Which wasn't the case now, but could be the case in just a few days.

''I-'' he started to say but Milah had let go of Katara already to press herself against her brother fervently. ''Hey,'' he settled eventually on saying before he wrapped his arms around her as well.

It didn't strike him until they were a few seconds into the hug.

''What is-'' he started but didn't finish that sentence either when he saw her protruded belly after he broke the hug. His face became white before a blush took over his cheeks. A visible gulp went through his throat.

Milah looked back at her sister when she saw the disbelief and surprise and over a hundred emotions in Sokka's eyes. ''Didn't you tell him?''

Katara shook her head. ''I thought you maybe wanted to do so yourself.''

Her heart swelled with affection but it didn't last long when she remembered she'd have to tell her brother she was pregnant with Zuko's – in his eyes, the angry jerk and the person responsible for the war – child.

Milah took a deep breath. ''Sokka, I… I'm pregnant.''

A beat passed and then two, and then Aang appeared from behind her brother. ''That's amazing, Milah! Congratulations!''

She gave him a grateful smile which he returned. ''Thank you, Aang.'' She turned to her brother again who was still watching her with unnatural stillness.

''You're… pregnant? Is it Zuko's?'' he asked her softly, his hands clenched by his sides.

She nodded slowly and before she knew what was happening, he threw his arms in the air and let out an animalistic howl that made her cover her ears.

''Whoohoo! I'm going to be an uncle! Yes yes yes!''

He pointed at a stunned and giggling Katara after having jumped up and down for a moment. ''I'm going to be the favourite!''

Katara put one hand on her hip and with the other, she pointed back at her brother. ''We'll see about that, Sokka. I remember you once refusing to play with Cerqu's daughter because you said little girls gave you cooties.''

Sokka's face crunched up. ''That was one time! And years ago! You watch it, I'm going to be the favourite.''

Another tear fell from Milah's eyes, but this one was of pure happiness. Her family, almost entirely together, and they were talking of her baby like it was one of their own. A hand took hers and she recognised it immediately as Amim's. He gave her a little squeeze which she returned gladly.

After Sokka calmed down, they all sat around the fire, catching up on all of their adventures. Meanwhile, Milah held the hand of her sister for the whole time, fearing she'd vanish the moment she would let go. And when it was time for them to fall asleep, Milah lay tightly against Katara, wrapping her arms around her little sister for warmth, but mostly because she'd missed her little sister so much she didn't realise her joy until that very moment, tears yet again cascading down both their faces while a smile curled on their lips.

All was well, Milah thought. It had been the first time since Ba Sing Se. All was well.

A/N: sorry not sorry for not giving you any Zuko content in this one, hehe. Still have to wait for a bit. This chapter became much longer than I anticipated tho. So here ya go. By the way, I'm going to work on a new one tonight so HOPEFULLY, I'll have another one for you ready then. Lots of love, Lily.

PS. in order to get email notifications again (so you get updates on stories etc.), go to Account - Account Settings - Email opt-on - YES - then save it! Okay that's it :)