The waves crashed against the rusted sides of the boat as it pressed through the choppy, ice ridden waters. They had been travelling for just under a week now as they headed for the Southern Water Tribe from the Fire Nation. A messenger hawk had been sent from Hakoda with an invitation for his wedding ceremony to be held in less than three weeks' time. Katara wasn't entirely sure how she felt about her father remarrying; Kya had passed many years ago, but the memory still felt fresh at times. It wasn't that she didn't like Malina; she had even saved her a while back when a small uprising happened within the tribe, the Northern woman being saved by Katara before she plummeted to an icy death. It just felt like her mother's memory was being replaced. An icy breeze picked up and she shivered.
"You shouldn't be so worried, Katara, I'm sure they'll be happy together." Katara looked up from the water to see Sokka leaning on the edge as she currently was.
"I know, it just…feels like mom's memory is going to be replaced by someone else." She responded quietly, dragging her gaze back over the expansive frozen ocean. "I don't want my memory of her to slowly turn into Malina."
"No one could ever replace mom. I know dad's been lonely ever since then, but he can't spend the rest of his life mourning her death and not moving on. I thought the same thing, sis, but I know mom would approve of her. She would've wanted dad to be happy." Sokka sighed, breath puffing into the air. "I've told you once before, right? How I don't really remember mom? All I see is you, Katara, because you were strong enough to keep dad and I going without her. She may be gone physically, yet I see her in you. You carry on her strength and her memory."
"I know, Sokka. Thank you." Katara rested her hand on his shoulder.
"Anytime, sis. Without Aang here, I have to pick up the wise and sentimental advice department. You know, I should really charge you for my valuable time—" Sokka whined as Katara yanked on his ear playfully.
"I get a lifetime of freebies for just dealing with you. Come on, I think I can see the port in the distance."
Aang had to stay behind to help clean up the Zanui situation and handle a few diplomatic meetings, telling Katara and Sokka he would catch up with them as soon as he could. Toph decided to stay at her school for a short while, claiming her students were slacking off while she was away. Plus, she couldn't see very well in the frozen tundra. Zuko, of course, was also handling diplomatic matters though he sent a gift with the siblings to hand over to the chief in place of his absence.
Going home was lifting the heavy weight from Katara's chest, the past few months having been mentally and emotionally exhausting. The nightmares had vanished for the most part, though on occasion, Zanui would come back to haunt her, taunting her as he pulled her hard against the cage bars. It was always his last words to her that startled her awake, her body shaking as she tried to calm herself.
"You'll find out soon enough, don't worry." Zanui whispered. "You'll understand what it's like to lose everything and everyone you love."
Zanui had mentioned a location in the Northern Water Tribe, something that struck the waterbender as odd. Why would they be running an operation out of the North? Was that where the entire organization started? Granted, the harsh weather would make it nearly impossible to traverse if you didn't know how to prepare for the biting winds and freezing temperatures. The other thing that stuck in her mind was the name of the boss, Dakku. It sounded familiar, though she couldn't place her finger on it. Had they met before? Or did she read about him in the news somewhere? Before she could dwell on it more, the crew began preparing to dock, tossing ropes to the waiting dockhands while waterbenders slowed the boat.
"There! I see dad over there!" Sokka called out excitedly from the bow of the ship, frantically waving Katara over. "Come on, he's probably got food ready for us!"
"All you ever think about is food!" Katara chastised her brother as she gathered her bag, slinging it over her shoulder.
"And Suki! But mostly, food. Especially delicious, tender, meat."
"Weirdest brother ever."
Hakoda was conversing with a few other tribe officials when he heard two familiar voices, turning to see his children sprinting towards him. With open arms he caught them both, holding them tightly. The tribe officials gave a quick wave of hello before leaving the family be.
"Sokka, Katara, welcome home." Hakoda smiled down at his children, the fatigue of constant politics washing away at the sight of them. "How was the journey?"
"Food was terrible, you got any meat ready?" Sokka looked up at his father with hopeful eyes and a watering mouth.
"Seriously, that's the first thing you say when you see dad after months?" Katara snorted, shooting Sokka an irritated look. "How have things been here, dad? Does Malina need help with anything?"
"Plenty of food waiting for you at Gran Gran's like always, don't worry. Things are fine, Katara, stressful as always with the usual politics between here and the Northern tribe. I'm sure she would appreciate the help in a bit, but let's sit down and chat for a while first. I want to hear about everything that's happened since we were last together." Hakoda slung an arm around both kids as they walked, listening to Sokka as he rambled on and on about their adventures.
"And then there was this guy who was causing trouble throughout the Earth Kingdom—" Sokka glanced over at his sister, quickly noticing the stern 'Don't you dare!' look she was giving him. "B-but we quickly took care of him and he's now in jail. For the rest of his life. Where he'll stay. Forever." Katara rolled her eyes and smacked a hand to her face.
"What exactly did he do?" Hakoda didn't miss the shared look between his children.
"Let's talk about that later, I want to see Gran Gran and eat." Katara interjected, taking the focus off of the sensitive topic. "How's she been? And Master Pakku?"
"They've been going on small vacations here and there since Pakku is taking a short break from teaching. Speaking of, Katara, he would like you to join in on a few of his lessons if you have some time before the ceremony."
"Of course. I enjoy watching the children as they learn to waterbend." Katara clasped her hands behind her back, walking just slightly ahead of Sokka and Hakoda.
The Southern Water Tribe was certainly different than the last time Sokka and Katara were home. Apartments had been assigned for the elderly, big official offices had been built to reflect the Northern Tribe's more modern style. Though there were still a few food stalls littering the main road into the village, most had been moved into restaurants. It felt like they were looking at the Northern Water Tribe, just with a smaller population ambling about. Katara felt a frown adorn her features. Everything was rapidly changing, and it all seemed so…foreign.
"Are those my two grandchildren I see?"
"Gran Gran!" Katara cried out as she ran towards her waiting grandmother.
"Hakoda, you didn't tell me they were showing up today." Gran Gran scolded her son as she pulled Sokka into a hug as well.
"I didn't realize they were arriving today either, mother, I just happened to be at the docks talking with Hikor regarding the latest shipment of supplies coming from the North. I figured with the incoming storms they would be another few days."
"Avatar Aang is not with you?"
"He's caught up in political matters with Lord Zuko currently, but he said he would try to get here as fast as he could once he was done." Katara supplied, grasping her grandmother's hand. "And Toph is busy with her school, so she isn't able to make it either."
"I'm all too familiar with getting wrapped up in political matters." Hakoda sighed heavily, dragging a hand down his worn face. "That reminds me, I need to return to the office and finish up some paperwork. I promise we'll meet up for dinner tonight."
"Ooh, does Auntie Ashuna still make that seal jerky?" Sokka asked eagerly as they waved their father off.
"Sokka, you don't even like that stuff." Katara placed her hands on her hips, staring at him with a cocked brow. "Why do you ask about it every time?"
"Hey, it may be hard as a rock, but the flavors are so good!"
"Demand for the jerky has gone down, so she's not making any right now, Sokka." Gran Gran motioned for them to follow as she led the way to her hut. "But I may have a stash of them just for you in the hut."
"Awesome!"
"Seriously, weirdest brother ever."
"Yeah, well, you take whatcha get, sis."
Aang tried to keep his eyes open during the meeting, but they were droning on and on about something he had drowned out nearly an hour ago. Zuko was no better, he had actually fallen asleep for a short while until Aang elbowed him awake, earning himself an annoyed glance from the politician speaking.
"And to conclude my speech, I offer a written strategy on taking back the Fire Nation colonies, remerging them with our lands once more." The speaker, Han, looked over at Zuko expectantly, waiting for an immediate answer.
"Uh, I'll consider your…plan…and send you an answer when I have one. For now, today's meetings are over. Dismissed." Zuko quickly stood from his spot, Aang nearly bending himself out of the seat in relief.
"Zuko, he literally wants to do the same thing we tried to do with the Harmony Restoration Movement. He just worded it differently."
"Yeah, I got the gist of it when he started going on about how the nation needs to become one again." Zuko groaned as he moved swiftly down the hall, trying to get away from the servants calling for his attention. "It'll be shot down, of course. Obviously, it didn't work the first time."
"How many more meetings are there? I'm not sure I can handle sitting through another day of them." Aang asked tiredly, stretching out the crick in his neck. They were already on day three of endless meetings and lectures on their recklessness at the Black Cliffs. Sokka and Katara had left four days ago, headed towards the Southern Water Tribe for their father's wedding.
"Technically, that's it for proposal meetings, but there's still the matter of the Zanui investigation. We need to interrogate the men who were closest to him again since they didn't give up much information last time. They've been chained up for awhile now, so they should be willing to talk."
Aang frowned. They still hadn't really gotten anywhere with information on the gang Zanui was apart of. Zuko was going for a more drastic approach in getting them to talk, withdrawing food and giving the bare minimum amount of water until they spilled everything they knew. Some gave up immediately, already broken by the harsh conditions in the jail, but others refused to even look at him or Zuko.
"There's still a few we haven't gotten to, right?" Zuko nodded, swiftly turning around the corner that led to the prison below.
"I received a request from one of the prisoners claiming he had information that would lead us to the main base. Said he had talked with Katara during this whole fiasco."
"Talked with Katara?" Aang furrowed his brows, trying to think back to what he saw at the Black Cliffs. "The only thing I can think of would be when Katara was fighting off one of the men when they docked in the bay. I couldn't hear everything they said, but she didn't seem threatened by him as they talked. Maybe it was him?"
"He didn't give a name, but it's possible." Zuko waited as the guards positioned outside of the stairwell to the prison below swung the heavy door open, bowing to him as they swept past. "We don't have a lot of time before I'm swarmed with more meetings so let's get what information we can for now."
Both benders held flames in their palms as they descended down the spiraling staircase, the temperature slowly beginning to drop the further they went. The stone walls were frigid to the touch as Aang ran his free hand over the grooves. It was unnerving to the airbender that the Palace even had a prison beneath it, but seeing the past history of the Fire Lord's, he wasn't too surprised anymore. A few voices carried up the stairwell as they neared the bottom, a small puddle forming in front of the last step as water leaked from above.
"Fire Lord Zuko, Avatar Aang, how may we help you today?" A guard who was idling chatting with another quickly snapped to attention, going rigid and saluting.
"I'm here to speak with the prisoner who requested my presence. Did he give you a name?" Zuko asked, watching as the guard shuffled through the prisoner log.
"No, Sir, he did not. He's definitely the only one with manners here, though. Well behaved and always follows orders." The second guard input, grabbing the correct key from the wall.
"Lead the way." Zuko motioned.
The cries of the prisoners echoed all around them as they walked past the cells. Aang tried to keep his eyes forward, but as he passed by the cells, he locked eyes with some of them. They were broken inside as they clung to the bars desperately, their faces dirtied and gaunt. His insides twisted painfully. It was cruel to keep any human being in these conditions, criminal or not.
"Zuko, this isn't humane." Aang whispered to his friend, his eyes darting from one prisoner to the next. "They're human beings, too. They shouldn't be treated like this."
"They were part of an illegal organization full of kidnappers and murderers, Aang, they don't get the luxury of three meals a day until I have my information."
"Zuko—"
"Prisoner, stand against the wall." The guard ordered as he stopped outside of the last cell, inserting the key into the lock. "Announcing Fire Lord Zuko and Avatar Aang."
The cell door swung open and the guard stepped back, keeping an eye on the prisoner. After the last incident, the guards had been ordered to reevaluate their protocols with some even being fired due to gross negligence. Aang heard the door close behind him and Zuko, the lock latching loudly. The prisoner standing before them kept his face neutral as he settled back on the ground, resting his arms on his crossed legs.
"Fire Lord Zuko, Avatar Aang, it's an honor to meet you both." The man bowed his head. "I've requested an audience with you today in order to inform you of the gang's main operations."
"I remember you now, you were the guy that stopped Zanui from attacking Katara on the boat!" Aang suddenly exclaimed while pointing at the prisoner.
"So, you were there that night. I figured you would show up in the nick of time, Kuzon." The man laughed. "My name is Oruk, I hail from the Earth Kingdom colonies originally, though I'm not a bender. What happened to Miss Katara was horrible, I just wish I could've done more to help her. But believe it or not, not all of us within the gang were there for profits."
"Kuzon?" Zuko turned to Aang with a questioning look.
"Ah, I use that name when I hide my identity during undercover missions. I had a friend named Kuzon over a hundred years ago." Aang replied happily. "I guess my disguise wasn't nearly as foolproof as I thought."
"Well, when you take Lohe's clothing, it makes it pretty obvious you aren't one of us. Plus, Katara almost accidentally said your name before correcting herself and saying Kuzon. Gotta pay attention to the little details, kid."
"Whoops, my bad." Aang sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.
"What's your story then?" Zuko decided to take a seat on the floor, Aang following suit.
"Zanui kidnapped my daughter many months back, as part of the black-market operations he was running." Oruk started. "It all happened so fast in the middle of the night. I woke up to the sound of a scuffle and by the time I reached her room, they were already speeding down the road. So, doing what any father would do, I packed a bag and left shortly after to hunt them down. I'm not powerful like firebenders are, but I can be a very convincing man."
"You persuaded them to let you join." Zuko filled in, earning a nod from Oruk. "Did they know who you were?"
"No, they didn't bother to check for witnesses. From what they told me they were just quickly passing through and were checking houses randomly. Luckily for me, their sloppy work allowed me to infiltrate their organization. The things that go on in that gang are…inhumane, to say the least. But I'm sure Katara has told you about it."
"She actually hasn't explained everything yet," Aang said quietly, feeling Oruk's intense gaze. "The nightmare's she had gave me a glimpse of what she went through and when she confronted Zanui she revealed more of what happened but we still don't know the full story."
"Poor girl, I had heard of the beatings she had taken." Oruk frowned. "Katara is an extraordinarily strong woman, Avatar Aang, and without that strength, those women never would've made it out of there alive. If she were my own, I would be the proudest father in the world knowing she had the courage to put herself in that situation."
"What can you tell us about the organization?" Zuko asked, drawing Oruk's attention back to him.
"Dakku, the head of the organization, resides in the Northern Water Tribe, far away from any civilization, though he does pose as a political figure in the village and he often travels to the Southern Water Tribe for meetings. The terrain up there is difficult though that's what makes it a secure location. I've only been up there once or twice to see him and I remember we used to go to the Western edge of the continent for easier access. There's an inlet that leads almost directly to the main entrance, though the wildlife around that area doesn't take kindly to humans."
"Like Otter Penguins?" Aang asked curiously.
"More like wolves that look for a snack other than Otter Penguins. Dolphin Piranhas, Tiger Sharks, Mink Snake, Polar Bear Dog, Polar Leopard. If those don't kill you then the frigid cold will."
"Yeesh. No wonder that's where they're hiding." Zuko grimaced.
"How do we get in there, Oruk?" Oruk frowned at Aang.
"It won't be easy by any standard, even if you already infiltrated the gang once before. The Yuyan Archers hired by Zanui most likely already sent a letter explaining everything that happened so they'll be expecting you. The best option would be to sneak in, but that's easier said than done. If you were able to blend in like you did at the Black Cliffs…."
"Then we could possibly get in unnoticed." Aang finished. Oruk nodded.
"There's a secret entrance that bypasses the main crowd that's used for Dakku to get in and out. I can help you gain access to it. I will still fully accept my punishment, but please allow me to offer you my assistance. We want to see the organization fall and to bring our children home."
Aang shared a glance with Zuko, already full-well knowing his answer.
"Any help would be greatly appreciated, Oruk, thank you."
"In exchange for vital information, your sentencing will be nulled, and you will be allowed to go home after this is over." Zuko smiled at Oruk. "I understand the circumstances that caused you to get wrapped up in this situation were out of your control, so we will also help you find your daughter."
"You are too kind, Fire Lord Zuko, Avatar Aang. I can't ever repay your kindness." Oruk bowed against the floor, his voice wavering.
"We'll call it even, since you saved Katara from Zanui's attack." Aang bowed as well. "If it weren't for your help, she may not have been home by now."
"If I may, where is Katara?" Oruk sat back up, scrubbing at his face with the backs of his hands.
"She's currently in the Southern Water Tribe attending her father's wedding ceremony, he's the village Chief. I was going to head out in the morning in order to make it there in time." Aang felt his stomach clench as Oruk suddenly stilled, watery eyes going wide.
"Is she alone? Tell me someone is there with her."
"Sokka, her brother, is with her. Oruk, what's going on?" Zuko tersely asked, hands gripping his robes tightly. "Is Dakku planning something on the day of the ceremony?"
"If Chief Hakoda is getting married, then it means higher-ranking officials from the Northern Tribe will be arriving as well. Dakku should be attending and has most of the others under his control…"
"You think he's going to plan an attack? He'd be crazy to do that in front of a large gathering!" Aang shot to his feet, ready to bolt out of the door.
"No, he wouldn't launch a full-scale attack and risk crumbling both the Southern and Northern Tribes. I may not know a lot about Dakku but I know he isn't reckless like Zanui. He's calculating, always a few steps ahead of everyone else, constantly creating back-up plans. Probably the most manipulative man I've ever met. I'm not sure what his end goal is, but I know he wouldn't cause a massive scene. Most likely he's just scouting things out, seeing what he can do to gain more control. I also wouldn't be surprised if he had a plan to visit Katara."
"Then I need to leave, now." Aang had barely reached the door when Zuko grabbed his arm, stopping him. "If I leave now, I can make it to the Southern Water Tribe in a few days."
"Aang, slow down for a minute. We don't fully know what Dakku will do, we need to think of a plan—"
"I won't let her be taken away from me again, Zuko. I can't handle it a second time." Aang spoke softly, voice cracking the slightest bit.
"She's an important person to me as well, Aang, and I would do anything to protect my friends. But letting your emotions control your actions is never a good way to start a trip, right? The ceremony isn't for another week at least, which gives us time to figure something out." Zuko released his grip once he realized Aang wasn't going to dart out the door.
"I'm sure Zanui would be able to give you some more information regarding Dakku," Oruk offered uneasily, shifting uncomfortably on the floor. "He may be a talkative idiot, but he's got good info."
"Slight problem," Zuko looked down at Oruk with a strained jaw. "Someone was sent to silence him. He's dead."
"That confirms Dakku received the news already. Time is of the essence then. If there's still time before the ceremony, you need to be there in case he does try something."
"I can't accompany you this time, Aang, I'm already under close supervision for the stunt pulled at the Black Cliffs." Zuko ran a hand down his face, exhaustion pulling at him. "I'll do my best to get there, but don't count on my assistance this time."
"You've got a nation to run, Zuko, I can handle this." Aang let out a heavy breath, turning to his friend. "Can you cover for the sudden absence? I know I had more meetings arranged—"
"Consider it done. Now, go, you've got a long journey ahead of you."
"Avatar Aang, a moment, please." Oruk called out as the cell door was opened once more. "He may be going under another alias, but he's got a warrior build, Water Tribe nationality. He has a scar going over his right eye, a wound from an old Polar Bear Dog attack when he was a child. I don't know if he's a bender or not, but plan on him being one." Aang nodded.
"Thank you, Oruk, for your help. I'll make sure she's safe."
"One last thing," Oruk stared up at Aang with hardened eyes, his brows knitting in distress. "Whatever you do, do not anger him."
"This place really does have the best meat in the Southern Water Tribe!" Sokka moaned through a mouthful of meat, tiny specks spewing from his mouth. Once Hakoda had finished his paperwork for the evening, the four of them went to the best place in town for dinner to catch up.
"Manners, Sokka, I know I taught them to you." Katara sighed as she wiped a fleck of meat from her shoulder.
"I don't think they stuck with him, Katara," Hakoda chuckled as he too wiped a piece of meat from his clothing. "I'm sorry for my child's behavior, Malina, he's usually not messy when it comes to food."
"No worries, my brother used to be the same way." Malina smiled softly at her husband-to-be. "Katara, how are your other friends doing? I noticed Avatar Aang isn't with you."
"Unfortunately, he had some political conferences to take care of, but he promised to make it in time before the ceremony. Toph is back at her school teaching her students and Zuko is also dealing with politics. It's been a bit hectic lately." The waterbender pushed her meal around on the plate before her without much of an appetite.
"I'm so envious of your adventures! I wish I could travel the world like you do, it sounds amazing." Katara smiled at Malina.
"It has been incredible to travel across the entire world, seeing the different cultures and ways of life. We definitely run into our fair share of trouble, though."
"Man, you should've seen how many times we used to run away from both Zuko and Azula! Not to mention pirates, people who hated the Avatar, and anyone else we pretty much just pissed off." Sokka said in between bites.
"That sounds really dangerous, how do you feel about it, Hakoda?" Malina asked him curiously with a hint of concern.
"I know my kids are strong enough to handle themselves, they've proven that more times than I can count. Of course I worry about them, as any parent would, but I know it was destiny that called them to it." Hakoda pulled his children close. "As long as these two are together, they'll be safe."
"I'm sure Kya would be extremely proud of you two." Malina said softly, taking notice of the way Katara's smile fell the tiniest bit.
"I know she is. If you'll excuse me for a bit, I just need some fresh air." Katara abruptly stood and made her way to the restaurants door. Hakoda made to stand when Malina held up her hand.
"I think a little girl talk will help right now, I'll go." She stood and quickly followed the waterbender, leaving just Sokka and Hakoda. Others in the restaurant continued to chat as they dined, plates and glasses clinking softly against the tables.
"She's just worried Malina will take over her memory of mom." Sokka told his father quietly, setting down the food he was eating.
"There's no one who could ever replace your mother, Sokka. I have the two of you as proof of her living on, I know she would want us all the be happy and move on with our lives." Hakoda clapped his son on the shoulder. "She will never be forgotten. But for now, I want you to tell me about what you and your sister are hiding from me."
~B~
Katara wrapped her arms around herself as she walked towards her destination, the skies beginning to turn light shades of pink as the sun began to lower. She wasn't sure why it bothered her so much that Malina spoke of her mother so openly. It's not like it was something new; Katara had accepted the fact after she saved the woman from falling to her death. But just hearing her mother's name coming from Malina struck a dep nerve and she couldn't fight the urge to leave. The edge of town soon disappeared, and the calming scent of the ocean hit Katara as she made her way along the beach. Kya's grave had been recently adorned with waterlilies, more common in the Northern Tribe rather than the Southern and Katara had a hunch who had put those there but she ignored them as she kneeled in front of her mother's grave.
"Hi, Mom. It's been awhile, hasn't it? I'm sorry for not coming home more, a lot of things have happened lately, and I've been struggling with how to handle it."
Katara sat down on the sand, spilling her heart out to her mother. Her hands scraped through the sand while she talked, hesitating at the more difficult parts of her experience and skimping on some of the more brutal details. The skies were turning orange by the time she finished, her mind clear for the first time in a long time. As she stood to leave, a noise behind her instantly had her tensed and in a battle stance. "Come out, now. I know you're there." Katara called out, searching the area cautiously.
"It's just me, Katara! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." Malina called out quickly, holding her hands up in front of her while walking out from behind a boulder. "I…actually wanted to apologize for what happened, I wasn't aware I was being disrespectful towards your mother."
Katara dropped her stance and waited until Malina was closer, a lump forming in her throat. "I should be the one to apologize, Malina, I just…"
"I understand completely, you feel like I'm going to replace your mother."
"I don't want my memories of her to be replaced, she meant the world to me." Katara spoke softly, glancing back at her mothers grave. "She sacrificed her life to save mine during the Fire Nation raids. If it weren't for her, I don't think I'd be the person I am today."
"She will always live on inside of you, Katara. I may not have known your mother, but from what Hakoda has told me is that she was the most courageous, kindhearted woman he had ever known. The way he talks about you is almost exactly how he talked about Kya." Malina grabbed Katara's hands and held them as she smiled down at her. "I will never try to replace her, Katara, there's no one in the world who can do that. I understand how you feel about the matter and I just wish for us to come together as a family."
"I…would like that, Malina." Katara pulled her hands back before wrapping them around the woman, a few tears slipping down her face as Malina hugged her back.
"Thank you, Katara, for welcoming me into your family." The two pulled apart, each wiping at their faces. "What do you say we get back before your father and brother hunt us down?"
"I'm sure Sokka is already on his way here—" The light from a lantern began to glow around the corner, both women squinting to see the figure holding it. "Sokka? Is that you?"
Another lantern appeared. Then a third and a fourth. Katara shifted in front of Malina, unease settling over her as there were soon half a dozen or so lanterns lighting up the small area. While it wasn't completely dark, the figures wore masks that covered their faces. All black clothing concealed their bodies as well, Katara instantly tensing as she realized who they were working for.
"Katara, what's going on?" Malina whispered, peering over her shoulder to look at the figures.
"We've got uninvited company. Tell me who you are and I might let you off easy. I don't appreciate strangers disturbing a resting place." Katara called out, bending the ocean's water into a protective ring around them both.
"Apologies, Master Katara, but we've got our orders to follow. Boss said to give his best regards."
A volley of fire and earth began raining down over the two, the assailants moving forward as they attacked Katara while she expanded the water into a full orb. Normally she would be wiping the dirt with their faces, but because Malina was with her, she could only be on the defensive with a lesser skilled waterbender. No doubt they were Dakku's men sent to finish the job Zanui failed to complete.
"We need to get out of here, Katara! It's too dangerous for you to fight them off yourself!" Malina cried out as a rock burst through the water barrier, nearly colliding with Katara.
"If they had intended to harm me they would have done it by now. All they're doing is sending a warning." Katara suddenly flung her arms out, sending a large wave of water crashing over the attackers, their bodies flying back. "Besides, the title of Master Waterbender isn't just for show."
Drawing more water, Katara began swirling it around the men, gathering them all into a water cyclone before freezing it in place, trapping them. She quickly checked over the gravesite, ensuring there was no damage. Some of the rocks had been shifted out of their original spots and the headstone was missing a small section off of the top corner. Anger flooded her veins as she stomped over to the frozen men, water whip at the ready. The man closest to her tried to shrink back in fear only to find himself incapable of moving the slightest.
"Why did Dakku send you here? What's your goal in all of this?" Katara snarled as she held the whip at the ready. "You've defiled a sacred burial site! You had better have a good reason for destroying my mother's gravestone!"
"W-we were just sent by Boss Dakku to give his b-best regards! We didn't mean to destroy the gravesite!" The man whimpered as the waterbender glared at him. "H-honest! We didn't realize this was a burial site!"
"What does he mean by 'best regards'? What is he planning?" Katara turned the water into an icicle, holding it close to his neck.
"I—"
"My sincerest apologies, Master Katara, it seems my men forgot their manners."
A figure stepped from around the cyclone, running their hand over the ice. Within seconds it returned to a liquid state, the group of men crashing into the sand, soaking wet. Katara jumped back, throwing her arm out in front of Malina. He appeared to be bigger and stronger than the others, his body clad in dark cloth that matched his face cover. They weren't an ordinary waterbender either seeing as her frozen cyclone was reverted back to liquid with ease.
"I'm going to assume you're Dakku, correct?" The man let out a deep chuckle.
"You're as sharp as the stories say. This was meant to be nothing more than an introduction of sorts, though obviously a bunch of idiots are under my command." Dakku kept his distance, making sure he stayed away from the waterbender. "I had instructed them to find you somewhere isolated, though a burial ground was not what I meant. I deeply apologize for the destruction done to your mother's gravesite."
"I don't want your damn apologies! I want to know what it is you're after and why you sent Zanui after me!" Katara growled as she hurled a massive wave towards him.
"Zanui was secretly operating his own gang outside of my knowledge, so while you may think he was working for me, he was running his own scheme. I don't make it a habit of murdering people." Dakku easily countered the move, sending the water straight back at her with a fluid movement. Katara dispersed the liquid with a push of her hand, clenching her other and freezing it into icicles before hurtling it straight back at him. He shattered them into dust with barely a twitch of his hand.
"But you still kidnap them and sell them in illegal markets!" Katara kept her eyes locked on his, piercing blue intensely staring back at her. A chill shot up her spine.
"Now who told you that? Are you just assuming what Zanui said is true?" Dakku retorted, scoffing. "Did I not just tell you that he was sneaking around under my nose running his own operations? Good riddance to him, damned brat got too greedy, always wanted more money and power. He needed to be put in his place."
"So killing him was to teach him a lesson? How can you take a life so easily?" Katara heard movement to her left and tried to dodge, grunting as a block of ice collided into her side. She crashed into the sand, feeling the sharp rocks cutting and scraping at her skin until she rolled to a stop.
"Katara!" Malina rushed over to her, falling to her knees and helping her sit up.
"You fail to see how this world really works, Katara. Obviously Zanui failed to teach you that during your imprisonment. Shame, you could've been such a nice trophy piece for me. Maybe your friend there will work in your stead."
Katara shoved herself up from the ground, ignoring Malina's pleas as she sprinted towards him, quickly pulling a massive wave towards her. As it crashed over the sand, she could feel the water split down the center. Pulling her arms together, she crashed the water together, using her anger to strengthen her attacks. A water whip suddenly lashed out at her, the bender nimbly leaping over the stream before redirecting it back at Dakku with more force. Though she couldn't clearly see him in the growing darkness, she could sense the movement of water as it flowed around them.
"We both know this battle is pointless right now, Katara, why don't we save this for another day?" Dakku called out, sending a wave high above her before freezing it and throwing his arms down. As expected, she returned the water to liquid state, hurtling it right back at him with more force.
"You don't get to desecrate my mother's burial site, attack me, and then threaten my family just to back away like a coward! I won't let you get away!"
"Pity. I really didn't want to use this card. Do it." Dakku ordered. Three of the men moved forward in their position, thrusting their fists forward and shooting flames towards Malina.
"No!"
Katara felt the flashback of Zanui ordering his men to kill the two women on the boat and her feet were propelling her back towards Malina even before it ended. She could feel the heat closing in as she threw herself on top of her, shielding her body with her own, the two tumbling across the rocks painfully. Katara squeezed her eyes shut as she waited for the flames to make contact, the haunting memory of Zanui flooding her mind. After a few moments, nothing happened, and she cracked an eye open. The flames had dissipated, the only glow was the lanterns near the enclave entrance.
"Consider that a warning, Katara. I suggest you not get on my bad side again." The area soon became silent as Dakku and his men left, leaving the two women alone. Katara let out a shaky breath before rolling off of Malina, flopping onto her back with her eyes closed. Her hands clenched into fists as she tried to rid the image of a wall of flames blasting towards her in the caverns. Panic was clawing its way into her chest and the bender tried to slow her breathing down with little effect.
"K-Katara, are you alright?" Malina asked nervously, shifting to crouch next to her.
"I'm alright, I just wasn't expecting to run into him here of all places. We need to get back, can you stand?" Katara opened her eyes, rolling her head to look at Malina tiredly. It startled her when the woman yanked her into a sitting position before crushing her in a hug, sobbing against her shoulder.
"I'm so glad you're okay! That was the scariest thing I've ever witnessed!"
"I'm sorry, I wish you hadn't had to be a part of this. I didn't want you involved in this matter, but now he sees you as a potential target. We can discuss it more back at the village, I'm sure they're all looking for us." She bit her lip. This wasn't something she wanted Malina to know, but there was no telling how much of the conversation with her mother she had already heard, not to mention Dakku now had blackmail over Katara.
Katara sighed heavily, her arms dropping to her sides as she stood. The one chance encounter with the head of the organization they were hunting down, and he got away. Not to mention her mother's headstone was now damaged and the grounds disturbed. It was a silent walk back, Katara deep in her thoughts and Malina too terrified to talk about what just happened. It was barely still light out by the time they reached the edge of the village. A large commotion by the front gate caused Katara to snap out of her daze and look up in confusion. A group of people with torches were gathered, listening to someone speaking loudly to them. Malina suddenly rushed by her, calling out for Hakoda. Katara slowed to a stop as she watched the two embrace with her heart sitting just a bit heavier. Would Dakku try to hold the Southern Tribe over her father by using Malina? The webs that had been slowly wrapping around her suddenly tightened up the further she travelled down the path to crumbling the crime organization.
"Malina! Katara! Where in the world have you two been? A search party was just about to go look for you two." Hakoda embraced his betrothed, relief written on his face.
"Katara, are you alright?" Sokka nearly crashed into his sister, grabbing her roughly by the shoulders. "What happened? Where did you go? You're bleeding! Why are you bleeding?"
"Sokka, we need to sit down and talk. Now." Katara said tersely, keeping her voice low so others wouldn't hear. Sokka locked eyes with her and nodded, understanding it was secretive information.
"Does this have to do with the gang?" Sokka released his grip as he took a step back, his lantern swinging. Katara nodded. "You didn't get hurt, did you?"
"Small cuts from the sand, but part of mom's headstone was damaged in the fight. They struck while Malina and I were at her grave, I couldn't fully fight back with her behind me. I'm sorry." Sokka crushed her against his chest, resting his cheek on her head with a shaky breath out. Katara slowly wrapped her arms around her brother, the urge to cry nearly overwhelming the young woman.
"We can fix a stone, Katara, but I can't lose you again. Aang and Zuko will need to know what happened. I'll send a messenger hawk out tonight."
"I'm pretty sure Malina overheard me talking to mom…" Katara mumbled against his shoulder.
"You think she heard everything?"
"Not sure what she heard, but enough to know it was a serious situation. Plus she's now a potential hostage target since she was with me."
"Soooooo, on another note please don't be mad at me for this…" Katara groaned and pulled back, sighing as she saw the sheepish look on his face.
"You told dad, didn't you?"
"Well, he kinda figured something was up earlier when you diverted the question about Zanui. I kept the details to a minimum except you need to get everything laid out for him. I've never seen him so quiet, Katara. I couldn't read what he was thinking."
"Katara, are you okay? What happened?" Hakoda rushed over, Malina tagging behind. He crushed both of his children in a tight hug.
"Dad, we need to sit down and talk. What Sokka told you earlier wasn't the entire story." Katara looked up at her father, his face hardening. "There's a lot he didn't mention for a reason."
"Malina, I'll catch up with you afterwards, I need to handle this right now. Kanna will stay with you until I return." Malina nodded, turning and heading back towards the gathered crowd. "Let's head to my office, no one should bother us there."
Hakoda remained silent as Katara went over the entire story, filling in the bits Sokka didn't mention earlier. Katara couldn't meet his eyes as she told him about the weeks of torture, Sokka clenching his jaw in anger as he heard new details. She included what happened within the last hour as well, bringing up that she wasn't sure how much Malina had heard when she was talking to Kya. When she finished, the air was tense, no one saying a single word. It wasn't until she heard her father get up did she look up from her lap, watching in confusion as he walked over to the window, staring out over the glowing village with an unreadable expression.
"Dad, you okay?" Sokka stood, taking a few steps towards his father. Katara slowly got up as well.
"I made a promise to your mother, when each of you were born." Hakoda started quietly, keeping his eyes glued outside. "That I would give my life to protect you both. Kya gave her life during the raids, yet I couldn't stop a maniac from kidnapping you and torturing you for weeks. I've failed as a father, Sokka, Katara, but I've also failed your mother by not being there to protect you both."
"Dad, don't blame yourself for something that was even out of my control." Katara walked up to him, softly placing a hand on his arm. "I sacrificed myself in order to save those women from being sold in an underground black market. If I hadn't done that there's no telling where they would be now. Those girls were ripped from their homes, some even losing their families in the process."
"If it weren't for Katara, most likely none of those women would have ever returned home, dad. She risked her life to save everyone." Sokka added in, standing behind Katara supportively. "We never expected it to turn out the way it did, even though we started immediately tracking where she went. Zanui got away from us and knew how to cover his tracks which is why we couldn't find her sooner."
"This Zanui fellow, you mentioned he's dead now?" Hakoda turned away from the window, hardened expression softening the slightest bit.
"Someone from within the organization was sent to eliminate him, most likely to stop him from ratting out everyone else. I watched it happen." Katara said quietly. "He gave us some more information before he died. Mentioned the main operation was somewhere in the Northern Water Tribe, but we don't know a location. The boss, Dakku, was the man I encountered tonight at mom's grave. I couldn't get a good look at him, he had dark clothing on and a face cover."
Hakoda pulled his children to him, holding them silently as he tried to process everything. "I'll talk to my connections and see if they know anything about this."
"You can't, dad, there's already too many people becoming involved in this matter." Katara pleaded. "I'm sure Dakku has connections in the Southern Tribe as well, it's a risk you can't afford to take. You need to pretend you know nothing about all of this. It's safer that way."
"She's right, by doing that it gives us more of a chance to prepare in case he attacks, and it makes things safer for everyone. You need to make sure Malina remains silent about this, especially if she becomes a target." Sokka agreed.
"I think it's best if we just all go get some rest for now, it's been a long journey for you both and I need to sit down with Malina." Hakoda sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We've got your rooms ready back at the house."
"Sleep sounds good right now." Katara agreed tiredly. The emotional trauma rearing its ugly head again instantly drained her.
"Come on, let's get you to bed."
Aang watched from Appa's head as massive thundering clouds began rolling in the direction of the Southern Water Tribe, the winds becoming nearly numbing with ferocity. He tried his best to deflect the worst of it, but it seemed the storm was stronger than his bending abilities. It had been smooth sailing for the first two and a half days, tailwinds actually giving them a boost for most of it, though now they were just struggling to stay upright in the sky. The problem was, there was nowhere to land apart from the icy waters below them. It would still be another hour or so before they reached the village, a timeframe Aang was sure they wouldn't make.
"Can you make it, buddy? We're almost there!" Aang yelled over the howling winds, hearing Appa groan in reply. "Drop lower and I'll keep the winds back as much as I can, just keep going!"
Aang leapt to his feet and moved towards the center of Appa's back. With a deep breath in and out, the Avatar State activated, his body glowing blue before dying out. With his hands, he began bending the air around them, providing a large sphere of protection. It would be tiring to hold it for an hour even with the Avatar State, but unless they could get ahead of the storm, this was their best option. Appa dropped altitude, staying about a hundred feet above the churning waters and propelled himself faster. As the waves began surging higher, Aang kept his left hand bending the air and used his right to split the waves apart, struggling as the water kept peaking higher.
There was no point in trying to slice down the massive waves, so he abandoned that idea and gave his full attention to protecting Appa. With some effort, and strength from his previous lives, they managed to gain a lead on the storm, putting it miles behind them. Aang let out a heavy breath as he returned to Appa's head, drained.
"Good job, buddy! I'll make sure you get extra treats when we get there." Appa grunted in approval.
The edge of the continent soon appeared, the village just beyond the next hill. It had been about a week since Sokka and Katara had left, the time spent apart seemingly longer. Worry constantly plagued Aang that Dakku would try to attack Katara while she was there. He had complete faith that she would be able to fight him off, but what if she was kidnapped again? What if he was even crueler than Zanui? He was getting anxious again, wanting to hold her in his arms again to quell it. Appa grunted and Aang nearly bended himself off in excitement. The village had come into sight, the sky bison beginning to circle as he descended. A few guards stationed at the gates shuffled through the snow to greet him.
"Avatar Aang, good to see you again. How was the journey?" One asked as he landed on the ground, preparing to guide Appa to his shelter.
"There's a major storm moving this way, I managed to get ahead of it, but it will probably be here within a few hours or so." Aang scratched Appa's head before handing over the reins. "Do you happen to know where Chief Hakoda is?"
The guards shared an uneasy look. "He is currently in his office, but Master Katara and Sokka should be at Kanna's residence."
"Is everything all right?" Aang had the sneaking suspicion something had happened, and it didn't settle well with him.
"It's best if you speak with the Chief first, Avatar. We were instructed not to tell you anything regarding the matter." The second guard said sympathetically.
"Ah, sure. Could you make sure Appa gets some extra treats? He worked hard to get through the storm."
"Of course, Avatar Aang." The first guard bowed before guiding the bison away.
Aang quickly made his way through the center of the village, waving to those excited to see him. Chief Hakoda's office came into view and he tried to restrain himself from running to it. As he turned a corner he collided with something and landed hard on his backside in the snow.
"I'm so sorry, I wasn't—"
"Aang?"
Aang looked up to see Sokka standing over him rubbing his nose tenderly. "Sokka?"
"You finally made it! About time, Katara's been driving me crazy lately." Extending a hand, the warrior pulled his friend up. "She's been helping Malina with wedding preparations and all that."
"Is everything alright here? The guards seemed a little…hesitant to tell me." Aang asked as he brushed the snow from his air nomad robes.
"Not here," Sokka interrupted, grabbing him by the arm and dragging him away from the office. "We sent a messenger hawk a few days ago, but had we known you were already on your way we would've waited."
Aang remained quiet as Sokka led him across the village, opting to check out his surroundings to fill the silent void. It was beginning to look more like the Northern Tribe every time he visited with its fancy ice buildings and modernized society. Though they still preferred the simplistic lifestyle in the South, things were definitely progressing fairly fast. He knew change was inevitable but the airbender would always remember the small, isolated village that brough him and the siblings together. The hut came into view, one of the only ice huts left in the village, and before Sokka could even reach for the door, it swung open.
"We'll need to get your dress altered, I think it's a bit too long on the bottom. You could always wear heeled boots if you didn't want to do that." Malina chatted with Katara as they shuffled from the hut, wedding supplies filling their arms. They strode right by Aang and Sokka, oblivious to their presence. "It's becoming a fashion statement in the Northern Tribe lately and all of the younger girls are getting into it."
"I think my ankles would break off if I wore heels. I'm sure we can adjust the dress up a few inches or so. We also need to—"
"Katara…" Sokka called out, the chatting women not noticing as they kept walking away. "Katara! Seriously? Right here, ya know!"
Katara finally heard him, turning to glare at him when something orange caught her eye. Quickly setting the box of stuff down, she rushed back and met Aang halfway for an embrace. "When did you get here, Aang?" Katara hugged him tightly, his warmth comforting.
"I actually just got here and ran into Sokka. Literally." Aang pulled back, smiling.
"You can have your oogies later, we've got a bigger issue to deal with right now." Sokka interjected, grabbing Katara by the arm.
"I won't interrupt your reunion, I'll catch you with you later, Katara." Malina called out as she grabbed the other box, propping it on her hip.
"Thanks!" Katara waved her off cheerily before the smile disappeared from her face. "We need to talk, let's get inside."
All three piled inside the hut, Aang and Sokka sitting in the gathering room while Katara made tea. The sound of dishes clinking inside of the kitchen filled the main room as the two men sat down. Animals skins lined the walls, floors, and furniture and Aang grimaced a bit before turning his attention to something non-animal. Sokka stoked the fire pit a bit with a tense expression on his face, something that rarely happened.
"You guys are acting really weird, what's going on?" Aang asked while they waited. "What happened?"
"Aang, this isn't easy to say—" Sokka started once he was done poking the fire, turning to explain what happened to his friend.
"I ran into Dakku." Katara cut to the chase as she emerged from the kitchen with drinks in hand. She handed Aang his, then Sokka, before removing hers from the tray and setting it aside.
"You what?" Aang blurted out, nearly dropping the cup of steaming tea. "You ran into the leader of the gang already?"
"More like at my mother's gravesite, which his underlings kindly destroyed." Katara said quietly as she sat in between them, keeping her eyes glued to her cup. "His men must have been following me or were waiting for me and I didn't notice. Malina was with me and he threatened her so she's a target now because I couldn't stop him right then and there. But I couldn't go all out, I had to protect her."
"He must be here for your father's wedding. Oruk told me it was possible he'd try something with you here." Katara looked at her boyfriend with an arched brow.
"Oruk? The man who saved me on the boat?" Aang nodded.
"He requested an audience with Zuko to give us information about Dakku and the whereabouts of their hideout. We just met with him about three days ago and I left right after when he thought Dakku would try something."
"This is bad. If he's here then it's possible he'll try something to either get us to leave him alone or he'll drag innocent people into this and turn it into a conflict. Malina being involved in this is already too much, Aang. Dad wants to have the ceremony heavily guarded." Sokka ignored his tea completely as he pulled out a piece of parchment and charcoal from his pouch. "The biggest issue is someone slipping and alerting Dakku or his undercover men that we know he could be up to something, putting the whole mission in jeopardy. We've told dad not to do that because it'll draw too much attention. Is Zuko coming here?"
"No, he's wrapped up with politics again. Plus his advisors have him under lock and key after the Black Cliffs incident." Aang sipped on the now warm drink, small tendrils of heat wafting away from the cup. "I told him I could handle it if anything went wrong."
"I wasn't able to get a look at him but he's a powerful waterbender. If Malina hadn't been behind me I would've been able to cast him out to sea. He tried to do what Zanui did, back in the bay with the women on the boat." Katara narrowed her eyes. "Before I could even think, I ran over to her and used my body as a shield. All I saw was the image of Zanui cornering me in the cavern, the same flames headed towards Malina. I didn't want her to go through what I did."
"Sweetie," Aang reached out and grasped her hand, squeezing it firmly.
"I know you've been having the nightmares again, Katara." Sokka pointed out as he stopped writing, eyes darting to her slightly unsettled face. "Ever since that night, you've been crying out in your sleep and it takes a while for me or dad to wake you up. I also know there are other nights you're too afraid to go back to sleep, so you just wander around dad's house or outside."
"That fight triggered something in my mind and it's all I see at night now, even when I don't sleep. I can't stop them." Katara set her cup down carefully, slender fingers hesitating around the handle. "Talking to mom helped a little, but all I see now when I go there is the damage done to her gravesite and Dakku attacking. If it's not that, then it's Zanui attacking. I should be healed by now."
"Healing from extreme trauma can take a long time, Katara, I still have nightmares about the night I left the Air Temple and became trapped in the ocean." Aang added softly. "Meditating or keeping yourself occupied helps but there are certain things that could trigger the trauma."
"I'm just afraid something will happen in the middle of a fight. If someone got hurt because of that…"
"We won't let that happen, I promise. We'll be there with you." Sokka grabbed her free hand, holding it tightly. "We won't let what happened in the caverns happen again."
"Thank you, both of you." Katara whispered with a small smile, pulling them both in for a hug. "What would I do without you two?"
"Probably have been eaten by something with a lot of teeth."
"Really, Sokka? You just had to ruin the moment."
"Specialty of mine. Sokka, ruiner of oogie moments!"
"I thought oogies only applied to kissing?" They separated and Katara looked at her brother oddly.
"Oogies, dear sister, apply to anything I find mushy. Like you two kissing, emotional group hugs, you two kissing."
"Sokka, you said kissing twice." Aang pointed out.
"I know, it gives me the most oogies." Sokka shrugged and Katara rolled her eyes. "Alright, we need to get down to business now. We need to go over everything we know. Katara, since you've already met the big boss, you start."
"Dakku mentioned that Zanui was working separate from him, meaning he had created his own gang of sorts and was using him for his name and influence most likely. It's odd, though, because he mentioned they don't kill people."
"Maybe Zanui didn't like the rules he was forced to follow if he created his own gang." Aang tossed in.
"That's the thing, Aang, Dakku acted like selling and trading women wasn't what they did. He got irritated when I assumed he was doing the same thing as Zanui but never said what they do." Katara chewed on the corner of her lip, trying to puzzle everything together.
"One thing Oruk told me not to do was make him angry. Did he get that way when he confronted you?"
"Apart from getting irritated, it was nothing compared to Zanui. I just wish I could have seen his face."
"He should have a scar across his right eye from when he was younger, a polar bear dog attack caused it. Muscular build, Water Tribe native."
"I couldn't see his face, but he was definitely built stronger than the others." Katara finally took another sip of tea, relishing in the warmth. "A strong waterbender as well, we were nearly evenly matched. If Malina hadn't been there, I could've taken him down."
"Hold on, hold on, I can't write that fast!" Sokka complained as he grabbed more paper, shoving the full ones aside to dry. "We need to have notes, so we don't forget anything!"
"Sokka, most of us can remember important information like this. For now, we need to plan if Dakku is going to attack during the ceremony. We only have a few more days until it happens." Katara finished her tea and stood to grab the kettle.
The front door suddenly opened and Hakoda walked in, blinking in surprise at the newcomer. "Aang, good to see you again. I wasn't sure when you would show up."
"Chief Hakoda, how have things been going with the Northern negotiations?" Aang quickly stood, bowing.
"No need for formalities, we're all family here." Hakoda waved off the bow as he shrugged out of his coat. "Things are…not great, but they're not terrible. There are still some kinks to work out though they seem to be moving in the right direction. We had a shipment of building supplies and goods delivered a few days ago which will help us brace for the incoming storm. Did you see it on the way here?"
"Appa and I barely beat it even with a lot of airbending. It should be hitting by late tonight judging by the strong winds." Hakoda grimaced.
"That's what I was afraid of. We may have to post-pone the ceremony then. Massive storm systems like that can force the village to shut down for at least a few weeks. Technically, every guest is here, even the one's from the Northern Tribe."
"Then we'll hold it early! You shouldn't have to cancel it just because of a storm!" Sokka slapped his charcoal down, another plan already formulating in his mind. "Gather everyone tonight at the recreation center, we'll have everything ready."
"Sokka, are you insane? There's so many things we have to get done before the ceremony! Alterations need done, decorations, food, ensuring the alter is set up." Katara listed off, planting her hand on her hip. "If that storm is expected to show up soon we'd have to get everything done within a few hours or so."
"We can do it, Katara," Aang joined in, excitement radiating on his face. "You handle what Malina needs, Sokka and I will take care of the rest. Just meet us at the location when you're done."
"Team Avatar is back in action! C'mon, Aang, we've got a party to plan!" Sokka quickly shoved his coat back on before grabbing Aang and flying out the door.
"Well, I was going to have some more tea, but that's not happening." Katara chuckled, turning to take the pot back into the kitchen. "I'll head out to help Malina with what she needs. Do you need anything, dad?"
"No, I'll be alright, Katara. I wanted to ask…how do you really feel about this? I know with your mother…" Hakoda gently grabbed her shoulders. "I know Malina might seem a little rough around the edges but she means well and I know she's come to love the Southern Tribe. She thinks of both of you as her family—"
"I know, dad, we got things sorted out. It'll feel weird for a while, but Sokka and I just want you to be happy. Malina and I talked things over and she knows mom will never be forgotten or replaced. Now get going, you need to tell the rest of the village to get ready."
"So much like your mother," Hakoda pulled her close, pressing his lips against her temple. "I love you both so much. It means the world to me for you to accept Malina into the family."
"I love you too, dad." Katara waved her father out the door, sighing when it finally shut.
She didn't even know where to start with the wedding set-up, the neat schedule she had slaved over for days now ruined. Quickly setting the kettle down and ensuring the kitchen hearth was extinguished, Katara threw her coat on once more before exiting the hut. The air was frigid, as it was for most of the year, but it felt relaxing to the native as she quickly made her way towards the rec center where Malina was originally headed earlier. A bitter wind picked up and she wrapped her arms around her torso for warmth. Glancing up at the usually crystal blue skies, Katara grimaced as she saw a massive line of storm clouds slowly rolling in a good distance away. It usually never got bad during the stormy season but every once in a while a storm would be severe enough to lock down the village for a few weeks.
The streets were mostly empty, most either preparing for the storm or milling about. There wasn't much to do in the small village even with its modern advancements thanks to the Northern Tribe. Most of the inhabitants were older; their hobbies including knitting gloves, occasionally playing Pai Sho, or just sitting around talking. Katara suddenly dodged a stray snowball that flew by her face, turning to see a group of boys hiding behind a snowbank.
"I'm sorry, I don't have time to play right now! I've got to prepare for a wedding!" Katara called out, catching another one with a gloved hand.
"Oooh, Katara and Avatar Aang sitting on an igloo!" A young boy called out, throwing another snowball. "Smoochie smoochie!"
Katara sputtered, her face burning bright. "I-It's not my wedding! It's my dad's!"
"Sure it is! Your face says otherwise." Another one of the boys snickered, locked and loaded with an armful of ammo. "Aang and Katara sittin' on an igloo! You two give me the oogies!"
"Oogies? Did Sokka put you up to this? Ugh, you little brats, don't make me bend you into a snow pile." Katara threatened. She didn't have time for this with the wedding being pushed up so suddenly.
"You wouldn't dare—" The first kid abruptly became buried under a pile of snow, the other ones looking at Katara in fear, eyes wide.
"You wanna join him?" The kids quickly shook their heads, dropping their ammunitions and scrambling away.
Katara shook her head as she continued on her way, face stilling burning. They had just started dating only a few years ago! Not that it wasn't serious, both of them obviously knowing they were meant for each other, but still. Just hearing those kids say it popped an image into her head that had her face nearly bursting into flames. Of course, she had occasionally wondered what it would be like to have a wedding ceremony, as most girls did, but with having to constantly save the world the thought rarely stayed for more than a minute.
She reached the rec center faster than she realized, the bender nearly smacking straight into the door. With a grumble about those stupid boys, Katara pulled the door open and entered. There weren't too many rooms in the building as it was mainly used as a severe storm shelter, but the distinct sound of voices drew her towards the last door, light spilling through the opening.
"Malina, are you in there?" Katara called out as she neared.
"In here, Katara! Oh, you'll have to meet her, she's the sweetest person!" Malina spoke cheerfully to someone else. Katara wasn't aware anyone else would be with her.
As she pushed the door open, Malina popped into her sight while another figure was turned around, their back to her. "Has anyone told you what's going on? The wedding's been moved up to tonight since the weather is going to get bad."
"Really?! Oh no, that's means we really have to hurry now! Ah, where are my manners. Katara, I'd like you to meet my uncle, Tanek. Uncle, this is Katara, Hakoda's daughter."
"A pleasure to meet you, Tanek." Katara's smile slowly slid from face as Tanek turned around, her body going cold.
"Ah, the infamous Master Katara, what an honor." Tanek stared down at Katara with a small smile, though his eyes seemed to be sending a silent threat.
The strong build, scar going over his eye, the same deep voice. Katara couldn't tear her gaze away, her mind screeching to a halt. This wasn't a coincidence, it couldn't be. He planned this, there was no other explanation the waterbender could currently think of. The tiniest smirk appeared on his face as he extended his hand, waiting expectantly for her to shake it. She couldn't attack him here, not with Malina watching them both. If she knew…Katara slowly raised her arm up, eyes never leaving his, and clasped his hand. His skin was nearly colder than the air outside and she resisted the urge to shiver.
"I think you two will get along great! Oh, I accidentally forgot something at Kanna's place, Katara, can you get the decorations ready while I'm gone? Uncle Tanek can help you."
"No, no, it's fine, I can handle it myself." Katara quickly interjected, eyes briefly darting to Malina. "I already know what needs to be done so I'll handle it."
"Nonsense, this is my niece's wedding, I'll stay and help. Go on, Malina, grab what you need. Katara and I will be fine." Malina looked between the two before nodding with a grateful smile.
"I'll be back as soon as possible! Thank you both!"
The door shut and the two were left alone, one silently debating to knock the other into the next continent, the other staring down at her with a bored expression. Aang and Sokka were too far to call for and her father was probably running around trying to get everything set up. Katara was in a very dangerous situation with the criminal mastermind behind one of the largest underground operations corrupting the nations and there was no one to run to for help.
"I'm sensing some hostility, Katara, you should be grateful I'm allowing my niece to marry into your savage family." Dakku sniffed haughtily, crossing his arms over his chest. "If it weren't for your father's ranking, we wouldn't be in this situation right now."
"Give me one reason not to bend you to the deepest part of the ocean right now." Katara snarled, shifting back and snapping her arms up in front of her defensively.
"Because I can collapse this entire village with the snap of my fingers." He replied dully, as if he were listening to an endless political meeting. "I think you fail to see the situation you're in right now, Katara, because no matter what you try I have my full deck of cards to play."
"What are you hoping to get out of this? Power? Money? Or more women to add to your collection?"
"You're really going to do this on Malina's wedding day?" Dakku sighed, uncrossing his arms. Katara tensed and slid back. "I'm growing tired of these questions, Katara, so why don't you just go on your way and tell her something else came up before this gets messy."
"I'm guessing she doesn't know who you are, the real you and once she finds out—"
Katara felt the air rush from her lungs as she was suddenly slammed into the ground, specks of blood flying her mouth as she silently screamed. Dakku stood above her menacingly, his foot pressing down on her chest and keeping her pinned. Bringing her arms up, Katara pointed her hands at Dakku, gasping for air as she locked onto the water in his body. He immediately went rigid, his face contorting in pain as he struggled against the invisible hold. With a flick of her wrists she sent him crashing into the wall, his towering body destroying a table of decorations in the process. Katara rolled to her side, wheezing as she tried to breathe. Stars filled her vision. Wasn't there someone, anyone nearby to help?
"Impressive, I've heard of a few unique waterbenders being able to use such a technique. From what I was told that's how Zanui briefly subdued you in Ba Sing Se." Dakku grunted as he sat up, shoving crushed wedding decorations from his lap. "That is a mighty power you hold, Katara."
"You don't even know the half of it." Katara spat as she shakily sat up, pressing a hand against her aching chest. Warmth trickled past her lips and she hastily swiped it away. "There's no way you're truly related to Malina. Tell me what you're plan is."
"I think it's going to be more enjoyable for you to try and figure out what my goal is. I've heard the Avatar is in town, maybe I'll pay him a visit."
"Don't you dare lay a hand on Aang!" Katara flung her arms back up, wincing as her chest muscles strained. Dakku merely raised a brow at her pained expression, a nearly satisfied smirk gracing his features.
"Young love, such a sweet and innocent thing." He slowly stood, walking towards her heaped form. "Let me tell you this one time, Katara; stay out of my way and your friends and family won't have to suffer. I've already warned you once but you seem to be the stubborn type."
"You won't lay a single finger on them." Katara locked on again, Dakku halting mid-step. She wouldn't be able to hold onto him much longer as pain seared through her chest making it difficult to focus on her breathing. The waterbender twitched a bit as her hold slackened and she forced herself to regain control.
"Persistent brat." He spat as his body began twisting abnormally.
"You won't get away with any of this, Dakku, we'll stop you before you even leave the village."
"Katara, are you in here? We're gonna get everything set up inside this building, the storm is moving in faster than we anticipated and Aang can only air bend it away for a little while." Sokka called from the hallway, both benders instantly snapping their eyes to the door. Katara lost her hold over him in surprise and Dakku was immediately taking the chance to shift away from her. She forced herself up, stumbling into the wall before sliding down to the floor as she tried to catch her breath with pained pants. Dakku quickly eyed for an exit, a window in the far corner catching his eye.
"Don't you dare!" Katara hissed as she glared weakly at him. The waterbender didn't even have the strength to call out for help let alone fight anymore but if he got away again then it could mean the end of the village. "We're not done here, Dakku."
"We'll meet again, Katara, you can count on it." Dakku replied coldly as he threw the window open, sparing no glance back as he jumped through it and into the tundra.
"Katara—uh, was Toph here or something? It looks like a bomb went off in here!" Sokka entered the room and gawked, instantly taking notice of the destroyed table. Aang quickly noticed her slumping against the wall, her expression distressed, and hurried to her side. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth and he looked at her with wide eyes, about to ask about it when she lightly slapped a hand to her face and wiped it away.
"Are you alright? What happened, Katara?" She shook her head, panting. She had messed up majorly this time, potentially putting the entire town at risk of being blown up because she couldn't control her anger. Tears stung in her eyes and she closed her eyes in an attempt to quell them from spilling over. Leaving would have been the best option or even saying nothing at all. Oruk warned about angering the crime boss but she went and did it within the span of just a few minutes.
"Dakku…he's related to Malina." Katara rasped, rubbing at her sore chest. No doubt it would be heavily bruised tomorrow. "He's her uncle or so he says. Said he could collapse the city at any time, threatened everyone we know. We have to back off or he could hurt a lot of people, it's not worth the risk of hunting him down anymore."
"Wait, was he here just now? Did he hurt you?" Sokka strode over to his sister, gently guiding her to a chair with Aang's help. She sat down heavily and doubled over, running her hands into her thick waves before clenching the locks tightly. Her forehead pressed against her knees in an attempt to avoid looking at them.
"Nothing's broken, Sokka, but I crossed a line by threatening to tell Malina and he knocked me to the ground. I had to use it." Katara said quietly. "He gave me no choice."
"You bloodbended him," Aang whispered as it hit him, crouching down in front of her and gently grabbing her hands from her hair, holding them lightly. She was trembling the slightest bit. "You did what you had to, Katara, there's no shame in using that technique if your life is in danger."
"Where did he go? He won't get away again." Sokka growled, searching the room for other exits. He spotted the open window and ran to it, peering into the street. "There! I see tracks leading down the alley. Aang, can you do that one thing Toph does?"
"I'll try my best." Aang stood and quickly evened his breathing out before slamming his heel into the ground as Toph taught him all those years ago. He searched the immediate area, sensing multiple people milling around town. One person in particular caught his attention due to the obvious size difference between the others. They were already a good distance from the building, trailing back alleys and avoiding the main street. It would be difficult to track him down with the weather rolling in, not to mention the state Katara was currently in. "He's already too far away to catch up to."
"I can still catch him—!"
"No!" Katara cried out and her brother jerked to a stop on the windowsill before losing his balance, letting out a shout before falling face first into a snowbank. Aang rushed over to check on his friend. "We can't chase him anymore or the whole town could suffer. If you see him during the ceremony you have to pretend not to know him and you can't tell Malina!"
"Can't tell me what…Katara…" Malina re-entered the room at that moment and the words died out as she looked from the disheveled waterbender, to the table damage, at what remained of the decorations and a snow covered Sokka emerging from an open window being helped in by the Avatar. Malina simply blinked a few times before backing away slowly, closing the door quietly as she left the room in silence.
Katara dropped her head into her hands and let out a strained, "Oh, monkey feathers."
I am SO sorry for not posting this sooner. I kind of got distracted with writing other stories, which I'm bad about, and I had this chapter pretty much done but lost the motivation to spend the time to fix it properly. I will try my best to update when I can. Thanks!