A long time ago, the Avatar disappeared without a trace, and with the absence of any successor, the world was gradually thrown into chaos. Governments became unbalanced, spiritual and natural disasters spread, and war sprang everywhere.
In the face of this unprecedented crisis, Fire Lord Kuni declared that he would assemble a party to search for this Avatar, but the Earth Kingdom feared this as a prelude to more aggressive actions, and moved to subdue this threat. Amidst the chaos, two young women managed to escape, and with their allies, embarked on a long journey that would hopefully lead them to the new Avatar, the only one who could restore order to the world…
AVATAR
The Celestial Sailors
BOOK ONE: CHAOS
10: Thawing the Ice
As hospitable as the Northern Water Tribe had been, they weren't able to supply Mamoru and the girls as well as they had wanted. There were plenty of provisions to get them across the borders of the Earth Kingdom, and even into the Northern Air Temple region, but after that, they would be compelled to stop and stock up. There was some debate over where exactly they should go while Artemis flew over the ocean: they could either traverse the uncharted, unclaimed, and uncivilized Provinces before weaving their way through the foreboding Taku Ruins; or they could enter into the familiar and well-cultivated territory of the northern Air Nomads. The latter would take them to Ba Sing Se faster, and as Minako pointed out, would deliver them into the hands of air-benders, who would most certainly be sympathetic to their plight and afford them all the amenities of a guest and (distant) kinswoman. Going through the Provinces and Ruins was both longer and more dangerous. Nobody in the party, not even Usagi, had traveled through that area before, and documented towns and travel routes were both scarce and sketchy. The path seemed obvious but for one caveat:
"The Northern Air Temple is General Kunzite's nesting grounds," Minako explained. She took a deep breath and studied the group carefully to gauge their feelings. "If we're to believe what we've learned over the past few weeks, he's in league with Beryl. He's definitely working with Zoicite; the two of them have been close since they were children. I hate to say this about my own people, but if we go there, the Nomads won't hesitate to turn us over. I'm certain they're the ones who were at the tournament that day."
"That sounds reasonable," Rei murmured. "They're bordered by Ba Sing Se, and it would make sense for Kunzite and Beryl to be allies. So that's a no-go, then."
"I'd hate to take this group into unknown territory," Mamoru said, "but it sounds much less dangerous than flying into certain danger. It may be rough, and it may take us longer, but I think we should head through the Provinces and the Taku Ruins into the western border. Luckily, I have been to Ba Sing Se before, so I know my way around a little."
"Always nice to have a tour guide!" Makoto exclaimed, giving his arm a firm tap. Usagi, who was by design sitting opposite Mamoru (instead of Makoto, who was right next to him), couldn't help but feel the tiniest bit jealous. Since they had so little information on their next destination, it was decided they should land at the first available village and get their bearings there. Artemis could potentially fly there within a day, but it would be very late, so they'd have to find a place to sleep, plus the supplies would have to be restocked. There was a tiny port village waiting for them on the northern shore (no doubt trading partners with the nearby Water Tribe), so Artemis touched down on a beach and they all hopped off.
"I think we should all split off into groups of two," Mamoru said. He gathered some strands of heather and cut them, then asked that everyone draw straws. Two would get supplies, which ended up being Usagi and Rei; two would gather information, which was Ami and Minako; and two would find lodgings, which defaulted to Mamoru and Makoto.
"It's an honor, my lady," he bowed. Usagi glared indignantly as Makoto smiled at the man, linked their arms together, and marched off happy as a lark.
"What's wrong?" Rei said. For her part, she had been completely oblivious to the blossoming relationship Usagi had forged with the king's guard, at least until the episode in the Water Tribe village. While it didn't take her long to add everything up, she couldn't understand this sudden surge of emotion from her friend.
"That jerk," Usagi grumbled, grinding her teeth together, her fingers clenched tight enough to crush stone. Rei was still puzzled.
"What jerk? Do you mean Mamoru? What did he do?"
"Nothing! It's fine, all right? Let's just forget about him and move on!" Rei felt herself being forcefully jerked away, her protests going unheeded. They didn't stop until they reached a small marketplace, where a fish vendor and a vegetable merchant were loudly barking for customers. Both men shirked into silence as Usagi stormed up to them and slammed the last of her Water Tribe coins on their stalls.
"Gimme everything ya got!" she spat. While the two men scurried, Rei pried herself from Usagi's grip (rubbing her poor wrist in amazement at the blonde's surprising strength) and confronted her.
"Usagi, what has gotten into you? Why are you so upset?"
"Urgh, I don't wanna talk about it!" she exclaimed, taking her anger out on the ground as she stomped her foot. Rei glared patiently.
"Usagi, we can't start this trip like this. Harboring all this anger isn't good for anybody. If you're upset with somebody, or something, you should resolve it at once." Usagi was content to simmer, however, at least until the vendors started piling up their wares. They got away with two baskets full of food that would certainly keep them for the rest of their trip, and because Usagi still wanted to blow off some steam, she carried them both.
"Usagi," Rei said firmly, touching her shoulder. Usagi stopped. Rei sighed, bent down, and took one of the baskets, literally and symbolically sharing in her friend's burden. "You're my friend, Usagi. You're clumsy, irrational, overly-sensitive, and stubborn, but you're my friend—probably the first real friend I've ever had. Tell me what's wrong. If you don't, I'll just keep pestering you." Usagi let out a huff, but she also relaxed a little. In the far distance, she could spot Mamoru and Makoto, no longer linked up but still attached, and quite at ease with each other.
"He called her 'his lady'," she growled. Rei stiffened, bewildered.
"So?"
"Never mind. Forget it."
"Usagi!" Rei reached out as Usagi marched off. She let go of her burden, crossing her arms.
"That's what he called me, too."
"I still don't see the problem, Usagi. I mean, I get that you like him and all..."
"I don't like him," she insisted. "Not anymore. And I don't like Makoto, either."
"Now that's just unfair, Usagi—and a little childish, too, don't you think?" There was a long pause—long enough for Usagi to watch as Mamoru and Makoto found a place to stay, and walked in. Together.
"Just look at them," she grumbled. Rei was starting to lose her patience.
"Oh, grow up, Usagi! There is so much more at stake here than...whatever imaginary love triangle you've got going on inside your head. Did it ever cross your mind that maybe Mamoru's just being polite, and he treats all women—all people like that?" Usagi trembled, and a darkness formed in her eyes.
"So...he only treated me like that to be polite, did he? It didn't mean anything."
"That's not what I..." Rei sighed as her patience finally snapped. "You know what, I'm done with this. I'm going to take these supplies over to that hotel by myself. Come talk to me when you've finished acting like a selfish fool." Rei grabbed both baskets, and though she found them excessively heavy (again surprised by how strong Usagi could be when her emotions were in control), she was determined to haul them all the way to the inn. Something compelled her to stop halfway, though, and look back to see if any change had come over her friend. Usagi looked torn between anger and grief.
"It wasn't Makoto he protected from that arrow, Usagi, and it wasn't Makoto he wanted by his side while he was recovering. And I don't believe anybody could make him as happy as you do. The things he does for you...I don't even think he'd do for Princess Unazuki. But those are just my thoughts, for what they're worth." She turned around and trudged on for a few more steps. Eventually the load in her right arm was lightened as a second pair of hands relieved her of it. Rei smiled over at her friend, and Usagi prodigally smiled back.
They arrived at the inn, but before they went inside, Rei had to know one more thing:
"You don't really hate them, do you?" Usagi took a deep breath. A bit of crystal fell on her face as the clouds opened up into a snowfall.
"Of course I don't. I'm just being stupid and childish. I really like them both."
Rei smiled, the door was opened, and their burdens were relinquished by an eager porter.
…...
Minako was quite pleased at the prospect of spending the day with the newest addition to their team. Ami had already proven herself to be a first-class healer and a cunning warrior, but it was her bravery in volunteering for this mission that interested Minako the most. At the moment, however, she seemed distant and forlorn. Minako chalked it up to the ordeal of leaving home for the first time and being thrown out into the world with a group of strangers, facing deadly and perhaps insurmountable perils. She wasn't incorrect, but Ami was mostly envious of Mamoru. Minako was an acceptable companion by all accounts, but she had wanted some "alone time" with Makoto. Whenever she spotted the two of them—and the village was small enough to allow several instances of this—she forgot herself and stared wistfully at the other girl. Minako was usually too busy chatting up the locals to notice—she had a way of easing herself into people's hearts—but she did eventually catch on that Ami's mind wasn't on her job. Minako studied her curiously in silence for a time, long enough for Ami to break out of her reverie and notice she was being watched. She blushed, and without saying a word, crept off. Minako decided to ply her charms where they were needed the most.
"It's pretty overwhelming, isn't it? This whole journey. It's enough to make anyone feel nervous." Ami jerked a little and stuttered.
"Hm? Ah, y-yes." Minako laughed cheerfully.
"I travel a lot, so I'm used to it, but I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through. Have you seriously never left the Water Tribe?"
"N-no, not even once. I've lived and studied there all my life."
"Wow. That sort of thing blows my mind. It's probably a cultural thing, cuz' Rei doesn't seem to be the traveling type, either. Then again, Makoto's been around a lot, and Usagi's been on the road ever since she was born. I guess it takes all kinds."
Ami just nodded. So, Makoto had seen the world. Just the thought of it seemed so romantic and exotic...
"Well," Minako continued, "this is the first time any of us have been in this corner of the world, so you're not alone in that. We're all the proverbial sparrow-turtle out of water."
Doesn't she mean "sparrow-fish"? Ami chuckled to herself a little, which helped ease the tension. Thinking about fish being out of water led her to dwell on the sign she had been born under, the Wise Salmon. According to the story, the hero could only speak to the Salmon after, surprise, fishing for it, and only after a considerable amount of patience and perseverance. Ami had taken the moral of the story to heart ever since the day she heard it.
"Of course," Minako resumed, unaware of the musings of her companion, "I've never been to Ba Sing Se, either—and come to think of it, I haven't even been to the Northern Air Temple! Ha! Can you imagine, an Air-Bender who's never been to an air temple?" Minako chuckled at the strangeness but became serious just as quickly. "I am familiar with Kunzite, though. He's one of the greatest air-benders of our age. You know, he became a General during one of the conflicts that arose after the last Avatar's disappearance. The eastern Earth Kingdom was in a state of civil war, and the Northern Air Temple was trapped right in the middle. Kunzite's efforts helped settle a lot of problems, and I guess that impressed Beryl. They became allies and united all of the eastern kingdom. I suppose they saw Fire Lord Kuni's actions as just another threat."
Ami nodded thoughtfully. She knew most of this, having studied a great deal of history, but had never heard it from an outside perspective. Minako noticed her silence and peered closer, smiling again.
"I'm sorry, am I talking too much? People tell me I do that sometimes."
"Ah, no, no, of course not! I, I mean, I'm sorry if...I seem distant, it's just..."
"I get'cha," Minako winked. "All this sudden change is overwhelming. Take your time getting used to things. And don't be afraid to tell me when I'm talking too much. My mouth has a bad habit of getting me in trouble sometimes!" She chuckled, and Ami said she didn't mind. She was an observer, a student, one who felt more at ease when she was listening. Minako just shook her head, awed at how different they were. There must be some common ground where they could break all this ice and start a friendship...
"So," she purred mischievously, "got a boyfriend back home?"
Ami blushed hotly and vehemently shook her head. Minako raised her eyebrow.
"Hmm...interesting. So, between Mamoru or Motoki, who would you date?"
The blushing intensified.
"Um, I-I don't think the king and I would make a very good couple, a-and...besides, I barely know either of them."
"Yeeeaaaah," Minako sang, "sooo? If there were no rules and you could choose one..." Ami started to perspire, glancing away as she briefly considered it. She knew perfectly well who she'd choose but didn't have the courage to reveal it.
"Uh...I don't think I'd pick either one. I...I'm not very good at...that sort of thing. Uh, so, who would you, um, ch-choose?" Minako didn't really seem content with the answer, but neither could she give one of her own.
"Hmm...Mamoru, I suppose. I mean, Motoki's like a brother to me, and besides, he already has a wife, sort of."
"Then why did you suggest him?" Ami blurted. Minako laughed dismissively.
"Hey, I said no rules, didn't I? So is there someone else, then?" Ami froze in her tracks, drawing into herself as she debated what to say. Her head seemed to nod of its own accord.
"I...I'd rather not say who it is, though," she whispered. "Not yet, at least." Minako's salacious grin slowly turned into a soft, sweet expression, and she was content to let it be. As they made their way through the village, it began to snow. Minako twirled her finger, stirring a gentle breeze that caused the falling flakes to dance. Ami watched with a serene expression. She extended her hands, and the flakes settled on her fingers, slowly stacking to form a much bigger crystal. She then threw it into the air, where it was caught in Minako's current and exploded into powder.
…...
Makoto took up cooking duty almost immediately while Mamoru scouted around the area. He met up with Minako and Ami, who filled him in on all the information and advice they had gleaned from the locals. While they were all loyal to Beryl, they preferred to stay away from war and politics, content with their isolation. They certainly weren't going to go looking for any fugitives from the Fire Nation, or people on the run from General Zoicite, and just so long as nobody caused any trouble, nobody was going to turn anyone in, either. Mamoru was glad to hear that; it seemed coming here was the right thing to do, after all. It was getting darker and colder, so they all went inside, where the fragrant aroma of cooking meat, noodles, and vegetables permeated the air.
"Mmm, that smells heavenly," Ami sighed. She grinned shyly at the chef and asked, "Um, if you need any water, I could get some."
"That would be great, thanks. Rei, could you help with the fire? I need it to burn at a specific temperature. There's plenty of wood over there. Mina, set the table."
"I could help in the kitchen, too," she insisted. Makoto gave her a look and deftly flipped a butcher's knife.
"Oh, do you want to?" Minako paled, remembering the last time she had tried to cook.
"So that's six places at the table, then. Oh, Rei, Usagi, did you remember to get anything for Artemis?"
"Yeah, there should be a few extra baskets of food in the stable. One of the vendors had way too many radishes, so we got them at a really great price."
"Oh, that's...convenient, I guess. Could you take care of him, please? I'm a little busy here." Usagi agreed and set off towards the stable, but Rei drew Minako aside and whispered something in her ear. Minako nodded and called out to Usagi, "Actually, never mind that! Artemis gets super picky about who feeds him sometimes! You can set the table, right, and also maybe help Makoto in the kitchen, or just talk to her, I guess." With that enigmatic statement, she grinned and rushed off, leaving some people confused. Rei nudged Usagi gently, nodding at the kitchen. Usagi steeled herself and, after setting a few plates, utensils, and cups, entered shyly and got Makoto's attention.
"Need any help?"
"Not really, but thanks. The hotel was pretty generous with their pots and pans. Heh, I'll have to pay them back with some firewood after this." Usagi smiled feebly, but that wasn't the reason she had needed to speak with the other girl.
"Um...listen, Makoto...I feel like I should apologize to you."
"Hmm? Why's that?" Usagi fidgeted as Makoto negotiated her way around several spices and oils.
"Because I... When I saw you with Mamoru earlier, I...got jealous, and...it was stupid of me, so..."
"Jealous?" she scoffed. "What for?"
"Well, he... You know what, it doesn't matter. I just felt...jealous, and I...really want to apologize."
"Um, okay," Makoto shrugged, still very unclear on the matter. It suddenly occurred to her that Usagi liked Mamoru—as in, she really liked him. "Oh—oh! Oh, Usagi, I...I'm so sorry if I made you feel that way. I promise that I don't feel that way about him at all."
"I know," she murmured. "B-besides, you said you were...arranged to be married, weren't you? I...I mean, I just thought..." Makoto laughed.
"I'm not getting married to Mamoru, bun-head! We just see each other from time to time."
"You do? So you knew each other from before?"
"Yeah," Makoto stated, as if that were the most obvious thing. "We live in the same city, remember?"
"I...I know," Usagi stuttered, "I just didn't think you...knew each other. I'm sorry." She hung her head, dejected. Makoto hated seeing her so crestfallen.
"Usagi, I haven't known you for very long, but it's obvious that Mamoru likes you. Like, super obvious. Even if I wasn't in an arranged marriage, I'd never get in the way of a friend's romance." She winked warmly, causing Usagi to smile and cry just a little. She went in to hug Makoto, and was glad to get an embrace in return. It broke off very abruptly as smoke filled the air.
"Ack, my radishes! Whew! I hope you don't mind your veggies a little burned, Usagi!"
"That's okay," she laughed. "If I won't eat them, I'm sure Artemis will!"
During the course of dinner, in which everyone (even Usagi) got their fill, and everyone (especially Usagi) complimented to no end, Ami and Minako shared what they had learned from the locals. Aside from lucking out and landing in an area that generally didn't care who they were and what they did, the locals pointed them in the direction of several other villages scattered across the Provinces that they could stop at if they needed to. This part of the world, as it turned out, was regarded (some said revered) as a cultural backwater, a wide expanse of land far and away from city life, spared from all the war and conflict that had besieged the rest of the Earth Kingdom, and most of the world, these past few decades. There was, simply put, nothing here, just agrarian settlers and the occasional odd adventurer or explorer who had gotten lost in the Taku Ruins.
Ah, the Taku Ruins. That was a completely different matter. Nobody talked about the Taku Ruins, partly because nobody ever went there, and partly because nobody knew anything about them. There were villagers who had knowledge of the Northern Tribes, of the neighboring Air Temple, of "far away" Wulong Forest or the Crystal Catacombs or the Great Divide—but nobody, nobody had a word to say about the Taku Ruins, except "don't go there".
"Ominous," Makoto whispered.
"I know, right?" Minako exclaimed. "I kinda wanna go there!"
"Obviously we're not!" Ami retorted. She looked around, nervously noticing that only Usagi shared her caution. "Uh, right?" Mamoru crossed his arms, staring bleakly.
"We may not have a choice. Going through that area would be the fastest way of reaching our destination, shy of hurtling into Kunzite's territory or taking the long way."
"I'll vote for the long way!" Usagi said, thrusting her hand up. Mamoru's countenance didn't change.
"That would mean we'd head south, into the Makapu mountains, which are inhospitable on foot or the air. We'd then have to cross over the Great Divide, or through it, before making our way through the Serpent's Pass. It's a delay of a week at least, and I for one wish to confront Beryl before she, her allies, or anyone acting in their name can cause more harm." Usagi grumbled, but she couldn't argue with facts. If given the choice between one peril or three, she'd choose the lesser.
"I'm afraid he's right, Usagi," Ami said. She noticed that, in spite of Minako's enthusiasm, she and everyone else were troubled by this prospect, and tried to cheer them up. "I'm sure we'll be fine! We have benders from all corners of the world here, the Captain of the Tellurians, a great navigator, and an excellent air-bison on our side. From what I've heard, you all have already been through a lot. If we can get through the Taku Ruins, we could get through anything."
Both Makoto and Minako grinned at Ami's surprising optimism, and everyone felt a little better. They agreed that it was the best course of action, and decided to head south the following morning. Nobody was able to sleep well, though. Ami's rallying encouragement and faith in her new friends was nice and all, but it didn't dismiss the fact that nobody knew anything about what awaited them the next morning, and any attempts to learn more had only resulted in disquieting silence.
In short, there was only one way to find out—and it wasn't going to be pretty.
The end of "Thawing the Ice"
Next time: "Shadow Conspiracies"
