Rhythm of the Rain
Chapter Eight
By DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.
Her hands tightened around the letter in her hands. Blue eyes widened as she stared at the young earthbender just a few paces from her. They squinted, unsure if she had heard correctly. "Haru..." she said in a soft, trembling voice."What did you say?"
"Will you come to the Earth Kingdom with me?" he repeated, a little quieter. His eyes stayed on hers, trying to get his thoughts across in silence. The waterbender's mouth dropped slightly, speechless.
Behind the make-up she was still wearing, Katara's face began to heat up. Was he asking what she thought he was asking? She began to take shallow breaths, her heart quickening as she clutched Zuko's invitation and Iroh's letter tightly against her. Her eyes broke contact with his and she looked down at the ground. "Haru...Do you know what you're asking?" she asked quietly.
"I know you said you're needed here," he began. "And that this is your home. But when I asked you to come with us last time we met, I meant it."
Stop it, Haru...we're just friends. "Haru, I don't think-"
"Please just think about it," Haru pleaded. "We need you. We've regained the village, but a few months and repossessed property doesn't stop the tension between the Earth Kingdom citizens and the Fire Nation ex-patriots."
Katara's eyes widened. Her head snapped and her gaze locked with his. "Wait...what did you say?"
"That we need you. My village needs you," Haru explained. He paused, taking in the slightly surprised look on Katara's face. Slowly, his eyes widened and a heated blush rose. "Katara, I didn't mean to imply that I you should come to be with me!" She furrowed her eyebrows and Haru groaned, embarrassed. "I mean...what I meant to say was that I'm asking you to come as a favor to a friend."
Oh, thank the gods... Katara's tension all but faded as she closed her eyes and let out a relieved sigh. "Oh...for a second there...I thought..." She trailed off, laughing weakly.
"Yeah," Haru said. He lifted his hand and rubbed the back of his neck, trying not to look too disappointed. "Um...what I meant to ask was if you'll return with me to help with the rising tension," He glanced back at her, hopefully. "So...will you come?"
Katara released a deep, thoughtful breath. She lifted her hand and motioned towards the house. "Let's talk inside," she told him. "I want to know what's going on."
Haru nodded and followed her into her family's house. She sat in front of a fire ring and reached over to light it as Haru sat across from her. She put her things beside her. As soon as the fire was going, Katara turned to look at him.
"So what exactly is going on?" Katara asked.
Haru stared into the fire, a sad expression on his face. "When we retook our villages, there were already several Fire Nation families settling there. In some cases, there were families that had been there for years. They want to stay."
Katara tilted her head to the side. "So what's the problem? If they're not starting any trouble..."
Haru looked up at her. "But the villagers...they don't want them there. A lot of them are merchants and wives of soldiers that were once stationed else where. The villagers don't want them there and interfering with their lives."
"Have they done anything wrong?"
"No," Haru shook his head. "A lot of them left when we took back the villages, but some still wanted to stay. There are some children who've never been to the Fire Nation. The Earth Kingdom has always been there home and they like it here."
"And the Earth Kingdom villagers are driving them out?"
"I'm ashamed to say it, but yes," Haru frowned. "I hate the Fire Kingdom for what they've done to me and my father and the other earthbenders. I hate the taxes that they've put on my people for years. I hate the fear and the oppression they caused."
Katara looked down. She hated those things, too. She hated what the war did to her people...they were almost decimated. And Aang's people...
"But," Haru continued. "I don't think they should take out their anger and frustration on those Fire Nation people."
"That's not only happening in your village and area, Haru," Katara said softly. She pulled her knees up to her chest. "While I was at the Fire Palace, that was one of the things I kept hearing about. When the soldiers pulled out, the citizens of the Fire Nation that were abroad were left defenseless and at the mercy of the people they once conquered. There have been...explosions of violence in some places. Aang has been traveling to those areas specifically to try to pacify the groups. Zuko has been trying to send reparations to those areas and coax the citizens back to the Fire Nation..."
"Isn't there anything we can do?" Haru asked quietly.
Katara closed her eyes and pressed her head against her knees. She thought for a moment. A resigned breath escaped her. "There is no easy answer."
Haru lowered his head. He closed his eyes and tried to hide his disappointment. "I understand..." he mumbled."Thank you, anyway, Katara."
She looked up as she heard him shifting in front of him. Haru stood up and Katara narrowed her eyes, determined. "But that doesn't mean we can't try to make things better. Things won't go back to the way it was before the war in our lifetime, Haru. But we can make it better for those that live after we die. It's the least we can do, right?"
Haru nodded slowly. "I guess after several generations of war, it only seems natural hate your enemies."
"They're not our enemies any more," Katara told him. She stood up and picked up her things. She paused and looked back at him. "Did I ever tell you how it was like in the infirmary?"
"No..." Haru said. "Just that you worked there practically every day."
Katara nodded. "I was on the receiving end of their bias and hate. It wasn't a good feeling. But every day I went back to help them."
Haru stared at her. "Why? If they hated you and made you feel bad, why did you go back?"
"Because I'm a healer. It doesn't matter who you are, if you need help, I will try to give it you. If I stopped just because of some name calling, what would that have done?" Katara asked. "Anyway, I'll talk to the others...see if we can give it a shot. Maybe Aang can come. He's the Avatar, after all. They might listen more to him than they would to us."
"Actually...the reason I came to ask you specifically is because the earthbenders that you helped free from the floating metal prison hold you in high esteem. I thought that if anyone could talk to them, you could." he admitted shyly.
Katara's lips curled into a warm smile. "Then there is no way I can say no, is there?" she chuckled. She gave Haru a small bow. "I'll talk to my father and the others tomorrow."
"So, you'll come?" Haru asked, eagerly. Katara nodded. A relieved look filled his face as he crossed the room and gathered Katara in his arms. "Thank you, Katara! Thank you so-"
"Haru..." Katara stiffened in his grasp as a low, dangerous voice filled the room. Her eyes drifted over to the door. Sokka stood there, fuming as he lifted his boomerang. "You die now!"
"Sokka, no!" Suki yelled.
"Hold him down!" Toph and Aang chorused as they tackled him.
Katara shoved Haru away and looked at him. "I think now would be a good time for you to run."
"Good idea." he smiled and thanked her once more before running out the door, practically leaping over the dog piled Sokka.
"I'll get you!" Sokka shouted, his voice muffled under the two young benders. His hand was gripping his boomerang as he flailed it without success. "When you least expect it!"
"His Royal Highness, Fire Lord Zuko!" Two rows of tables on either side of the dining hall were lined with young woman. As the doors at the back of the room opened, the young women stood up and bowed their heads.
A young man walked in, dressed in rich fabrics of red and gold. His hair was pulled back and tied in a knot as the Fire Nation emblem headpiece stood proudly within it. Silently, the normally stoic young leader crossed the room and headed for an elevated table at the front. He took his seat at the table reserved solely for him and gave a nod of his head.
The young women sat down. "Good evening to you all," Zuko said. A few girls sighed at the sound of his voice and Zuko suppressed an annoyed roll of his eyes. "I would like to thank you joining me for dinner. You have been here for a month and I have come to personally seek your thoughts on the system. As was stated in the introduction ceremony, the quality of instruction is very important. Therefore, if you have any comments, please do not hesitate to tell me."
A series of murmurs thanking him for his generosity echoed through the room. Zuko looked to his side and gave a nod of his head. Servants swarmed in from nearly unseen side doors. Platters of food were in their hands as they brought them to the tables and placed them before the young women. Zuko had his own private little buffet placed in front him.
As he began eating, the young women followed in place, casually talking amongst themselves while Zuko ate in silence. He kept his ears open to their conversations, trying to pick up any complaints about the instruction. He mostly heard pointless chattering about him and how attractive he was in person. Flattering, but really pointless. As soon as he finished his meal, he looked over the side and gave a nod to the clerk standing there and waiting his orders.
In a low voice, Zuko gave him some instructions and he clerk nodded and rushed off. He looked back at the group before him. "May I have your attention," he commanded rather than asked. The girls went silently and immediately turned their attention to him. "In the month you have been here, you have all been given classes on music, arts, and literature as well as the history of our great Nation.
"However, on the recent progress reports I've been receiving from the instructors, some of the students are not up to par with the required curriculum. Which is strange," Zuko added casually. "Considering that all your applications stated that you at least played one instrument."
He could feel the tension in the air rise as he leaned back against his chair. "Fire Lord," the clerk bowed as he scurried out and handed Zuko a parchment. "The list you requested."
Zuko nodded his head and took the parchment. "This is a list of all the students currently taking Master Pa's music class. His class is currently learning the 'Epic of the Fire Nation', a twenty minute long piece. Personally, it is my favorite of the epic ballads."
Across the room, the doors opened and two guards rolled in a cart filled with instruments. Several gasps went through the room. "My erhu!" someone gasped.
"Where did they find my guqin?"
"I hope no one touched the mouth piece of my flute...eww..."
"It would please me greatly, as well as show your peers, how you have mastered the ballad. I believe that at the Royal Fire Academy For Girls, mastering and performing the piece was a requirement to passing the music class, therefore this should be a rather simple task," Zuko looked down at the list. "Will the students of Master Pa's class please step forward and get their instrument."
Eight girls stood up and nervously approached the cart. Servants put thick cushions in the center of the dining hall for the girls to sit on while they performed. Mai was among them, Zuko noticed. He knew she knew how to play. Azula had a habit of snatching Mai's flute from her mouth and throwing it into the fountain whenever Azula couldn't play as well. Which was often.
This time, Mai reached for a small stringed instrument and calmly took a seat on a cushion. Her face remained bored looking as she held up a bow and took the first position. Five other girls took their positions, two of them taking a little longer as they had larger instruments. Two other girls sat behind the first row of girls.
As soon as they were all settled Zuko gave a nod of his head for them to begin. Mai closed her eyes and drew her bow across the thin strings of the instrument as a melody rose. Zuko watched with critical eyes. He'd specifically chosen the Epic because he was familiar with it. He could tell who was faking and who wasn't. The three girls playing wind instruments knew what they were doing. So did the two girls playing the guqin and the pipa. But the last two girls in the back were looking around nervously, their hands merely floating over the pipa and erhu.
"Stop," Zuko raised his hands and the girls' music slowly came to a halt. A few murmurs went through the girls that were still seated and Zuko stood up. "You two in the back. Why are you not playing?" His eyes narrowed suspiciously at them.
The girl who was holding the pipa looked around nervously. Everyone avoided her eyes. A shadow fell over them and she looked up at the Fire Lord. Her lips trembled and finally, she dropped the instrument and started crying. "I'm sorry, my lord! I'm sorry!"
The corner of Zuko's eye twitched slightly. Why is she crying? I'm not going to kill her. "What is the meaning of this? Why can't you play?"
"I don't know how to play an instrument!" she bawled. Zuko held back a cringe. "I'm sorry, Lord Zuko!"
"Did your family lie on your application?" She shook her head from side to side.
"No," she struggled. "I was rejected, but my cousin was accepted. Our grandfather believes that I'm more beautiful than she, so he sent me in my cousin's place."
"And why would he do that?" Zuko asked, trying not to sound too harsh. His Uncle would condemn him for making girls cry.
"Because...because...he said that you would want a beautiful wife!" Zuko gritted his teeth. "So he sent me here instead of my cousin!"
So he had been right. Things had been switched around under his nose. The very thought of being tricked gnawed at him, but he would take care of it. Nothing spelled punishment like shame. "And you," Zuko said turning sharply to the other girl. "Why can't you play." he demanded.
The other girl lifted her erhu. "My strings are broken, my lord."
"I see..." Zuko frowned. "Since when?"
"I don't know, my lord, but I believe someone broke them." she replied calmly.
"Who exactly do you think broke them? Perhaps it was an accident."
"No," she insisted. Her eyes rose and glared at the back of Mai's head. "The other day, I accidentally knocked her flute to the ground. So she broke the strings of my instrument."
"well...then an exchange is in order," Zuko's hardened eyes. He looked back at Mai. "Mai," She was actually the only one of them he knew by name. "Switch instruments with her."
Without protesting, the quiet young woman turned around and handed her instrument to the other girl. The other girl glared at her and Mai glared back. "Please grace us with your playing," Mai said calmly, knowing full well the girl had little or no musical experience.
The other girl paled. "All right," Zuko said. "I'd like to hear you play," The girl nodded and lifted up her chin. She drew the bow across the strings and Zuko's glare only intensified. She was absolutely horrible. It sounded as if she were just learning. Half way through the second minute, he raised his hand to stop her, gaining looks of relief from those who had to listen. "I would like to speak to you later on."
Instead of looking crestfallen, she smirked to herself and bowed her head. "Yes, my lord."
"And you," The forgotten girl that admitted her position looked up, still teary eyed and looking fearful. "You are not to blame for your grandfather's decision." His words seemed to calm her down greatly as she closed her eyes and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Fire Lord."
"However," he continued. "As you did not meet our requirements, you will be removed from the system and sent home at the end of the week. It will give you time to gather your belongings. As for your grandfather, I will contact him with the expulsion notice."
She closed her eyes, ashamed. "I understand..."
"And since you had the honor to come forward and admit to the farce, I will extend an invitation to your cousin," Zuko told her. For a moment, she looked up at him, confused. Then a thankful smile graced her face as she bowed deeply once more and thanked him profusely. Zuko then turned to the rest of the young women. "I have sent out progress reports to each of your families. Those that are not performing as expected will be sent home if they do not improve. You have until the end of the week to meet our expectations, otherwise you will be sent home. A new applicant will be invited and they will not necessarily be from the same family. It is an honor and a privilege to be chosen to come here. All we expect is that you meet our expectations for the good of the nation."
Several girls suddenly looked panic stricken as Zuko sent a warning glare towards all of them. Iroh, who had been sitting to the side, unseen by the girls nodded. He is proving to be a good, just ruler. If not a bit on the showy side...
"You," Zuko turned and fixed his cold glare on the other young woman who couldn't play her instrument for her life. "Follow me," he said in a low voice. He looked back at the girls. "Thank you for your company this evening. You are all excused for the night." He gave them a subtle bow of his head and then headed out the doors.
The guards opened the doors for him as he passed, the young woman following several steps behind him. As they closed, the girls let out a collective sigh of release.
"My father will disown me if he finds out I will be expelled from the palace!" one girl told the others.
"My grandfather will be most displeased," another said. "But I didn't fill out the application. He did!"
"I shouldn't have switched places with my sister..." another girl mumbled, horrified at her decision.
Mai stood up from her seat and silently walked across the room. She placed her instrument back on the cart and was instantly stopped. "You seem calm, Mai."
"I didn't lie on my applications," she replied coolly. "I do play three instruments and graduated with high honors from the Academy. But if I were you, I would worry less about me and more about yourselves."
The door closed behind them and Zuko stood behind his desk, just in case she tried to throw herself at him. It probably wouldn't happen, but he'd seen consorts throwing themselves at his father and grandfather before and frankly, it made him uncomfortable.
"Why did you lie?" he asked bluntly.
The girl stood up straight, her posture perfect, as was expected from her upbringing. "With all due respect, Fire Lord, it was my father who filled out the application."
"I see," Zuko said. "And what about playing the erhu? And then laying blame on a fellow participant?"
"She has been at odds with me from the start, Lord Zuko. Twice, she has sabotaged my projects and because of her, I was humiliated before my peers."
He didn't buy it. He'd seen Azula pull all kinds of things on Mai and even after the flaming apple incident, Mai never fought back. And if she did, it wouldn't be with sabotaging projects. "That is no reason to lay blame on her," Zuko frowned. "Why did you come here." He demanded in a low voice.
She bowed her head solemnly. "My father instructed me to take classes here in hopes of getting close to you."
"As did several other girls, no doubt. I take it that your application did not rightly reflect on your skills."
"well I-"
"It is a yes or no answer." Zuko cut her off sharply.
She gritted her teeth. "No...Lord Zuko."
"What is your family name?" he asked.
"Yan, my lord. My father initiated the proposition and is a high ranking officer in your court." she told him proudly. Zuko raised an eyebrow.
"You are nobleman Yan's daughter?" She gave a nod of her head. "I see. You are dismissed."
"Thank you, Lord Zuko," the girl bowed her head once more, believing her father would keep her in the program. "I will work harder-"
"Gather your things from your room. You will be leaving tomorrow morning." The girl's head shot up.
"What?" she spat out, her eyes narrowing. "You can't do that-"
"I can," Zuko said. He narrowed his own eyes. "Do you remember who you are talking to? I am the Fire Lord. I extended my palace and my resources to better our nation and you deceived us. You offer no apology for what you have done. You have blamed others needlessly and you have wasted the time of the instructors. Not only that, but you have taken the place of someone who deserved to be here."
"But my father assured me-"
"Your father assured you what?" Zuko hissed angrily. He turned his head away, disgusted. "I will contact your father immediately about your impending arrival home. Now. Leave. My. Study."
The young woman scowled. "My father will hear about this." she threatened in a low voice.
"See to it that he does," Zuko retorted. "Regardless of what your father told you, you are not here to try to get married. You are here to learn. And as you have proven unable to complete your duties, you will be expelled and replaced."
"Very well, Fire Lord," Her voice was angry and cold. Whether through sheer pride or stupidity, she paused just before she exited his study and stood before the door. Her eyes narrowed spitefully. "I was told that many of the past wives of the Fire Lords were taken from this system," she began snidely as she turned around. "I suppose that the rumor I heard was true. If you're not interested in the best of the Fire Nation's daughters, you really must be carrying on an affair with the Avatar's waterbender."
Zuko slammed his fist into the table, visibly making her jump. He seethed with anger and noticed the smug look on her face. You brainless little... Suddenly, he smirked. "As sick as I am of hearing those rumors, I think you made a valid point," Zuko said. He stood up straight and slowly walked around his desk with a predatory look in his eyes. The young woman stepped back, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. "For my nation to be strong, I must have a strong wife. Someone like the Avatar's waterbender. And you've just proven to me that you're much too pathetic to ever even be considered."
Her eyes widened at the insult and Zuko reached around her and pulled open the door. "It's true, then..." she stammered out as she stumbled backwards.
"It doesn't have to be true for you to know that you'd never have a chance of being my wife. Tell your father that he'll be hearing from me," The door slammed in her face and Zuko stomped back to his desk. I cannot believe this...just how many of those girls lied? All that time wasted. All those resources... A knock sounded from his door and he looked up and glared at it. "WHAT!" he growled.
"Zuko, can I come in?" Iroh asked. He heard a grunt and opened the door. Zuko was leaning back against his chair, a heavy scowl on his face as he drummed his fingers against the wooden desk.
"We need a better screening process." he spat out.
"I think that after your little show in the dining hall, we won't need one," Iroh said. "The girls are now aware of the severity of the situation. And their families will be as well. There is always something wrong with the first group, Zuko. It takes time for things to settle down."
"I can't believe they lied to me..." Zuko mumbled, barely hearing his Uncle's words. "I know they were capable of it, but this? It's disgusting! This system is for the good of the nation, not some sick excuse to parade their daughters around like cattle for my choosing! I'm starting to regret even bringing it back."
"Give it some time," Iroh encouraged. "You set an example to the participants. More girls will be leaving soon."
Zuko wasn't convinced. "I want you to personally screen the girls that will be coming in."
"My pleasure," Iroh smiled. "We'll have some tea."
"Fine." Zuko said. Iroh looked at his nephew fondly.
"You're in a good mood."
"I'm in a good mood?" Zuko almost scoffed and turned his head away. "I just yelled at a nobleman's daughter and terrified some more out in the dining hall. How am I in a good mood? Perhaps you've been drinking too much, Uncle."
"Tea does not make one crazy, Zuko," Iroh stated. At least I don't think it does... "I just noticed that you have been in a good mood for the last few days. Don't argue with me. I know these things. I was just wondering why."
"It's nothing," Zuko insisted. Iroh didn't look persuaded. Zuko looked back at his Uncle. "Were the invitations to my celebration sent out?"
Iroh nodded. "Yes, they're all sent."
Zuko nodded and looked away casually. "Has...anyone sent note of acceptance?" he asked calmly. Iroh raised an eyebrow and then tried to hide his knowing smile.
"I haven't received word yet, Zuko," Iroh said warmly. "But I am sure they will accept."
"You just got back..." Gran-Gran said sadly as she helped Katara wrap some food for their trip. "Must you go already?"
"I'm sorry, Gran-Gran," Katara replied. "But we're needed."
"I know..." the old woman sighed."It's just that you need time to rest, also. When you got back from the Fire Nation, you started helping with the construction. And now that the construction is done, you are leaving to do more work."
Katara chuckled slightly. "I guess being Aang's friend, all that work is a given."
"Still, I am very proud of you," Gran-Gran told her. "My granddaughter...a war hero...a respected ally of the Avatar..."
"Um...Gran-Gran, I'm a hero, too." Sokka piped. He was kneeing beside them, also packing food and had apparently been forgotten.
"Of course, Sokka," Gran-Gran chuckled as she cupped the young man's face. "You are an excellent warrior now. I am so proud of you, too."
Sokka smiled happily and Katara rolled her eyes. "See, Katara...Gran-Gran says I'm a warrior."
"You both have grown up so beautifully," Gran-Gran gushed as she wrapped the bag of blubber seal jerky. "Sokka, you've gotten so tall and strong. Girls are finally paying attention to you."
"Thanks, Gran-Gran...hey..."
"And Katara," The old woman looked at her granddaughter fondly. "You are looking more and more like your mother every day. So beautiful and graceful. You know, it's hereditary, right?"
Katara laughed and nodded. "Thank you, Gran-Gran."
"Also, do not mind your brother." she added.
Sokka frowned. "Hey, I'm right here."
"He has every right to be protective of you. A beautiful young woman like you will have men following her left and right." Gran-Gran continued.
"Not if I can help it..." Sokka grumbled side her. He looked across the house to where Haru sat with Suki, Aang, Toph, and their father and glared. I'm watching you...
"I really appreciate you all coming," Haru said gratefully as he sat amongst the others. "I didn't know who else to turn to."
"its fine, Haru. It's my job," Aang assured him. "But...don't expect quick results. The best we can hope for is a fragile tolerance."
"Even after we left some villages, the harassment of one side by the other continued," Toph explained. "It's kind of unfair for both sides. The Earth Kingdom people want their land back because it's their home. But now it's also home to the Fire Nation people."
"We passed through many Earth Kingdom towns that had become Fire Nation towns," Suki agreed. "Some of those families have been there for years."
"Perhaps we should count ourselves lucky that the Fire Nation never attempted to actually settle in the poles," Hakoda mused solemnly. "Although some of our men have stayed in the Earth Kingdom."
"They have?" Aang asked.
"Of course...away from home...you might fall in love and want to settle down and start a family," Hakoda explained. "It is not unnatural. Nations are no boundary for love."
Katara silently packed her bag of food, mulling over her fathers words. Dad...what if I told you...would you be as accepting of it?
Unseen by Katara, Haru lifted his eyes shyly and looked over at her. He smiled softly to himself. Suki glanced from the young man to her friend and began chewing on her bottom lip nervously, unsure if she liked where it was going.
"Okay!" Sokka announced as he lifted up a heavy pack. "We're all set to go! Is the ship ready?"
"A large Earth Kingdom trade ship will take you back to the mainland," Hakoda told his children as they approached. "And then it will continue to Kyoshi Island."
"The other warriors are going to be dropped off, but I'm coming along." Suki said brightly. Sokka blushed and looked away, trying to act aloof.
"The ship is big enough to house even Appa," Hakoda assured the young Avatar. "And I've made sure there is enough food for him to last the few days to the Earth Kingdom."
"Thanks!" Aang beamed. Momo circled his head and sat on top of it. He seemed to squeak out a question and Hakoda nodded.
"Yes, Momo, there is food for you, too."
"Are you guys ready to go?" Katara asked the group. The small handful of teenagers nodded and began heading for the docks with Hakoda escorting them. As they walked down the path, Katara saw the familiar shape of a Fire Nation ship and let out a gasp.
"What is it?" Sokka asked beside her.
"Oh no...for completely forgot!" Katara gasped. She had been so busy preparing for a trip to the Earth Kingdom the last day and a half, she had completely forgotten about the reply she was supposed to return to Captain Ji. Shrugging off her bag, she pushed it into her father's arms. "Dad, can you bring it up for me? I'll be right there!"
"Katara!" Hakoda called in vein. The girl was already running full speed towards the ship.
As she neared it, she hardly noticed that the crew was loading the ship. The ramp at the front of the ship was wide open and, without stopping, she rushed in. If anyone noticed her, they didn't say anything. As she reached the cargo area of the ship within, she looked around.
"Excuse me!" she called to the nearest soldier. He turned around and studied her carefully before bowing his head.
"Lady Katara, welcome aboard."
"Uh...thanks," she said, her eyes darting around for the Captain. "Do you know where I can find Captain Ji? I need to speak to him."
"Of course, Lady Katara. Follow me," he soldier bowed once more and lead Katara up the ship. They went through the numerous halls inside the converted warship until they reached the deck. As the soldier opened the door, Katara could see the Captain speaking to another man. "Captain Ji, Lady Katara requests a moment of your time!"
"Ah...thank you," The Captain handed the other man a paper and nodded with a smile as he turned to Katara. He gave her a small bow. "Lady Katara, how may I help you?"
"Captain, I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner," Katara said regretfully. "But I was busy preparing for a trip."
"A trip?" Ji asked. His face saddened slightly "Will you not be joining the Fire Lord for his celebration?"
"No, no," Katara shook her head. "That's what I wanted you speak to you about. I would like to send a message back that I, as well as the others - my brother, Aang, Toph, and Suki, will all be attending. I'm sorry I wasn't able to write a proper note."
The Captain smiled and shook his head. "Not at all, Lady Katara. The Fire Lord and General Iroh will both be happy to hear your acceptance."
"Then you will tell them? Thank you!" Katara bowed. She turned to leave and he called out before she could disappear back into the ship.
"One more thing, Lady Katara. In preparation for the guests rooms, how many days prior to the celebration will you be arriving?"
"Arriving?" Katara trailed off. She stopped in her tracks and lapsed into thought. "Captain...I believe we will be arriving the day of."
"The day of?" Captain Ji asked, surprised. "Will that be enough time?"
"Unfortunately, we don't have a choice in the matter," Katara apologized hastily. "We are traveling to the Earth Kingdom. A friend of ours requested our aide in his village and are about to set sail for the Earth Kingdom. We will probably be leaving from there as well."
"I see..." Captain Ji bowed. "Then I will inform the Fire Lord. Thank you for your time, Lady Katara. May you have a safe trip."
"Thank you, Captain Ji," Katara bowed back. "I hope to see you at the celebration!" She waved her hand and ran back into the ship.
The Captain walked towards the edge of his ship and watched as Katara darted out of the hull, waving to the crew as they bowed at her departure. He smiled slightly and wondered if Katara even realized how much Zuko's old crew respected her. He followed her until she reached the Earth Kingdom ship that was also at the docks. It was about ready to leave without her.
Above him, he heard the squawk of a familiar bird and looked up. It was a messenger hawk from the Fire Nation.
"What was that all about?" Sokka said as he walked up the ramp of the ship.
"I forgot to reply to an invitation to a birthday party," she beamed happily. Her father helped her into her back pack and then stepped back. She gave him one last hug before she boarded with the others. "I'll see you at the celebration, dad!"
Hakoda merely nodded as the crew men began moving the ramp up. He waved as the group leaned over the side of the ship and waved back. The ship began to move and Katara and Sokka gave their home one last look.
"Why does it feel like it'll be some time until we see the South Pole again?" Sokka asked his sister as they leaned against the edge of the boat.
"I don't know," Katara mused quietly. "But I get that feeling, too..."
"Hakoda!" Captain Ji panted slightly as he reached the area where the Southern Water Tribe warrior stood, watching his children sail off.
"Captain?"
"Oh no..." Ji frowned as he saw the ship. "I didn't make it..."
"Is something the matter, captain?" Hakoda asked, confused.
"Is there anyway to send a message to your daughter on that boat?" the Fire Nation Captain asked. Hakoda looked back at the ship and scratched his head unsurely.
"Is it urgent?"
"I received a note from the Fire Lord through a messenger hawk," Captain Ji said as he held up a small metal cylinder that rested against the bird's foot. He unscrewed the cylinder and a small slip of paper came out. "It's addressed to Lady Katara."
Hakoda tilted his head to the side as Ji unraveled the paper. Katara's name was at the top and the Fire Lord's emblem at the bottom. The two men stared at the paper. "What...is that?"
"Ah...maybe it was a joke..." Ji mumbled as he looked down at the paper, unable to believe that such a thing would've been sent via messenger hawk.
"Maybe so..." Hakoda agreed solemnly. "Strange...what kind of animal is that? It is an animal drawn on the paper, isn't it?"
Captain Ji nodded dumbly, wondering who would've dared play a joke on Lady Katara using the Fire Lord's symbol. In the small space between her name and the seal was a series of black brush strokes resembling a bird. Captain Ji's eyebrows furrowed. "I believe it's a...turtle duck."
Katara walked outside on to the deck of the ship. The air was no longer chilly and she decided they were finally out of the polar regions. She stood by the edge of the ship, her arms resting on the railing as dark strands flew around her face. Up above them, the dark, ink colored sky was littered with millions of small glittering jewels. A few stray clouds dotted the sky, but they were rare.
Perhaps another day or two and they would reach the Earth Kingdom port closest to Haru's inland village. From there, they would probably fly to the village on Appa. She hoped the massive beast was getting a good rest in while he could.
Sokka and the others were last seen devouring the last of their evening meals as she said she would go out for a little walk on the deck before bed. Katara stretched her arms out and inhaled the sea air. The moon was hanging just above them and she sighed contently.
Haru chewed thoughtfully on his lower lip. He'd been watching Katara for a few minutes, debating on whether or not he should join her. Finally, he took a step out and froze. No...maybe she wants to be alone... He turned around immediately and started to head back when a surprised voice greeted him.
"Hey, Haru! Out for some fresh air?" He whirled around to face her and stood up straight.
"Um...just going for a walk. You, too?"
Katara nodded and looked back out at the ocean. "Yeah...it gets confining in the ship. I wanted to take in some air and stretch my legs a bit before I turn in for the night."
"That sounds like a good idea," Haru agreed. He hesitated. "Mind if I join you?"
"Sure," Katara said without turning around. "Knock yourself out."
Haru gave her a relieved smile and joined her by the railing. From behind a window on the ship, Sokka slammed his hand against the glass and growled. "I'll kill you out, you pervert! Stay away from my sister! Waiting until I was distracted with food to go after her, you clever bas-"
"Sokka!" Aang said as he and Suki held back the Water Tribe Warrior. He silently thanked the gods that Katara and Haru couldn't hear Sokka's hysterical yelling inside the cabin. "He's not even touching her!"
"But he wants to! I can see it in his eyes!" Sokka exclaimed. "He a teenage boy!" He stated accusingly, forgetting that Aang had just turned, physically anyway, thirteen, and he himself was seventeen. "All teenage boys are exactly alike! They can't be trusted!"
He froze, realizing what he just said and quickly turned to Suki, who had let him go. "Really?" Suki asked with narrowed eyes. "And why exactly can't they be trusted?"
"Except for me!" Sokka insisted. "You can trust me! I'm not like the other guys!"
"Hey!" Aang said, frowning. "Were you or were you not there on my birthday eating all my custard tarts?"
Sokka paused. "And Aang," He decided, waving his hands towards the younger boy. "You can trust Aang! He's a monk - and the Avatar! But other boys, no. They're all like octopuses...always touching! Touching things they shouldn't be touching!"
"Okay, see, now you're just delusional." Suki stated.
"They're just talking. What's the big deal?" Toph asked from where she was laying in her bunk.
"The big deal?" Sokka gasped and stared at her, as if she'd just grown another head. He threw his arms in the air and started flailing them. Aang fell back and sat on his bunk while Suki leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. "Don't you know what talking will lead up to in the mind of a teenage boy?" He quickly turned to Suki and Aang. "Except for me and Aang, keep that mind."
"Sokka, Haru is a nice guy," Suki insisted. "He's not going to do anything to your sister. Besides, if he tried anything we are in the middle of the ocean. I think Katara would be able to handle herself."
"I still don't like it!" he continued.
"I thought you said you would grin and bare it so long as Katara was happy," Aang reminded him. "And she seems to enjoy talking to Haru."
"I don't care," Sokka grumbled. He crossed his arms. "No boy should come within ten feet of my sister... excluding me and possibly Aang."
Suki narrowed her eyes. "I'm starting to understand why no one has voiced any interest in Katara back at the poles..." she murmured."And it might not just be because she can fight..."
"I mean, sure it's talking now..." Sokka continued, completely ignorant of Suki's musings. "But next thing you know, they'll be kissing in the rain!" Sokka exclaimed.
"What?" Aang mumbled, unheard by the ranting warrior.
"I mean...First Zuko, now Haru! Who's next? Is Jet going to pop out of no where, too?" The room went quiet. Suki's mouth dropped, Toph froze where she lounged, and Aang's eyes went wide as saucers. Sokka slowly cringed, realizing what he had just spilled.
"Snoozeles..." Toph said, breaking the suddenly silence. "Are you saying that our Sugar Queen has been seeing who I think she's seeing?"
"I...um..." Sokka stammered. His eyes darted around the room and locked on the door. "I think I'll go for a walk now, bye!"
He barely took one step when Suki cut him off and locked eyes with him. "So the guy that's been on Katara's mind this whole time is Zuko? Fire Lord Zuko? The guy with the scar and the bad temper and the Uncle who likes tea?" Suki demanded.
"Well...um...I don't think...but...I...they...rain...kissing..." Sokka stammered incoherently. Finally he let out a heavy sigh and dropped his head. He nodded, defeated.
"No way! I never even thought about that! I mean...fire...water? I didn't even think they liked each other that much!" Suki gasped in shock and disbelief. The thought floated in her mind a few moments longer. Then she grinned approvingly. "Wow...not bad, Katara."
"Suki!" Sokka shouted, as if betrayed.
"Since when did that happen?" Toph asked. "She actually kissed the Fire Lord? That's gutsy."
"I didn't know..." Aang said quietly. His face saddened as was reminded of how he felt when he first saw them together in the garden. "I know she was seeing him at night-"
"You what?" Sokka gasped. He suddenly appeared in front of Aang's face. "When did you find out? Why didn't you tell me?"
"A...a few months ago when Toph and I came with a bunch of infirmary patients. I saw Katara and Zuko together in the garden with the turtle ducks," Aang said, surprised. "Katara said you knew about them!"
"I knew that there was maybe some sort of little possibility that she might have had a tiny little crush on Zuko!" Sokka exclaimed. The group stared at him. "Okay, I think my sister is in love with the Fire Lord! There! Are you happy? You just made me admit that one of my worst nightmares has come true!"
He pouted and crossed his arms over his chest. Aang sighed and looked back out the window, sadly. Katara was still standing there, leaning against the railing. Haru was beside her, stealing glances at her face. "She didn't stay with him..." he whispered.
Suki sat down beside Toph, her eyes lowering. "When I asked her, she said they were from two different worlds and it wouldn't have worked out..."
"And it wouldn't." Sokka insisted.
Toph growled at him. "Hey, Snoozeles, do you mind? We're trying to have a grown up conversation." she told him haughtily. He scowled.
"Katara left for a reason!" Sokka insisted. "She knew it wasn't going to work out. So she decided to end it before it got any more involved."
"And you agree with this?" Suki asked, looking slightly annoyed.
Sokka sighed heavily. "I don't like seeing what it's doing to Katara...but there isn't anything we can do about it. If it were up to me, she'd join a convent."
Suki slapped him upside the head with her ever present fan. "Is that the only thing you want for your sister? She's also a girl, Sokka. A young woman! She's a great person; it's only natural that someone was bound to fall in love with her!"
"But Zuko?" Sokka gasped. "They're complete opposites! He's fire! She's water! Hello?"
"You know what, Sokka," Suki told him confidently. "I wouldn't be surprised if right now, somewhere in the Fire Nation, whether you like it or not, the Fire Lord is pining over Katara."
"What do you mean she never got the message?" Zuko yelled. Steam was coming out of his nose as he stood up in his seat behind the flames of his hearing room.
Seated before him, Captain Ji grimaced and kept his head bowed. "Forgive me, my lord," he began. "But when the messenger bird arrived and I received the message, Lady Katara's ship had already set sail."
"Were they too far to reach with a smaller boat?" Zuko demanded.
Iroh looked over sympathetically at the Captain. "No, Fire Lord-"
"Then why didn't you go after her?" The young leader's voice shook the room as the flames around him rose several feet.
Captain Ji looked up at the fuming young man. "My lord, Lady Katara's father and I opened the message to try to relay it to her but instead..."
"Instead what?" Zuko asked behind gritted teeth.
Ji suddenly looked nervous and hesitant. He glanced over at Iroh, who gave him a reassuring nod. The Captain met the gaze of the Fire Lord. "We saw a hastily painted image of what looked like a turtle duck," Zuko's eyes widened slightly as his cheeks colored. On the hearing room floor, Iroh's eyes squinted as he struggled to suppress a laugh without his nephew knowing. "When we saw it, we thought someone had sent it as a joke."
Iroh turned around and casually walked behind a pillar, unseen by Zuko. His hands were covering his mouth as laughter bubbled. The Fire Lord's face was now fully colored and he shrunk back into his seat, silently hoping the shadows of the fire would hide his flushed face. He had personally drawn that turtle duck. Not only that, but it was far from hastily done. He had practiced on a few sheets of paper before drawing it on the message parchment. He had thought it was acceptable.
Zuko took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. Slowly, the flames around him returned to their normal height. Perhaps it was for the best that Katara didn't see his drawing. She probably would've laughed! He mentally swore to himself never to send her another message right after a particularly disturbing dream ever again. Next time, he would wait until he was more together and not missing her so much that it hurt.
"Where is the message?" Zuko asked in a low voice. Captain Ji stepped forward and presented him with a rolled up piece of paper he produced from his pocket. "Throw it in the flames." he ordered. Ji tossed it into the fire before Zuko and stepped back.
"Lord Zuko," Captain Ji began once more as he knelt down before his leader. "She did come aboard my ship to send a message to you. She says that she, as well as the Avatar and the rest of his comrades, will be coming to your birthday celebration in the upcoming month."
"Well...that is good news, isn't it, Zuko?" Iroh asked, coming out from behind the pillar, a smile still on his face. Zuko narrowed his eyes and studied his Uncle critically, but said nothing. Iroh looked at the Captain. "When will they be arriving? I will have rooms prepared."
Ji visibly cringed. He lowered his head once more, avoiding Zuko's eyes. "They will be arriving the day of the celebration, my Lord, General Iroh."
"The day of?" Iroh asked surprised. "That's cutting it close."
"It is because they are going to the Earth Kingdom and will be coming from there." the Captain explained.
Zuko's head perked up. His eyes narrowed once more. "Why is she going to the Earth Kingdom?"
"I do not know the exact details my lord," Ji reported. "However, I believe it was at the request of a young man from the Earth Kingdom."
Iroh winced at the words, knowing the Captain had said something he shouldn't. From his seat at the head of the room, Zuko let the flames fly around him, signaling exactly how displeased he was. His eyes were narrowed golden slits as his breath was short and labored. Katara left her village because of a man? He closed his eyes, willing himself to calm down. The flames lowered around him. He had to be rational.
"Ah...perhaps they were friends?" Iroh suggested, trying to clarify the situation. "Captain Ji, have you met the young man?"
"Yes...he was on my ship coming into the South Pole. He was traveling with the Kyoshi Warriors from the Earth Kingdom," the Captain told them. "He was quiet, but was apparently good friends with Lady Katara. I saw them leave the lodge together during the feast."
Iroh closed his eyes and shook his head. Zuko was gripping the hems of his robes, trying to control the hurt that fueled his jealousy and anger. Katara...what were you doing outside with him?
"She said that they had left to aid him. I believe it is because there is trouble in the young man's village and he sought help from her and the Avatar." Ji added.
Iroh zoned in on to the last word. "Yes, Avatar Aang went with them, did he not?" Ji nodded. "Then that must be why she left. To aid an old friend."
"They seemed in a rush to leave," Ji concluded. "Perhaps they were trying help him before coming to your celebration, my lord."
Zuko inhaled anther deep breath. Slowly he opened his eyes and gave a small nod of his head. "Thank you for your troubles, Captain Ji. You are dismissed."
The esteemed Captain bowed his head once more before standing up and leaving. The doors closed behind him and Iroh looked back up at his nephew. The normally proud looking young man had an uncharacteristic look of hurt shadowed over his face.
"So..." Iroh began. "You drew a turtle duck for her?" He asked, attempting to lighten the mood.
"Not now, Uncle." Zuko grumbled. He stood up and stepped down from his elevated seat. It was late and Zuko had stayed up in order to see Captain Ji when he arrived. He had been hoping that Katara had somehow understood the turtle ducks and replied.
Instead, he found out she had left her village to aid a young man. He was angry and jealous, but most of all hurt. Was the other young man so important to her that she ran the possibility of missing his celebration? It wasn't all that uncommon for ships to be delayed for a few hours or even a day or two. He had been looking forward to seeing her again. If only for a brief moment.
Imagines of his nightmare suddenly flooded back to him and he shook his head to try to shake them out. The mystery man was a friend. A friend of the Avatar's as well as Katara's. However, they also started out as friends. And then ended up as...what? Friends again. He had no room to be jealous. Katara wasn't his. She was the one who broke it off. When she left, they were just friends.
"Zuko," Iroh said as the young Fire Lord stopped at the door. "Katara said she would come. And she will."
"Sure, Uncle..." Zuko mumbled. He left the hearing room silently, knowing his Uncle was following behind him.
"Traveling a great deal as they did, it is no surprise that they have many friends," Iroh said off handedly. "I am sure that since she left her home to aid a friend, then she will return here to see you."
"Me?" Zuko spat out, shaking his head. "Why would you think I care?"
They headed into the royal quarters. Zuko casually glanced at the pond as he walked under the covered pathway. "Perhaps you didn't see the fires nearly explode beside you when Captain Ji told you she had left with another man. The way it looked, mad was an understatement."
Zuko stiffened and froze in mid step. "Mad?" He scoffed. His hands clenched at his sides. "Why would I be mad?" He turned around just before his bedroom door. His eyes were narrowed and his face hardened and cold. "Because I can't stop thinking about her? Because I haven't been able to get her out of my mind? Because I miss her?" He wasn't mad. He was hurt.
Iroh stopped a few paces behind Zuko. His face softened as he looked at his nephew with sad eyes. "Zuko," he said carefully. "Do you love her?" The Fire Lord turned around.
He couldn't his nephew's face twist with pain. "What does it matter?" Zuko replied in a low voice. He stepped into his room and started closing his doors behind him. "It wouldn't have worked out anyway." The heavy door closed.
He walked across the room and stood in front of his bed. Zuko grabbed one pillow and revealed the lacquer box underneath. In on swift movement, he snatched the box and dropped the pillow at his side. He tore the cover off and stared down at the blue flower inside the box. His chest rose and fell with labored breaths as he stared down at the beautiful blue color.
"I love you..." he whispered painfully. His eyes narrowed and without remorse, he threw the box and its contents on to his bed. "I love you!" He screamed at the discarded objects. "So why did you leave?"
Outside, rain began to fall.
She could hear it outside. The soft pitter patter of rain on the roof and deck of the ship. Slowly, her blue eyes opened. They rose to the window on the side of wall. Drops of water streaking down the glass could be seen. She looked across from her. Aang and Sokka were still asleep in their bunks. From the sounds below her, Toph was still sleeping as well.
Her bunk bed was warm and soft...but it held no comfort for her. It was times like this, when she had nothing else to think about, that her thoughts drifted back to Zuko. She wondered what he was doing. If he was getting used to the court and if he still feed the turtle ducks. In the depths of her heart, she believed he still did. For what reason, she wasn't sure. Maybe he wasn't sure either.
She quietly slipped out of her bunk and tip toed to the door. It creaked slightly and she froze. She looked back at her sleeping friends and let out a silent sigh of relief to see that they were still snoring away. She opened the door just enough for her to squeeze through and then padded out into the halls. She didn't notice another door open behind her and a still half asleep young man watch her leave.
The closer she got to the exit, the louder she heard the rain. Each drop called out to her in a haunting melody, urging her to come outside. Her tan hands gripped the door handle and unlocked it. She pushed it open and felt the rush of wind against her skin. She closed her eyes, relishing its cool, refreshing feeling.
Blue orbs opened and she released the door handle. Cold, wet drops fell over her body, soaking through her meager blue sleeping clothes and drenching her unbraided brown hair. And it felt good.
Where was he now? Was he thinking of her? Did he miss her? Her heart twisted in her chest. He hadn't contacted her once since she arrived at the South Pole. All she had received as an invitation and that had been to her and Sokka. She closed her eyes tightly and found herself choking back a sob. She missed him. She wanted to run into his arms, to feel his warm hand over hers. She wanted to feel the heat of his body against hers as the rain fell relentlessly around them.
She was lying. Lying to everyone. Lying to Aang, Sokka, and Suki. Lying to Zuko and herself. What they had wasn't 'nothing'. Zuko wasn't 'no one'. Her lips trembled. She could almost hear his voice in the air.
I love you...
She'd never even heard those words from him before. And you never will, Katara...You have to stop this... you can't have him.
"Katara!" A voice called out behind her and she opened her eyes. She turned around and saw Haru standing at the door way, trying not to get wet. "Katara! It's raining! What are you doing outside?"
Her eyes slowly turned up to the darkened heavens swirling with clouds and rain. "Nothing," Katara told him softly. She closed her eyes and held her arms out. "I just love the rain."
A.N. - It's been along time since took Music of Asia...and I was too lazy to go through my old notes (forgive me...X.x) A guqin is basically a zither, an erhu a two stringed instrument connected to a small sound box and played with a bow, and the pipa is a lute. I'm not going to explain them in detail, but I'm sure if you're really curious, you'll look them up on the internet. :) Yes, Katara is going to the Earth Kingdom with HARU. I'm not making this easy... :D Thank you for reading!
