Chapter 6: Water Tribe Traditions and a Reluctant Master
"Sooo…" Harry started as he looked to Katara while trying to keep a straight face.
"Yes?" she asked sweetly.
Harry couldn't help but grin as he asked, "Did you ever learn if you were supposed to have Mango or Papaya?"
Sokka let out a loud laugh to that. Aang tried to hide it as he snickered. He pretended it was a strange whistle as he steered Appa forward.
Katara rolled her eyes. She then sighed. "Maybe… I did get a little carried away," she admitted.
"I still can't believe after all we did. Everyone thinks she's the reason the volcano didn't go off… And she took full credit," Sokka said with a huff.
"Aunt Wu did give us a bunch of supplies and some money in thanks, even if in secret," Aang said.
"You're taking her side?" Sokka asked in shock.
"You do remember we talked about keeping a lower profile, right?" Harry asked.
"Fine… it still annoys me," Sokka relented.
Aang was taking Aunt Wu's side, because he liked the words she shared in secret. She told him it was up to him to shape his future. That meant he wasn't doomed to be forever alone as the Avatar. He couldn't help but smile briefly as he looked to Katara for a moment.
[-] [-] [-]
The group were taking a break in a field currently. While Harry and Sokka were doing some shared training, Aang looked around the area with interest. "Huh…" he said as he picked something up. It was a pretty cool looking sword. It looked to be made of a whale's tooth.
Aang took the sword with him and went to Sokka and Harry. They were resting after finishing their training. Aang thought it was odd Harry trained like this with Sokka, but the two seemed to be learning from each other. Harry said he did so, because he didn't want to be a scrawny boy anymore. It seemed to be working for him.
Aang noticed Katara would look Harry over briefly and blush at times. Aang felt a little jealous of that, but never let it get the better of him. Harry admitted he found Katara attractive, but he liked Aang and her being together, especially since he wasn't going to be staying in this world.
"Hey, Sokka. Look what I found," Aang said as he held sword out for him.
Sokka hopped up and turned around. He took the sword and looked it over. "This is Southern Water Tribe," he said.
"Really?" Katara asked brightly. She was hoping some of their people, hopefully their dad, might be nearby.
"You think so?" Aang asked.
"Yeah. I don't know if we ever told you, but all of the Southern Water Tribe warriors left to assist the Earth Kingdoms in fighting the war. Which means…" Sokka broke off as he started looking around and the others joined him.
"Look here!" Harry said as he pointed to an arrow in a tree trunk with scorch marks.
"Fire Nation," Sokka said immediately.
"I found a spear," Katara called as she held one up with both of her hands.
"There's a scent of… Smoke in the area. It's from a while ago though," Aang said as he closed his eyes and took in the scene.
"Is that an Avatar thing or Airbender thing?" Harry asked.
"Airbender thing. When you get advanced enough, you can enhance your senses. It helps us better defend and such," Aang said to him. He looked around. "I think we should go that way," he said pointing.
Sokka and Katara were both excited. Harry and Aang were intrigued. Sokka nodded. "You're right, Aang! There was a battle here. Water Tribe ambushed Firebenders. The Firebenders fought back, but the soldiers pushed them back. In that direction, it seems. Man, wish I had those senses," he said.
Aang blushed and grinned. "You have to really train them. They can be overwhelming at times otherwise," he said as the group made their way in the direction he pointed.
"When will I learn this?" Harry couldn't help but eagerly ask. That would be very handy skill.
"Soon enough. I want to get you a staff first. It is still further away, but I believe the Northern Air Temple is on our way to the North Pole. They might have something you can use. If not, we can use the trees near it to make you one," Aang said.
"A staff…" Harry said with a dreamy grin. He would love to get in the air again. He really missed it. He might have to find time to fly his broom for fun after getting back.
"Look! A boat!" Katara called as she led them over to a beached boat on the shore of the nearby rocky bay. Sokka was quickly by her side examining the boat. "Is it dad's?" Katara asked.
Sokka looked it over a little longer and shook his head. "No. It is from his fleet though," Sokka said looking to his sister.
"Do you think he's still here?" Katara asked. She looked around hoping their dad would suddenly stand up and call to them with a wide smile.
"Maybe…" he said.
"Should we look around for more clues?" Harry asked.
"We should!" Katara said still excited.
Aang was curious, but there was a stupid voice in his head worrying about things. He would love to meet Katara's and Sokka's dad. He also worried they would choose to leave him to join their dad again. He wasn't sure he could really blame them for doing so either.
[-] [-] [-]
Once night fell, the group made their camp by the boat. Aang and Katara were already asleep. Harry and Sokka hadn't fallen asleep yet. "I'm sorry we couldn't find anything more," Harry said.
Sokka sighed. "I expected as much. Aang said the signs pointed to it happening a while ago. I'm just surprised they left a boat here. It is in working order and sea worthy," he said.
"When did you last see your dad?" Harry asked.
"Years ago. It was when he and the others first left. I tried to sneak on a boat, but was caught by dad," he said.
Harry chuckled. "Does that say how good your dad is? Or how bad at stealth you are?" he asked.
Sokka chuckled. "Dad is good, but I was pretty bad at that stuff. I still begged to go with him," he said.
"What did he say when he caught you?" Harry asked.
"He told me being a man is knowing where you're needed the most. He told me my place was with Katara at the time. I didn't know what he meant back then. He said I'd understand when I was older," Sokka said. He looked over to his sleeping sister and Aang.
Harry suddenly seemed alert. Sokka nodded to him. Harry held on to his wand. It could be good for an opening move. Sokka then called out, "Who's there? I can hear you."
"Sokka?!" a voice he recognized asked as a man he recognized came into the campfire light.
"Bato?!" Sokka asked as he smiled.
"Who is it?!" Aang shouted as he immediately tried to bring up his guard, even if he was still sleepy.
"Bato!" Katara called happily as she raced over to him and gave him a hug.
"Katara. You're here too?" Bato asked with a smile. Sokka was right behind his sister and gave him a hug too.
Harry and Aang followed but kept their distance. They didn't want to infringe on the moment. Aang still gave him an Airbender salute and said, "I'm Aang. Nice to meet you."
Harry followed his lead. "I'm Harry. Likewise."
"Good to meet some friendly new faces," Bato said to them both while bowing in return.
"Where's dad?" Sokka asked.
"Is he here?" Katara asked.
Both of them were glowing in excitement.
Bato gave a shake of his head. "The rest of the warriors are in the Eastern Earth Kingdoms by now," he said.
The siblings were sad to hear that. Aang was again of mixed feelings, and he hated it. He was sad Katara and Sokka couldn't see their dad again. A treacherous part of him was relieved that was the case.
"Let's get somewhere nicer. This isn't a place for reunions and making new acquaintances," Bato said to the group as they followed.
[-] [-] [-]
The group was now inside a Water Tribe hut near an abbey where the nuns made perfumes and ointments. Katara and Sokka commented how it was just like home. Aang was a little uneasy because of the animal skins. He tried to remain quiet though. He was an Air Nomad and monk. They were taught all life was scared. It was why he never ate meat.
Bato had been regaling them with tales of the siblings' dad. Aang found them entertaining enough, but that stupid worry was still bothering him. He was hating it more and more. It was also souring his appetite. He wrinkled his nose at the smell of the stewed sea prunes which Katara loved.
Aang was also feeling excluded from all of the excitement. Harry was also to an extent, but he was fine with just hearing their tales, even if they didn't do a good job sharing the more interesting ones. Harry was making notes for them to explain later. He could understand how they were acting at the moment.
He did look over to Aang in worry though. He hadn't eaten and seemed to be in a less than good mood. Harry would admit the prunes smelled bad, but they were surprisingly tasty when prepared this way.
"On a more serious note," Bato started. "I'm actually waiting for a message from your father. He's sending it to say where to meet him."
"Really?!" Katara asked as her bright blue eyes seemed to shine.
"When?" Sokka asked.
"Any day now. If you wait, you can come with me and meet your father," Bato said.
That worrying feeling was getting to be too much for Aang. He saw how excited they looked. He stood up and left quietly.
Harry frowned and stood up as he said, "I'll go check on Aang." He didn't care if he interrupted them. They were being a little too exclusive, even if he understood their reasons.
Sokka and Katara both looked ashamed as Harry left. They had completely forgotten about both Harry and Aang. They were too caught up in talking to Bato.
"It would be great to see dad again… But… As he told me years ago. A man knows where he is needed the most. Helping Aang is more important," Sokka said.
"Sokka's right. Seeing dad would be wonderful, but even if we waited for the note, who knows how far we would have travel out of the way to get to him," Katara said.
"I apologize. I got carried away reliving old times… Your dad would be proud of you both. Especially since you both have grown up so much and know what needs to be done," Bato said.
He did feel a little sad, but also a little ashamed in his behavior. Katara and Sokka weren't his only guests. He was always bad at this stuff. His wife was the one who knew how to behave around guests and he hadn't seen her since he left with everyone.
[-] [-] [-]
Aang was sitting on a rock by the boat they found earlier. The abbey wasn't too far away. They hadn't seen it because the tree line hid it well. He sighed as he leaned on his staff.
"So," Harry said suddenly.
"Oh. Didn't see you there," Aang replied.
"What's bothering you?" Harry asked getting straight to the point.
Aang sighed. "I hate it, but I keep worrying they'll leave me. I can't even blame them. They have a chance to see their dad again. I would do anything to see the other monks… That makes it hurt even more," he said.
Harry sat next to him. "I get you there. I grew up with my Aunt and Uncle, who aren't nice people. I only know about my parents from the sparse stories I hear from other people and a few pictures I got only a couple of years ago. I've told you a little about Ron before," he said looking to Aang.
Aang nodded.
"Ron has a huge family. He has five older brothers and a younger sister. I've visited them a few times and they easily made me feel at home. Unlike back there, even if Katara and Sokka didn't mean to act that way. It still didn't change the fact they were Weasleys and not Potters," Harry said.
"That is better than in there at least," Aang said.
"Yeah. But Katara and Sokka, they haven't heard from their father in years and we're in the middle of war," Harry said.
"I get that," Aang said.
"The Weasleys aren't perfect either. My first winter break at Hogwarts Ron stayed behind so I wouldn't be alone. His three older brothers attending school stayed as well. I appreciated it, but it easily became a Weasley Family Holiday Story it felt," Harry said.
Aang gave a small chuckle to that.
"Ron still was there for me. He made his choice for my sake, even if he also got to enjoy Hogwarts over the break as well," Harry said.
"That is nice… But this is different," Aang said.
"In some ways. But I think you're worrying over nothing. Sokka and Katara won't leave you. Even if they for some reason did… Well, I'm not going anywhere until after this war. So, unless you get tired of me hanging around…" Harry said.
He was giving a joking smile as Aang looked to him and was almost upset at him implying that. Aang then shook his head and chuckled once he saw Harry's expression
Harry clasped Aang's shoulder. "You should do kind of like I am. Listening to their stories and taking notes which ones to really pester them about later," he said.
"Yeah. Sokka can't say it's a long story and claim to save it for another time when we're on Appa for a long flight," Aang said.
"If he does… You can have Appa buck him off into the ocean," Harry said.
Aang laughed to that. He was feeling better now.
"You should also take this as a chance to learn more about Water Tribe Traditions and such. I'm pretty sure Katara would appreciate it," Harry said to him with a wink.
Aang smiled to that. "Still… Stewed sea prunes?" he asked.
Harry laughed. "They're actually pretty tasty. Just pinch your nose shut," he said.
Aang laughed to that. "Will do. I'll be okay now. Just want to stay out here a little longer first," he said.
"Alright," Harry said as he left.
Once Harry was out of sight, a man on an ostrich horse came into view. "I'm looking for Bato of the Water Tribe," he said to Aang.
"I know him. I can deliver the message to him. I was just about to head back over to him anyways," Aang said.
The man nodded and handed it over. "Appreciate it," he said before charging off into the night again.
Aang's curiosity got the best of him as he opened the message. "This is when and where Bato's supposed to meet up with Katara's dad," he said as he hopped up and headed back. He was getting hungry enough to eat sea prunes.
[-] [-] [-]
"Sorry guys. I'm back now," Aang said as he entered the tent.
"Good to see you came back. Sorry about getting carried away earlier," Katara said as she blushed a little in shame.
Aang couldn't help but still find her blush cute, even if he wished it was for a fun reason. "It's fine. Sokka just better not hold back on any of the tales you all carried on about. Harry and I decided to have Appa buck off into water, if he does," Aang said with a grin.
"Hey…" Sokka said.
"You were pretty rude about him asking that earlier," Katara said.
"Fine…" he said with a huff as the others laughed.
Aang helped himself to some of the sea prunes and took a taste. It wasn't as bad as he feared. Still not his favorite. "Oh… Yeah. Almost forgot. I really was hungry," Aang said.
"Forgot what?" Harry asked.
Aang took out the message and handed it over to Bato. "After Harry left to come back, a messenger came with this for you," he said.
"That's what I've been waiting for," Bato said. "Thanks, Aang. I'm also sorry about getting carried away earlier."
"So. When do you need to leave?" Sokka asked. He was hoping it wasn't too early.
Bato looked it over and took note of the time and nodded to himself. He grinned. "We'll still have time in the morning," he said.
"Great!" Sokka said excitedly.
"What's going on in the morning?" Aang asked.
"Ice Dodging! Sokka never got the chance before we left. We talked about it after you two left earlier," Bato said.
"What is Ice Dodging?" Aang asked.
"It's a rite of passage for all young men in the tribe. Your father takes you out to sea to a dangerous icy area and you weave a boat through several ice bergs. It's about Wisdom, Bravery, Camaraderie and Trust. There aren't ice bergs here, but there are plenty of dangerous rocks in the bay, and you can all use my boat. It was the same one my father took me out on," Bato said.
"Will we all be a part of it?" Harry asked. He was excited about this, but feared there would be one too many?
"I'll just be watching. You all will pass or fail this on your own. I'll only act in an emergency, but that usually means failure," Bato said.
"This sounds pretty cool," Aang said with a grin.
"It is not to be taken lightly," Bato said in warning.
"Aang may be rather goofy at times," Sokka started. Aang gave a frown. "But when it is most important, he's one of the best people you can count on," Sokka said with a grin. Aang nodded to that.
"Anyways. We will do that tomorrow in the morning. After it is finished, I will leave to join up with your father and you all will continue to the North Pole," Bato said.
"Just like we discussed," Sokka said.
Aang smiled to that. He knew Harry was right, but it was still a relief to hear them say it. "I wish we could see your dad too… But that comet," Aang said in sorrow. If it wasn't for that thing, they could take all the time they wanted.
"Wow… I almost forgot about that," Sokka said.
"Comet?" Bato asked.
"Aang got a warning from his past life about it," Harry started. Bato blinked at him. "It's an Avatar thing," Harry explained.
"Roku told me I have to master the elements before the end of summer. No real details. Just that I have to by then, or Ozai will be unstoppable," Aang said.
"Sozin's comet…" Bato said in realization.
"Might be a good idea to tell dad about that when you see him," Katara said.
"I will. I'm pretty sure he already is aware of it, but I'll tell him," Bato said. He gave a nod to them all and said, "Until then. We need to get some rest. Ice Dodging will require you all at your best."
"I'll just feed Appa real quick, first," Aang said to the others.
[-] [-] [-]
"Are you all ready?" Bato asked as they stood by the boat. The four friends nodded.
The group pushed the boat into the water and they set sail immediately. It wasn't long until the came to rocks Bato mentioned. Aang would admit he was nervous seeing them. But this was for Sokka's sake and it was important.
Sokka gave out orders as the leader for the trip. Aang had a little trouble following them a couple times with the still new boat terms bouncing around in his skull.
"Hang on!" Sokka said as they came to the rocks. "Hold it tight Aang!" he called. He had figured out how to coach his friends quickly enough.
"Got it!" Aang said as he guided the jib carefully and kept the movements tight. Waves splashed against the boat as Harry and Katara manned the sails. Aang swallowed but remained focused. Sokka was at the bow getting a better eye and using his hand to direct Aang.
"We better make it!" Aang thought in worry. He wanted to close his eyes, but he felt that was a bad idea. They still seemed to come too close to the rocks, for Aang's liking.
"Great job everyone!" Sokka said to them all once they made it.
They didn't really have a moment to breathe for long though. They were coming up quickly on a large group of rocks. There wasn't any water going through them. It was all going over them.
"We can't get through that!" Katara said in worry.
"We can," Sokka said. The others couldn't see, but his eyes were already lit with a plan.
"You've already proven yourself, Sokka. Maybe we shou-" Bato said but was interrupted.
"If Sokka says we can. Then we can," Harry said calmly. The others nodded to that. "What's the plan?" he asked.
Sokka smiled to them in thanks. "Harry. I want you keeping air in the sails," he said.
Harry nodded and took stance.
"Katara. I want you bending as much water between us and the rocks as you can," Sokka said next.
Katara gulped but nodded.
"Aang," Sokka said looking to his final friend. Aang focused on him. "I want you keeping us steady and straight. Don't let us drift even a bit," he said.
"You got it," Aang said with a nod. He was bummed Harry got the Airbending job, but realized his was still very important and Sokka was trusting him.
Bato was worried but impressed with Sokka's plan. He had never seen Ice Dodging using bending before, it seemed interesting.
The boat came up to the rocks. Harry kept bending air blast after air blast into the sails. Katara was bending up as much water as possible to lift the boat. Aang was holding them steady and refused to let the boat drift. Sokka was watching and giving signals to the others.
Then they cleared the rocks and were once again in calm waters.
"Yeah!" they all shouted in joy and relief.
"Hakoda would be proud. You took Ice Dodging to a new level," Bato said. He tried to hide just how relieved he was they made it. It was impressive, but also very much unnecessary.
[-] [-] [-]
Once they were back on shore, Bato gathered them together. He had a couple of pots with different war paints in them. The four were kneeled in front of him.
"The Spirits of Water bare witness to these marks," Bato started. "To Sokka. The mark of the wise. The same as your father," he said and applied an arch with a dot below it.
"To Katara. The mark of the brave. Your courage inspires us," Bato said as he drew a crescent moon on her forehead.
"To Harry. The mark of the pack. You bring comfort in the dark," Bato said as he drew a vertical arch with a dot on either side.
"To Aang. The mark of trust. Those around you know they can always turn to you," Bato said as he drew an Arch on Aang's forehead. Aang was grinning at it.
Bato then told them, "Harry. Aang. You two are both honorary members of the Southern Water Tribe."
"Congrats!" Katara said to them both while smiling.
"I knew they'd be one day," Sokka said.
"Oh really?" Katara asked.
"Obviously. Why else would I have asked to marry Harry?" Sokka said.
Harry looked a little uncomfortable as the others laughed. He then joined them as well.
Bato was aghast before shaking his head. "Seems there is a story I haven't been told," he said.
"It's a long one," Sokka said jokingly. "I'll have to tell you another time."
Bato chuckled to that. "I do have to meet your father… I wonder what he will say when I tell him his son asked to marry a boy," he said in thought.
Sokka looked horrified at that. The others laughed out loud. Bato did as well. "It was great to meet you both. Harry. Aang," he said to them with a bow. They returned the gesture and the group parted ways.
[-] [-] [-]
Zuko was beginning to wonder if hiring this June lady was a mistake. She made a big show of finding a stowaway on his ship he hadn't known was there. Something he had words with his crew about later. She had been far from subtle about it. Her beast tore a hole in the ship's deck. She ran before he could charge her for repairs.
Zuko then got an idea. She claimed the creature tracked down the stowaway through scent alone. It certainly had no eyes. He remembered a necklace he got from the water tribe girl a while ago. She just finished freeing the prisoners at the Fire Nation's Prison Rig.
The exiled Prince was determined to make this June woman pay in one way or another for the damage to his ship. He preferred she use her tracking skills to do so. When he and his uncle found her, she was in a bar drinking as much ale as she could while arm wrestling several drunk men.
She was cocky, beautiful, arrogant, ill-mannered, and a terrible lair. Zuko demanded money at first and she claimed to be short on it before offering a round of drinks to everyone in the bar. "She's like an older, more annoying, but less evil Azula," Zuko couldn't help but think of his siter around this woman. They had similar bad personalities, and were both highly skilled.
He hated it…
He then put the necklace in her face and demanded her services in exchange for the damages. She had the nerve to claim he was looking for a runaway cheating girlfriend. She finally came around when his uncle foolishly offered his own weight in gold as payment. Zuko hoped his uncle had something in mind about that, but he doubted it.
Then there was the part where they stopped in front of some house for at least an hour. June claimed it was because the girl spent a whole lot of time there. Zuko was just glad she wasn't charging hourly. He really hoped he could remove that scene of the old lady flirting with his uncle though. That was not something he wanted to remember. Ever!
Maybe he could torture Azula with it once he got his honor back. She was more disgusted by their uncle than he was.
June had better be right about them being close to the target he decided. It might not be as bad if he was holding on to her waist instead of his uncle. Zuko didn't care too much though. He just needed to get the Avatar. And regain his honor!
"There they are!" June said. They came across the group of four. It was odd their bison and flying monkey weren't nearby. Nevertheless… Opportunity had struck.
[-] [-] [-]
Harry and the others heard something large and snarly heading their way quickly. They turned around to see the ugliest creature they had ever seen. It didn't even have eyes!
They did recognize two of the passengers though.
"Zuko!" Aang and Sokka said together.
They heard a hacking sound and then a small tongue seemed to shoot out at them.
Harry pushed Sokka out of the way and shouted, "Protego!" a blue translucent dome seemed to spring from Harry's open hand. It wasn't a spell worthy shield yet, but it would work on solid objects.
The tongue bounced back quickly. "What the?!" June shouted. She barely dodged being struck by nyla's tongue. That would have been bad.
"Stupify!" Harry shouted as he thrust out his wand quickly. They had distance here and it was a quick spell to cast. Wands could be used as an opener or range, before bending got involved.
A beam of red light stuck the eyeless creature. It looked like some kind of mole thing. The creature then slumped over which caused all of the passengers to topple off it. That was enough of a break the others got ready.
"What did you do to my precious Nyla!" June roared as she recovered and ran at Harry with whip in hand. She then cracked it out at him.
Harry used airbending to divert it. "Sent it nite-nite," he said.
She seemed to focus on him more. She didn't know she would come across an Airbender. She would have to close the distance and be quick. She darted for Harry.
Harry was able to make use of his honed Seeker reflexes and Airbending moves to dodge her attacks. She was quick with them. He had to dodge and weave a lot. She even still managed to tear into his clothes a little and left a light scratch or two.
"Stop moving!" June growled.
Harry looked to her calmly and said, "Expelliarmus."
June was sent tumbling backwards and her whip went flying off to somewhere. Harry then followed up with a stupefy. June was knocked unconscious just as her mole creature.
Harry turned to the others. It seemed their fight was wrapping up as well. He still ran over to help end it.
[-] [-] [-]
As soon as he was free, Zuko roared into combat. He hoped they would have surprise on their side, but it seemed they were the ones surprised. He wondered what move the messy haired boy used. It matched what a couple of his men said about an attacker at Kyoshi Island. He had never heard of it before though.
Zuko sent a series of fire blasts at the group. He was outnumbered, but he needed the Avatar! He was only concerned about Aang and the water tribe girl. Her brother was mostly useless by comparison.
Sokka swung with his club, but Zuko dodged with ease. He was mostly focused on the others, but he was still aware of his surroundings. Zuko managed to barely dodge a water whip sent his way by Katara. He countered with a heat burst which sent her flying backwards.
He then made a flame ark and sent it at Aang. Aang dodged and countered with his own ark which sent Zuko backwards.
"Aang, catch!" Katara called as she sent a water blob his way.
Aang took the water and made it into his own water whip as well.
Zuko recovered and looked from side to side at them as they squared off planning their next moves.
"My necklace!" Katara shouted seeing it hanging from Zuko's belt. It explained how he found them again.
Sokka charged from the side while swiping with his club and boomerang. Zuko didn't like this at all. It was proving more difficult than he thought. He started sending out small fireballs at every angle.
Aang and Katara dodged or blocked with their element. Sokka dodged as he could by moving quickly. Zuko was in a fury of fire it seemed.
Zuko gave a roar as he was about to send out a big fire blast when he heard words from nearby. "Stupefy!" Zuko knew only darkness after that. Harry stood there looking to the others. They let out a collective sigh and got moving.
"I've bought us some time. We need to go now," Harry said.
"Stunners for the win," Sokka said as they quickly left.
Iroh was blinking in confusion at what the messy haired boy did. He earlier tried to rouse June, but it was to no avail. "Perhaps I should be grateful they have good hearts," he said to himself.
They may have left him alone because they didn't realize he was there. It didn't change the fact the others were completely at their mercy. Zuko, Nyla, and June were all completely helpless at the moment. Someone such as his brother would use this as a chance to end them permanently.
Iroh did support his nephew fully. He just was trying desperately to guide him down a proper path. Zuko had hope. He saw the way Zuko looked at him from time to time when he thought no one saw. Zuko didn't understand his uncle. Iroh was trying to get him to finally see he regained his honor every day by not going down the path Ozai did. Zuko respected his men and treated them well, despite how it seemed at times. Iroh hoped his nephew would soon learn this himself.
Iroh felt a little sad his niece didn't seem to have the same hope. It was probably far too late for her. She was too gifted. Too admired. Too focused on her father. Iroh decided to do the best he could to look after the others currently. At least June, was easy on the eyes. He had no qualms with looking at her, even though that is all he would do.
[-] [-] [-]
"No! I will not teach you Firebending! Now get out," an old man with shaggy white hair, a thin mustache and a long and pointed beard said again.
"But Master Jeong Jeong, I need to learn and master Firebending. Where else am I going to find a Firebending Master not attached to the Fire Nation military!" Aang argued.
The group made a stop at a firebending festival for both a break and a chance to see firebending they weren't having to dodge. It was incredible. Sokka tried every single Fire Nation snack available, it was mostly meat stuff. Aang got a little too in the mood and their cover was blown.
They came across a member claiming to be part of a resistance movement in the Fire Nation. He said he followed the orders of a deserter called Jeong Jeong. They had seen wanted posters of him earlier along with Aang's. It turned out the man called Chey was told not to find the Avatar, but did so anyways.
Aang and the others were still trying their luck. Which is why Aang was arguing with the man now. He was refusing to train Aang.
"No. You are not ready. You do not know enough!" Jeong Jeong said in a huff.
"How can I start learning enough if you won't teach me!" Aang bit back.
"You are not mature enough in mind! You are too impulsive," Jeong Jeong replied.
"I'm the Avatar. Bending is literally my thing," Aang argued.
"Bringing balance is your thing! Fire Bending is not to be underestimated. It will consume all!" Jeong Jeong shouted.
"The cycle must be followed in all things! You are an Airbender. You must master Waterbending. Then earth. And only then may you hope to even learn an inkling of what it takes for Firebending," he said to Aang.
"Stubborn old man!" Aang huffed.
"Stubborn is what weak impatient fools shout when they refuse to listen!" Jeong Jeong replied.
Aang growled. Suddenly he seemed to hover where he was. His eyes light up and glowed. An ethereal mist seemed to fill the hut. Jeong Jeong looked around wildly as he realized he was no longer in his hut. He saw only one candle and a tree with white leaves behind him.
"You call me weak?" a powerful voice asked.
"Roku?!" Jeong Jeong gasped. "No. I would never call you weak!" he pleaded.
"I have mastered the elements a thousand times before in a thousand lifetimes. Now, I must do so again," Roku said.
"He is not ready…" Jeong Jeong said.
"You will teach the Avatar Firebending," Roku said evenly as he lit the tree's leaves on fire with simply an open hand.
"Yes. Yes. I will teach you," Jeong Jeong said with his eyes closed. He did not know he had returned to his home plane. Not until a childish voice spoke.
"Really?! That's great!" Aang said cheerfully. Jeong Jeong sighed. He wasn't sure this would work out as it should.
[-] [-] [-]
Aang had been excited about finally learning Firebending! Sadly, it turned out Master Jeong Jeong may actually be insane after all. He kept shouting about concentrating this and concentrating that. He kept saying no fire and again no fire.
Instead of learning how to throw fireballs at Zuko, Aang was hearing stuff even he, as a monk, thought of as spiritual mumbo jumbo. Jeong Jeong went on about feeling the sun and its heat. About how it was the source of all Firebending, but in harmony with nature. Aang got that back when he was a monk before a hundred years passed in a blink of his eyes.
Next, Master Jeong Jeong took Aang up a nearby mountain. Aang thought maybe it was finally time to blast out fire and to do so away from others, so he didn't harm them. Jeong Jeong instead kept complaining about Aang's stance never being wide enough and going on about breathing. By this point, Aang's stance was so wide it was like he was trying to take dump while standing.
Then Master Jeong Jeong just left him there. Aang continued for a while, but after a few hours he was fed up and pretty sure the old man was making a joke out of him. Aang stomped back down the mountain and went right to the old man's hunt.
"What are you doing here? I did not tell you to stop," Jeong Jeong said.
"I've been breathing and practicing my stance for hours now. Stop wasting my time!" Aang said impatiently.
Jeong Jeong sighed to the Avatar. Maybe this would help get his point across. "I had a student once who had no interest in learning discipline. All he wanted was the power. And how to destroy with it. He wanted to burn everything down in his path, should it stand in his way. Fire is not to be underestimated. Its nature is to consume. It wants to burn all it can touch."
He narrowed his eyes. "If you do not have the discipline… Yes. You could find power and use it. You can even do so to great and terrible effect. It will only cost you all you love and hold dear in payment. It won't destroy you… It will instead destroy those you care about. Those standing next to you," Jeong Jeong said.
Aang had a contemplative look on his face at those words. He stood up and left the hut.
[-] [-] [-]
"So, the Avatar was in the area. And you let him not only slip away, but also join up with a traitor," Admiral Zhao said as he looked down to the guard captain below him in height. It really did pay in many cases to be tall and strong. It helped get your point across so much easier.
"Uhhhh the festival still went off well, Sir. Theft was down. There weren't any fights," the guard captain said.
"Apart from the fight where the Avatar escaped," Zhao corrected.
The guard gulped. "The performers were a hit," the captain said in desperation.
Zhao raised his eyebrow at the nervous guard captain.
"They went to the forest! Along the river," the nervous guard captain said.
Zhao gave a smirk. "See. Now, that's how you should have answered in the first place. Ready a River Assault Boat," Zhao commanded.
"Yes, Sir!" the guard captain quickly bowed and ran off.
[-] [-] [-]
"What are you doing?" Jeong Jeong asked as he saw Aang meditating.
"I thought over what you said, Master Jeong Jeong. I got too anxious and forgot the teachings I learned from the other monks. I will be more patient," Aang said.
Jeong Jeong looked him over. He gave hum in thought. "Come with me," he said.
"Where are we going, Master Jeong Jeong?" Aang asked.
"To work with fire," he said.
"Yeah!" Aang cheered. He then blushed and took on his clam demeanor again.
"What do I do with this kid?" Jeong Jeong thought to himself.
The current Avatar was such a confusing mess. He acted like a kid most of the time and doesn't even focus when needed. Yet at times, he came off wise and mature well beyond his years. It was confusing and annoying.
Jeong Jeong lit the center of a leaf and burned a hole in it. He then gave the leaf to Aang. "Concentrate on the fire. Keep it from burning the leaf for as long as you can. But don't let it go out either."
"Okay," Aang said as he did as instructed. He remained focused even when a man came and called away Jeong Jeong.
"Uhhhh," Aang sighed after some time.
"What is it?" Katara asked as she came over to sit nearby.
"He's the worst Firebending instructor ever! All he does is say concentrate this, concentrate that. Stance. Wider. Wider! Wider! And then he tells me to breathe…" Aang said.
Katara giggled at his imitation of the man. She smiled and said, "I'm sure he has a good reason for it all."
"Maybe… But I'm ready for so much more," Aang complained.
He then concentrated on his flame that was about to go out. Suddenly the flame grew! The leaf turned to ash, but Aang kept the flame in his hand.
"Look at that. I made fire!" Aang said cheerfully.
"That's great, Aang. But… take it slow," Katara said in worry.
Aang couldn't hear her worry. He was too excited. He started to play with the flame. He tossed it back and forth between his hands. He tossed it forwards and backwards. He was wondering if he could start bouncing it between his feet, or maybe do a through the legs maneuver. That would be cool! Well… Hot actually. It was fire after all.
"Aang! Be careful. You'll hurt yourself," Katara said. Perhaps if she instead said you'll hurt someone, Aang might have heard her worry and realized he was getting carried away.
As it was, he started thinking about how to do what that Fire Juggler did at the festival. It was so awesome! He tossed the flame in the air and spread his arms. It was supposed to cause the fire to make a circle and then burn out. Instead, it seemed to expand outwards. Aang still thought it was awesome.
Then he heard Katara cry in pain.
"Owwww!" Katara cried with tears in her eyes.
"Katara! I'm so sorry! It was an accident," Aang said in worry as the fire extinguished.
Sokka suddenly tackled Aang in anger after hearing his siter's cry of pain. "You burned my sister!" he shouted.
"I'm sorry!" Aang said.
Katara ran off crying. Sokka glared at Master Jeong Jeong as he returned. "This is all your fault!" Sokka accused.
"I know! It is time you pack your bags. You need to leave. Immediately!" Jeong Jeong said. They needed to leave for more than one reason.
"I'm sorry… It was an accident," Aang said in worry.
Jeong Jeong had his back turned and sighed. He looked at Aang. "The cycle must be followed in all things," he said.
"I didn't mean it…" Aang said with a worried sniff.
Jeong Jeong decided maybe he needed to better explain. "You are an Airbender. You learned all of life is scared and the spirits are all around us. As an Airbender, you learned of true freedom! You learned only your imagination can hold you back," he said.
Aang had his head bowed, but listened.
"You need to learn Waterbending next. Waterbending heals. It flows. It takes form of its surroundings. Waterbenders learn to always be adaptable. To change as needed," he said.
"After that it is Earth. Earth is strong. It is stubborn. It is unyielding. Earthbenders learn to remain focused and disciplined. They learn to never give in. They remain strong in even the face of defiance," he said.
"Only then can you learn fire. Fire is powerful. If you do not know how to remain unyielding. You cannot control fire and it will only bring about destruction. That is why the cycle for you is Air, Water, Earth, then Fire. By the time you get to Fire properly, you will know to remain steadfast and tame it," he said. He left Aang to his thoughts.
[-] [-] [-]
"I heard what happened," Harry said as he came over to Katara. He was next to her as she sniffed back tears and held her hands in the river's water. "I can help a little," Harry said getting ready to pull out his wand.
"I'd like that. It doesn't seem as bad now at least," Katara said.
Harry nodded and then blinked. "Katara… Your hands… their glowing!" he said in surprise.
Katara looked at her own hands in awe. She wasn't sure what to make of this.
"You should help the others with packing," Jeong Jeong said to Harry with emphasis as he emerged from the trees.
Harry narrowed his eyes in thought and then blinked. He nodded. There had been something going on around the camp. Jeong Jeong was telling them to go because trouble was on the way.
Master Jeong Jeong turned to Katara. "You truly are special as a Waterbender. Only the most gifted can heal in such a way," he said pointing at her hands.
They were fully healed already.
"I've always wished I was blessed with such abilities," he admitted to her.
"You're such a great Firebender though," Katara said to him.
"It is a curse. It requires constant discipline. You are always a step away from chaos. Even then… Fire can only bring destruction. Water brings life and healing," he said.
Katara looked to him in thought.
"Now. As I told your friends. You all need to leave this place. Only destruction awaits here now," Jeong Jeong said.
Katara's eyes widened as she nodded and ran off to meet the others.
Shortly after he was alone on the shore, a boat came.
"Master Jeong Jeong," Zhao said smugly.
"You are no longer my student," Jeong Jeong replied in spite.
"I suppose you're right. I have long since surpassed your foolish teachings," Zhao said with a scoff. "I'll take care of my old master. Go and round up his men," he ordered the small group of soldiers with him. "Be sure to look for the Avatar," he added.
The group didn't realize Aang was watching. He was surprised to see that Zhao was Jeong Jeong's old student. He wanted to jump in and help, but something kept him from doing that. It was like he knew to watch instead.
"You were once so great. A highly respected and feared mighty Admiral. To think, you would sink so low. You've become nothing more than a savage," Zhao said.
"You are the one who embraced savagery, Zhao," Jeong Jeong said as he stood still, but ready.
"Ironic really… I'm an Admiral now and you are the one with just a simple name and no rank," Zhao replied.
"That title will not help you against the Avatar. You are no match. You will only lose!" Jeong Jeong said. His followers should have already cleared out. He only needed to buy some time for Aang and his friends to leave as well.
"I think I can more than handle a simple child," Zhao retorted.
"I've never seen such raw power…" Jeong Jeong said.
Zhao sent a mighty fire blast at him. Jeong Jeong dodged. Aang still watched. "Let's put that to the test, shall we?" Zhao mocked.
He sent another fire blast at Jeong Jeong. The man again dodged. Zhao growled at him. He sent more fire blasts and other fire attacks. Aang watched as the Master Firebender merely danced around his opponent. Jeong Jeong hadn't even lifted a finger.
"Pretty quick on your feet still it seems. I suppose that makes sense for traitor and coward!" Zhao shouted.
"You are still nothing more than a loose cannon," Jeong Jeong said as he moved again to evade another fire blast.
Zhao roared and started sending more and more attacks at Jeong Jeong. "Stubborn old fool!" Zhao shouted.
"He has no self-control…" Aang said to himself as he watched. He was starting to understand what his Master was trying to tell him.
Zhao sent a mighty flame kick at Jeong Jeong. Again, the man evaded. He was once more on the shore. "Are you so cowardly you won't even raise a fist to defend yourself?" Zhao shouted at him.
"Why should I? My opponent has already defeated himself," Jeong Jeong said with a confident smile. He then surrounded himself in a ball of fire and disappeared.
Zhao roared in anger.
"Sir! They're all gone…" a solider said from the shore. He then stood there with his jaw hanging open. "What happened to the boat, Admiral?" he asked.
Zhao was angry as his eyes reflected the flames around him burning his boat to ash.
[-] [-] [-]
Aang already disappeared by the time Zhao roared one last time. He quickly found the others waiting for him with Appa packed and ready.
"We need to go," Harry said to him.
"Yeah… Sorry about that. I wanted to make sure Jeong Jeong was okay and see we would have time to escape," Aang said as he hopped on Appa and got the bison to take off.
"Everyone was already gone when we got to the camp," Sokka said.
"Did Jeong Jeong make it out?" Katara asked.
Aang nodded to her.
"It seems we have time to get out of here now. You don't even look like you got a scratch," Harry said.
"Yeah. I watched Zhao defeat himself. It was just like Master Jeong Jeong said. If you don't have any self-control, fire will only destroy everything around you," Aang said.
"Are you going to be okay, now?" Katara asked.
Aang frowned. "I don't know. I guess I'll have to learn Firebending sometime. I am the Avatar," he said.
He nodded to himself. "I'll do things properly though. Master Jeong Jeong may have shouted a lot and cared too much about stances and such, but he was right. The Cycle must be followed in all things. Waterbending first. Then Earthbending. Lastly, when I'm finally ready, Firebending," Aang said to the others.
"Yeah… I still don't like the idea of you learning Jerkbending… But I guess that's just another one of those Avatar things," Sokka said. He seemed calmer now. Probably because his sister was perfectly fine and even had amazing healing powers it seemed. He wished she learned to use them sooner. That would have been so nice in the past.
"So… Where to next?" Harry asked.
Aang grinned to him. "Now, we go get you a staff! Well… hopefully. I think I kind of know where the Northern Air Temple is," he said.
"It is on the way, right?" Sokka asked.
"Yeah…" Aang said.
"So, it isn't like somehow on the other side of globe then?" Sokka asked.
"It would still be on the way even then," Aang pointed out.
"Just checking. We all know how you are at navigating," Sokka defended himself.
"And I've told you all before… Appa's here because of that," Aang said.
The others nodded unconvinced. Harry pulled out his wand and said, "Point me."
It spun around a moment and then pointed to the left from where they were headed.
"We have to… follow the air currents… Yeah! That's it. Got to ascend in circles," Aang said as he adjusted Appa's heading.
Harry and Katara laughed to themselves.
Sokka was reconsidering the whole Heterosexual Life Partners Agreement with Harry. He had a compass with that handy wand of his as well. That would make traveling even easier!
A/N: I think I got a better idea at telling events from the canon and changing enough to keep the spirit of the scenes, while also making them interesting enough to read as well and feel different enough.