Chapter 7: Their Northernmost Destination
Harry smiled at the glider staff in his hands. Soon Harry would be able to glide around like Aang, but more importantly he could do more advanced Airbending moves. The staff was a very important Airbender tool. They retrieved it from the Northern Air Temple. That had been a very mixed journey for Aang.
They first saw a bunch of figures flying around the temple. Aang and the others wondered if maybe this temple manage to avoid the genocide. Appa was set on course and Aang in his excitement flew out to meet the figures. He was surprised to see they weren't Airbenders. He still engaged in a bit of a race against the kid in the glider he saw.
The kid's name was Teo and he was extremely excited to finally have someone who could keep up with his flying. Aang had to blink when Teo disconnected his glider and was revealed to be in a wheelchair. Aang admitted he was sad they weren't Air Nomads, but he still took the tour of the temple and told them about the history of the place.
By the end of the tour, Aang was disappointed with what he saw as blasphemy. The people living here now had done so much remodeling of the place. To Aang, it looked as if they had little care for the damage they did to such a sacred place. He was starting to come around to the people, despite it all.
However, it got worse when he opened the doors to the Avatar Chamber. The kids were excited to see inside it. They talked about how no one had been inside since the doors could only be opened by an Airbending Master. Sadly, that wasn't case.
Teo's father had found a way inside and told no one for secretive reasons. Aang took some solace that even Teo was upset with all his father had done to the place. Teo even felt he had to apologize to Aang on behalf of his father.
Later, Sokka discovered the man had actually been working for the Fire Nation in exchange for being allowed to live peacefully in the temple. Teo couldn't stand that and chewed out his father, especially after seeing all of the horrible inventions he created for the Fire Nation. Some of them were even described by people who joined them later.
In the end, Teo's father decided he would work for the Fire Nation no more. War Minister Qin of the Fire Nation, who came to check on progress, threatened them all when Teo's dad made his intentions clear. Aang was furious and wouldn't let this stand. It was then The Mechanist, Teo's father, realized the Fire Nation was merely waiting until they had what they wanted before burning them all anyways. A small battle broke out with the temple's future at stake.
The battle had been rather one sided once Aang and the others demonstrated their air superiority. They soundly defeated Qin and his forces. They didn't even have to do anything violent to do so. Teo's father developed a bunch non-lethal tech for crowd control as well. The tech and air superiority provided enough of a deterrent the Fire Nation soldiers retreated.
The troops were ordered by the Fire Lord to meet with Admiral Zhao for something big he had planned. Aang and the others didn't know that fact. They also didn't know some of the latest inventions from the battle were recovered by the same Fire Nation soldiers. The Fire Nation may have lost that battle, but War Minister Qin knew it would lead to many future victories, especially after seeing how effective air superiority was in combat.
There was a reason Sozin destroyed the Airbenders first. It wasn't just because the new Avatar was one.
As far as Aang and the others knew, it was a huge victory. They did not want to see what would happen if the Fire Nation got their hands on the many inventions of Teo's father. Aang ended up befriending them all. He and Teo raced once again, but this time they tied.
The staff in Harry's hand was one of two parting gifts from the new honorary Air Nomads. Aang got the other one since his old one broke shortly after the battle. Aang gave Harry glider lessons while they were there. Harry took them as well as he did his Broom flying lessons.
In a way, Aang felt the new temple inhabitants were actually carrying on the traditions of the Air Nomads. They may not be Airbenders, but there were still people laughing and cheering as they flew through sky above the clouds around the temple.
That was the epitome of being an Air Nomad.
[-] [-] [-]
"Point me," Harry said. His wand pointed north again. "We're on course," he said with a sigh.
"I guess we were being too hopeful," Sokka said with a sigh. It had been a day since their last stop. Appa was getting tired.
"It does make sense they wouldn't be exactly at the North Pole. That would make them too easy to find," Katara said.
"This is getting tough on Appa," Aang said.
Appa let out small roar.
"I know your tough, Big Guy. It isn't easy carrying all of us though," Aang said, patting Appa's head.
Sokka hummed as he looked around. "Hey, Katara?" he asked.
"Yes?" Katara replied.
"Do you think you could make us a large ice platform? That way we can rest a little," Sokka asked.
"With Aang's help. What good would it be?" Katara asked.
"Appa will get rest. We can set up camp. And then… Well, we have two Airbenders. They can scout the area out," Sokka said.
"I'm game if Aang is," Harry said gleefully.
"Appa does need the rest. It would be better than just flying around blindly," Aang replied.
"I love it when my brother proves he isn't completely useless," Katara said giggling.
"Har har… Let's get started already," Sokka said.
[-] [-] [-]
Zuko hated how his hunt for the Avatar had come to brief standstill. He had no choice in the matter. He knew Aang and the others were headed towards the Northern Water Tribe. He needed his ship and crew to be at their best though. That meant some shore leave while the ship resupplied.
The scarred prince looked to the Fire Nation banner in his quarters. He was thinking about practicing with the swords hidden behind it getting the swords hidden behind it. That might get his mind off things. He started hiding them because certain annoying and uninvited recurring guests might get a clue to some of things he'd done. That would not be good.
The door to his quarters opened and his Uncle walked in looking down. "What is it, Uncle? I'm still not playing your stupid Tsungi horn," he said with narrowed eyes.
"The Admiral is taking all of the crew," Uncle Iroh said.
Zuko's eyes widened in anger. He then huffed. "Fine…" he said. He did not want his crew getting in trouble because of him. He was banished. They were not. He wouldn't be foolish and get them in trouble just because of said annoying and uninvited reoccurring guest.
"I expected a hissy fit from you," Zhao said as he stepped in behind Iroh.
"I didn't get angry, because I knew you wanted me too," Zuko said as he stood up and looked in the man's eyes. He wasn't at all intimidated by the larger man.
Admiral Zhao looked down at the prince and remained calm. "I suppose we're finished then," he said after they stared each other down a moment or two. As he turned around, he said, "I'll be sure to tell you all about it, when I capture the Avatar."
As one foot was out the door, Zhao said, "General Iroh. My offer still stands. Should you choose to join me."
Zuko huffed and small flames shot from his nostrils. His fists clenched as well. The man pissed him off so much. Not only was he going after Zuko's chance at regaining his honor, he was trying to take his Uncle away as well. He knew Uncle Iroh wouldn't go, but the Admiral's audacity still pissed him off.
[-] [-] [-]
"Man… this magic stuff is really handy," Sokka said as he warmed his hands by a magic fire hovering above the surface of the ice island Aang and Katara made.
"I know," Aang started. He grinned and said, "I might just ask Harry to marry me too." He was giving a big grin.
"Now you understand," Sokka said grinning back.
Katara was just staring in shock at the two. They both looked to her and then starting laughing. She huffed and gave then gave them a grin. "I might just snatch him away from you both. I'm pretty sure he at least considers me easier on the eyes," she said.
Aang's jaw dropped at her words. Katara was giggling, so he relaxed again.
"Fine by me. I'd have the best brother-in-law ever," Sokka said before chuckling. Aang frowned a little to that.
Harry returned. "I checked my assigned areas. No sign of them," he said. He looked to them and raised an eyebrow. "What's going on here?" he asked.
Katara and Sokka chuckled. Aang shook his head. "They were arguing if you would make a better husband or Brother-in-Law," he said smiling a little.
"For who?" Harry couldn't help but ask.
"That's what they were arguing about," Aang said. Harry stared as the others busted out laughing.
[-] [-] [-]
Zuko frowned as he looked to his ceiling. As much as he hated to admit it, Zhao had the upper hand by a long shot. The man probably didn't even need his crew and was just rubbing it in.
The door opened again and his uncle looked to him. "The crew wishes you a kind farewell," he said.
Zuko huffed to that. Uncle Iroh looked his nephew over. He was proud of him for his actions. Zuko realized he had no choice in that ordeal, especially if he cared for his crew. "It's a beautiful night for a stroll. Care to join me?" Iroh asked.
Zuko huffed and turned over in his bed.
"Or you could stay here. In the dark. Brooding," Iroh said as he left.
It was several minutes later when Zuko gave a huff of frustration. He hopped up and decided he might as well. Annoying as it was, he needed to do something.
Shortly after Zuko stepped off his ship. It exploded!
A fire broke out and some parts fell into the water. He quickly hid behind some bushes. He watched as a few men he vaguely recognized ran by where he was standing.
"Assassins…" he thought to himself.
He was tempted to jump them, but narrowed his eyes. This was far too conveniently timed. He followed quickly and quietly and watched as they met their captain.
"It's done," a man in yellow and green said.
"Zhao will be happy," the pirate captain said just as a parrotlizard landed on his shoulder.
Zuko ducked down more hoping the bird wouldn't spot him.
The men quickly left. Zuko watched them. He would have taken them down under any other circumstance. However, he was already forming a plan. It would be tricky. He then saw his uncle heading his way looking worried.
"Uncle," Zuko said quietly but loud enough his uncle would hear him.
"Zuko!" he said as he came over and gave his nephew a hug. Zuko didn't shrug it off. "I was worried…" Uncle Iroh said.
"It was Zhao," Zuko said.
"How do you know this?" Iroh asked.
"I happened to be off the ship when it exploded. I saw the men who did it and followed them quietly. The met their Captain and he confirmed it," Zuko said.
"I knew he was lousy and a coward… But this…" Uncle Iroh said. He frowned. Zhao seemed to be getting more desperate. Why would he go after Zuko now? Was he unsure his plan would work? Or was he that sure it would work.
"Uncle," Zuko said getting his attention. "I need you to approach Zhao and say you will join him after all," he said.
"What's the plan?" Iroh asked.
"It would have been tricky, if not impossible, for us to get to the Northern Water Tribe alone. But an invasion force... They could. I'll sneak onboard and disguise myself as one of the troops," he said.
"And while the invasion goes on… You sneak in while everyone is busy and get the Avatar instead," Iroh said following. Zuko nodded to him. "Are you sure you won't play the Tsungi horn next time? This is asking a lot," Uncle Iroh said with a chuckle.
Zuko sighed and shook his head. He did give a brief smile though.
[-] [-] [-]
Aang flew around on his turn to find the Northern Water Tribe. He was glad for this plan, but he wasn't sure how well it would work. "If nothing else, Appa will be rested and we can take to flying again," he thought.
"Huh…" Aang suddenly said. He saw a couple of boats. He recognized they were Water Tribe too. He quickly dived down and landed on the bow of one. "Hey I was-" he was cut off as a water blast came his way.
He jumped up and landed on the other boat. "I'm the Avatar!" he said in hope that would work.
Water was shot at him again. He used Airbending to redirect it. The remaining people blinked. "The Avatar is an Airbender," one of the men said.
"What do you want… Avatar?" a gruff man said. He seemed to be the leader.
"My friends and I are looking for you. I need a trainer for Waterbending. I only know some basics. Two of my friends are from the Southern Water Tribe as well, if that helps," Aang said.
The men looked to each other. The leader seemed to give them a silent command. "Okay… We'll follow you to them, but if you try anything," he said warning.
"I won't!" Aang said quickly and shook his head.
"Then lead the way," the leader said.
"Alright!" Aang said. He took off again and used his senses to realign with the others. He kept low and steady as he led the way.
[-] [-] [-]
"Why the change of mind?" Zhao asked as he sat across from Iroh.
Iroh looked saddened. "Prince Zuko… He's gone… Dead," Iroh said as he visibly grieved.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Truly. I am. We had our differences, but he should not have gone out that way," Zhao said. He thought his voice sounded empathetic enough.
"The Fire Lord will not be pleased when he learns who was responsible," Iroh said as he contemplated his cup of tea.
Zhao almost flinched there. He hadn't fully thought on that aspect. He would just make sure to destroy the Northern Water Tribe and capture the Avatar. He would then silence the pirates, just to be sure. "Any idea who?" he asked.
"Pirates. We met them once briefly. They will do anything for some gold. They knew who we were," Iroh said to show he wasn't completely unaware. It also wasn't a lie. He asked them about his Lotus Tile, when he thought it was missing.
"Well then… It seems we know who to go after next. Unfortunately… This was already in motion," Zhao said.
"Then let us toast. To Victory!" Iroh said raising his cup.
"To Victory. No one will deny the Fire Nation," Zhao said raising his own cup.
[-] [-] [-]
"Wow… Look at this place! It's incredible!" Aang said. He and the rest were on Appa as they were following a Northern Water Tribe boat through a large ice city.
"So many Waterbenders…" Katara said in awe at it all.
"How does the South Pole compare?" Harry asked as he looked around in awe as well. The place was amazing.
"It's nothing like this. It's home, but this… This is incredible," Sokka said. He then saw a beautiful girl riding a boat herself. Her hair was the color of moonlight. The style she wore it in was amazing and very flattering for her. Her clear blue eyes only further accented her looks. "Beautiful…" Sokka said while watching her.
"It is!" Katara said not noticing her brother's eyes and attention lay elsewhere.
Harry leaned in to Sokka and quietly asked, "The city… or her?"
Sokka blushed and started to look everywhere else, but the incredibly beautiful girl. He then sighed rather longingly. "Can I say both… and you won't tell the others?" he asked.
Harry gave a chuckle, but left it alone. Sokka looked back but the girl's boat was already out of sight.
[-] [-] [-]
Uncle Iroh came to a stop as a man dressed in Fire Nation armor walked his way and stopped next to him. "How are you settling in?" Iroh asked the solider.
"Fine Uncle. I spoke to one of my men. Zhao gave them quarters to themselves. They all agreed to help," Zuko said.
"That is good to hear. Zhao doesn't suspect a thing on my end," Uncle Iroh said.
"I'm… I'm surprised my men agreed to help. Zhao is their superior now…" Zuko said sounding confused.
"Helping you get there isn't directly disobeying any of his orders. There's also how it is you," Uncle Iroh said.
"What does that matter?" Zuko asked.
"While I do not like the man, Zhao is usually ruthless and effective when it matters. No doubt that is why Ozai promoted him. However, a man like him only sees soldiers as resources. He is not wasteful with them, but they are just tools to him. You on the other hand see your forces as soldiers and people. They will follow orders from you both and respect you both as your ranks demand. But they are more loyal to you, because you respect them as well," Uncle Iroh said.
Zuko was silent in thought on that. He then said, "We should get going. Before someone sees us." Both of them started walking again in opposite directions.
[-] [-] [-]
Once night approached, the Gaang were sitting at a large banquet held by Arnook, the Northern Water Tribe leader. Arnook stood up and said, "We have honored guests with us tonight. The Avatar has come and brought his protégé and our Brother and Sister from the Southern Water Tribe."
The gathered members of the Northern Tribe applauded.
"We also celebrate the sixteenth birthday of my daughter," Arnook said as he held a hand out.
The girl who got Sokka's attention walked up and gave a pretty smile and slight nod to the people.
"A Princess… Aiming high," Harry whispered to Sokka who was staring in disbelief.
"Princess Yue is now of marrying age," Arnook said as the people cheered to her.
"Thank you, Father. May the great ocean and moon spirits watch over us during these troubled times. I am honored we dine with such esteemed guests tonight," Yue said to everyone. All of the gathered people, including the Gaang, applauded to her.
"Now, Master Pakku and his students will honor us with a performance," Arnook said as he sat down.
A man with long grey hair, a thin divided mustache and chin beard stood in the front of two young men. He took a waterbending stance and soon a large ball of water came to him. He had it circle him a few times, before sending it to the student behind on the right. They had it circle a few times and then sent it back to him, before he sent it to the student on his left.
Next, they raised their hands and the orb divided into three smaller ones. Each took one orb to bend around them before exchanging the smaller orbs between each other. They raised their hands up for the finale and made three different ice designs. The students made simple flower designs perfectly identical. Master Pakku made a very complex and equally beautiful snow flake design.
Everyone cheered and applauded to the display as food was placed in front of each guest at the head table.
Aang was sitting with Arnook on one side and Katara on the other. Next to her was Harry and next to him was Sokka. Princess Yue took the seat on Sokka's opposite side. Sokka was trying to play cool despite wanting to grin excitedly.
"Hey there. Sokka. Southern Water Tribe," he said in a 'cool guy' voice.
"Very nice to meet you," Yue replied. It was hard to see but she was blushing a little as she stared at Sokka and he stared at her. She was totally acting unintentionally awkward around him. She hadn't ever met a boy from the Southern Water Tribe, and he was kind of cute.
"So… You're a Princess," Sokka said nervously.
"Yes, I am…" she replied as she blushed a little and looked away briefly.
Sokka was about to say he was kind of a Prince, but Harry nudged him. He looked to him briefly and then Sokka said, "Well. Your beauty is fitting of a Princess."
Yue blushed deeper and was very happy to hear that. Many people said she was beautiful, but it felt more meaningful from Sokka. He had been all around the world.
"And… you have the confidence befitting a warrior…" she tried to flirt back without sounding too obvious about it.
Sokka was grinning. Katara was about to tease him about something but Harry nudged her this time. She blinked and then blushed a little. Harry seemed to want to help Sokka out here. She wasn't going to ruin that.
"He has been with us this whole time. He's also really good at planning," Harry said helpfully.
"It is kind of my thing," Sokka said almost arrogantly.
Harry nudged him as a way to tell him to tone it down.
"I mean. I see it as the best way to help the others," Sokka said as he scratched the back of his head a little nervously.
"I've lost count of how many times he's helped us during our travels," Harry said again being helpful.
"I bet you've been to many places," Princess Yue almost blurted out eagerly. She tried to look away so it wouldn't be too obvious just how interested she was in this topic.
Sokka was grabbing a bite to eat, so Harry took the time to whisper to him, "Tell her about some of the places we've been." Sokka nodded in a way Yue thought it would be in reply to her.
"We've been to a lot of places. It has been a long journey from the South Pole," Sokka said.
He then started telling Yue about their journey. It wasn't exactly in proper order, but she was very interested in his tales. She no longer felt the need to act uninterested either. Harry would say something here or there. Katara did as well, even if she low key teased her brother about some of the things he said.
"Why don't you tell her about Kyoshi Island, Brother?" Katara asked with only a hint of mischievousness.
Sokka missed her intended reason for the prompt. "That was something. The place was pretty cool. The most surprising part was the Kyoshi Warriors though," he said.
"Is it true they're all women?" Yue asked very interested this time. She was even leaned in really close.
Sokka gulped at how close she was. He had to be careful here. He was pretty sure she wouldn't appreciate him accidentally kissing her. "Yeah…" he started his voice a little higher than usual.
Yue seemed to realize she was too close and sat back a little while blushing.
"They actually got the drop on us. They were happy to release us when they realized Aang was the Avatar. They even had an Island wide celebration," Sokka said.
"Really?!" Princess Yue asked in surprise.
Katara was about to say something that would have made fun of Sokka, but Harry sensed it and placed two fingers in front of her. She blushed as they touched her lips. Harry then looked to her and whispered, "Sorry. Didn't mean to get that close."
"Its… ummmm… fine," Katara said while blushing.
She then turned to Aang and decided her fun with Sokka was over. It would also be embarrassing talking more. She would look at Harry's fingers and imagine him doing something way romantic, like place them to his lips first and give her an indirect kiss.
"Yeah. Sadly, some Fire Nation soldiers heard about it and stormed the island. But not even rhinos and Firebenders could keep the Kyoshi Warriors back for long. We left just as the tide of battle was starting to turn," Sokka continued the discussion.
[-] [-] [-]
Aang and Harry made their way to the training arena. Harry would concentrate on mediation and his senses, while Aang trained with a Full Master Waterbender. Aang wanted Harry to learn how to focus on his senses and improve his concentration and figured this would be a good chance.
"Master Pakku," Aang greeted. He and Harry gave bows to the man.
"I thought he was an Airbender," Pakku said.
"He is my student. He will be to the side learning to focus while working on his senses," Aang said.
"So long as he doesn't interfere with our lesson," Pakku said.
Harry bowed again and said, "I will not, Master Pakku."
"Where is your friend you spoke of last night?" Pakku asked.
"I'm here!" Katara said as she caught her breath. Harry and Aang were both so fast now. She was thinking maybe she should add some more basic fitness training to her usual routine.
"You did not say your friend was a girl," Pakku said in anger.
"What does that matter?" Katara asked, not liking his tone.
"I don't know how you do things at the South Pole," Pakku said with almost a huff of disgust. "But up here. Women are not allowed to learn Waterbending."
"What?! But there have to be female Waterbenders in your Tribe!" Katara said in disbelief.
"They learn how to use their abilities for healing from Yagoda. I'm sure she would be happy to teach you, but I will not," Pakku said.
"I don't need to learn healing… I want to learn to fight!" Katara said in anger.
"So, it would seem, but we have rules which must be followed," he said a little smugly to her.
Katara was growling, but stopped from saying something as Harry placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "He's right, Katara. They have rules which should be followed."
"You're taking his side?!" she asked in a mix of anger and shock.
"Aang needs to learn Waterbending as the Avatar," he said. He then whispered in her ear, "We have options."
She looked to him and blinked a few times as she chewed on his words. Aang then threatened to quit if she couldn't learn as well. "They're right, Aang," Katara said with a sigh. She looked to Harry again and added, "You need to learn, and he's the only option we have."
Katara sighed again and walked away. Once she was down the stairs, she decided to see Yagoda anyways. She had to find her first.
For better or worse, it didn't take Katara too long to find Yagoda. She gave yet another sigh before straightening up and entering the Healing Hut.
"Hi… Are you Yagoda?" she asked politely. She looked around the room and noticed it was only really young girls here. They couldn't be older than eight years old.
"Here for healing lessons?" an elderly woman asked in a kind voice.
"So, it would seem," Katara said. She was trying not to sound too disappointed. Maybe if the girls were closer to her age it might be more enjoyable, but probably not.
[-] [-] [-]
Harry was surprised how difficult these lessons were for Aang. It seemed he was really bothered by Katara not being allowed to train. Harry wanted to say something about his plan, but that would probably upset Pakku. Doing that would be counterproductive.
"Perhaps that move is too advanced for you," Pakku said smirking.
Aang huffed in frustration and slammed the water back down.
Harry would admit the man was very infuriating. He was almost tempted to do something about it using his wand, but thought that was probably a bad idea. Still… the man didn't need to be sitting in an ice throne he made while sipping tea and acting like that. "If only Aang would focus on the lesson," Harry thought to himself.
Harry was pretty sure that would change the old man's tune. If Aang focused he would be picking it up rather quickly. Pakku would be a little impressed. He would teach Aang more and Aang would get it even faster. The man would then be both happy and a little confused. Then Aang would start getting moves even faster and probably start out bending the Smirking Master himself. That would get rid of his damn smirk then.
It would also really help out with the plan he had in mind. They could find some way to arrange for Katara to take on the scoffing Master Bender. That would really show him then. A girl using his moves against him and doing too well for his liking.
"But Aang has to focus without me saying anything…" Harry thought with a sigh. If he said something and Aang suddenly got cheerful, Master Pakku would suspect something.
[-] [-] [-]
"Thank you for the lesson," Katara said with a polite bow.
"You seemed rather out of it though," Yagoda said.
Katara sighed. "Well… It was a good lesson, but I'm kind of an exception." she pulled off a glove and her hand glowed blue.
Yagoda's eyes widened to that. "My word… That does explain it. You just need basic anatomy lessons, even many of the more advanced techniques wouldn't matter for you. You are truly gifted. It is very rare to have the Healing Touch, as we call it," she said.
"Thanks," Katara couldn't help but blush. She didn't expect that much of reaction. Jeong Jeong didn't say her gift would be seen this way.
Yagoda looked to the necklace around Katara's neck briefly and smiled to her. "Whoever the lucky man is… he is very lucky," she said.
"What?" Katara asked in puzzlement.
"Your betrothal necklace. You are getting married, right?" Yagoda asked.
"No… I got this from my mother and she got it from my grandmother," Katara said looking at the necklace more carefully.
"I recognize this pattern… I should have seen it right away. You are the spitting image of Kanna," Yagoda said.
"Gran-Gran?" Katara asked. Yagoda nodded to her. "She came from the North Pole? She never said that," Katara said in shock.
"I was friends with Kanna. She was engaged to a young Waterbender. She left without saying a word though. It was an arranged marriage and she didn't like that one bit at all. Oddly enough, she didn't seem too upset with the young man she was to marry. She still couldn't stand being forced into it," Yagoda said with a hint of sorrow in her voice.
[-] [-] [-]
Sokka couldn't believe his luck. Princess Yue wanted to meet him! Alone. Under the moonlight. On a bridge over the water. He wasn't into all of that mushy stuff, but this had to be really romantic.
"Princess Yue," Sokka started. He was a little worried because something seemed to be bothering her.
"Sokka," she said. She didn't at all sound excited to see him like she had been earlier.
Sokka kept smiling at her and pulled out the gift he made for her. He wasn't exactly gifted in the arts, but everyone always says it's the thought that counts. "I made something for you," he said before handing it to her.
Princess Yue looked almost happy for a moment. She had no idea what this was, but it was obvious he put a lot of care into it. "It's a bear," she said in a guess.
"Actually… It's a fish," Sokka said as he turned it around. "See. It has a fin and such," he said feeling far from confident now. It hurt she couldn't make it out properly.
Princess Yue blushed and found it so cute he couldn't do carvings at all. She could tell even more he really made it with her in mind though. That thought was what brought tears to her eyes. She turned around and started walking away. "I'm so sorry. I've made a mistake. I shouldn't have asked you to come here," she said.
She then burst into tears and ran away faster. She made sure to still hold on to Sokka's fish. She knew she was being extra greedy. She should return it and apologize properly, but her heart couldn't do it. She liked Sokka. She really did, but things were complicated…
Sokka just stared as his heart felt it was breaking into a hundred pieces. "I don't get it…" he said lowly. He turned around and wiped his eyes briefly. "Damn snowflakes… Always getting in the eyes," he sniffed.
Sokka was sad and disappointed, but without annoying snowflakes in his eyes as he rejoined the others. He stepped inside their quarters just as Katara asked, "So… What are these options you mentioned? Regarding training?"
"We have options? What options?" Aang asked.
Sokka blinked to that and said, "Huh. That does make sense."
"Sokka knows theses options too?" Aang asked. He seemed to be getting a little upset at himself.
"I was going to say you could simply have Aang show you what he learns in his lessons," Harry said.
"That's brilliant! I should have picked up on that right away!" Katara said beaming.
"Wow! That is a good idea," Aang said.
"Just make sure you all aren't caught. That will quickly put an end to Harry's idea. Probably get us booted out too. They're probably barely tolerating us as is and see us a joke…" Sokka said with a huff.
"Was warrior training that bad? Did they laugh at you or something?" Katara asked.
"Something like that…" Sokka said before giving a fake yawn and acting like he needed to get to sleep already.
[-] [-] [-]
Aang and the others were standing in front of the tribe chief. Harry's plan had worked for a couple of days. They weren't as careful as they should have been though. Somehow Master Pakku caught Aang teaching Katara. The man claimed he was on his way to see them and mention to Aang how impressed he was with his focus in lessons after the first day.
"What do you expect me to do?" Arnook asked.
"You have disrespected me. My teachings. And my culture. I will not teach you," Master Pakku said yet again.
"I can't just force him to take Aang as his student," Arnook said.
"Please?" Katara asked.
"It is more important than you think, for Aang to learn Waterbending," Sokka said carefully.
"What do you mean?" Arnook asked.
"Back during the Winter Solstice, I received a vision from the spirit world," Aang said.
The two men looked to each other in question. "What was this vision?" Arnook asked.
"I saw Sozin's Comet returning by the end of summer. Fire Lord Ozai will use it to end the war permanently," Aang said in seriousness.
"The war may not have reached you here yet, but everyone knows how powerful Sozin's Comet makes the Firebenders. They will come for you even up here. Aang has to learn and master the elements before then," Harry added calmly.
"This is… serious," Arnook said.
"He insulted me! He doesn't care about our lessons. He can't even bother to show basic courtesy! That is a short time to master all three of the remaining elements. If anything… we should take this time to plan for ourselves how end things. We are Waterbenders of the Northern Water Tribe," Master Pakku said.
"Master Pakku does have a point. But you all do as well," Arnook said. He then turned to Master Pakku and said in voice showing he was serious, "Perhaps if you apologize to him, he will reconsider."
Master Pakku nodded. He more than got the hint. Having a fully actualized Avatar, or at least one who has learned Waterbending as well, could be of tremendous value to them all when facing the Fire Nation.
Arnook turned to Katara and said, "If you will swallow your pride and apologize. He will swallow his pride and teach Aang once more."
"Fine…" Katara said as she sighed and was about to apologize. She looked to Master Pakku.
He smirked at her and said, "I'm waiting. Little girl."
Arnook was about to get on his case for not properly cooperating. However, Mount Katara exploded before he could say anything.
"No!" she shouted and stomped her foot.
The ice cracked below in all directions. Arnook blinked at that. Katara seemed to have some tremendous raw power.
"I will not apologize to a sour. Bitter old Man. Stuck in his ways!" Katara said. She then glared at them and the two large water pots next to them shattered completely.
"I'll be outside if you're man enough to fight me," Katara said and stormed out. Yue caught the tail end of the discussion and gasped at the display.
Master Pakku remained stone faced for a moment. It was only the girl's disrespect to him that kept him from gawking at the raw power she put out. He would be more than happy to train her as his prized student, if she was a boy.
"It seems I have been challenged," he said and stood. She may have raw power, but she was sorely lacking in discipline and training. He might as well get this over with and teach her the difference between them.
[-] [-] [-]
"I'm still not sure this is a good idea, Katara. He's a prick, but he is a Master Bender," Harry said as they followed her to the training grounds.
"Harry has a point. Katara… You can't win this fight," Sokka said.
"Oh, I know. I just don't care!" Katara said still marching in a huff.
Harry got vibes from her similar to when Hermione punched Draco in the face last year. That was badass of Hermione and kind of funny because of how shocked Draco was. Cabbe and Goyle didn't even know what to do. This was more serious. He wasn't sure how this would play out. He didn't think Pakku would hurt Katara, but it was going to be bad.
"You don't have to go this far for me to get a teacher. I can find someone else," Aang said.
"I'm not just doing this for you. Someone needs to slap some sense into that man!" Katara said. She looked determined as she said, "Decided to show up?"
Master Pakku was standing in the arena. "I was just going to tell you to head back to the healing huts where you belong. But you dared to insult me in such a manner. I cannot let it stand," he said.
Katara tossed her parka to Sokka. She then jumped into the arena and readied her hands.
"You should be happy, Katara. You will get your lesson," Pakku said as he took stance. "All it will cost is your humiliation."
He shot a water blob at her. Katara moved her hands and took the blob to form a water whip. She then cracked it at him. Pakku evaded it but couldn't yank it from her grasp. He instead collapsed it to the ice. He then used two large streams of water to encircled them both.
Katara was in awe of the display. Pakku shortened their distance. "Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you. You're just a petulant child," he said in a condescending tone.
Katara sensed the flow of his streams and changed her stance and moved her hands in motion equal with one of the streams. She took that stream and shot it Master Pakku.
Master Pakku was surprised by that, but reacted quickly. He put up an ice shield which withstood the pounding on the water attack. He was about the counter-attack, but Katara was already on the move. She threw a few attacks at him, but he dodged them.
He jumped back making room and sent a powerful wave of water at her. Katara quickly grounded herself with ice and held her hands out in a wedge shape. She then forced them apart as the wave came to her. She was able to break apart the wave of water.
Master Pakku was already on the move right behind his attack. He saw she anchored herself. Just as he attacked, Katara broke free of her ice and shot it up at him. He leaned back just in time as he launched a powerful water whip at her.
She was sent backwards into a pool of water.
A few of the spectators were really enjoying what they thought was just a regular show. They cheered at the successful attack.
Katara quickly re-emerged from the pool and made an ice pillar. She then sent a series of sharpened ice disks at Master Pakku. He dodged, but was a little impressed with her attack. He could tell how sharp her disks were. This was why he briefly panicked as one came within inches of his neck.
He looked at her and grew irritated. If she was only a boy, he would have one his best students in years. Instead, she was a girl and was mocking generations of tradition and rules. He would be ending this now!
Katara sent a stream of water at him. He bent it to the side and brought up another massive wave of water and sent it her way. Katara again got ready to break through it and she did. Right away she had to dodge a fast water jet. As she leaned down to avoid the water jet, she bent part of it away and froze it before launching it back at him.
Pakku's eyes widened in surprise to that. However, he easily turned it to snow. He then barely moved as a water whip shot at him. He forced it to the ground and was about to scoff at her attempted counter attack.
Then he noticed just in time as a wave of ice was already close to him. He turned that to snow as well. He saw her really close the gap. He threw up an ice shield expecting her to dash to the side.
Katara instead ran right up it. She then pushed off and back flipped away.
Pakku had to think quickly as she pushed off. She managed to force some of his own ice to melt and shoot at him. He quickly took that attack and sent it back at her while also sending a blob of water above her.
Katara recovered just in time to throw her hands up and cancel Pakku's attack. She then noticed ice shards flying down at her. She made a covering motion with her hands which sent up some water which froze to block the attack.
She was breathing a sigh of relief when suddenly her dome was showered down around her. It was all around her and then frozen again. She couldn't move her body, because she was too tired and completely encased in far too heavy and thick ice. Only her shoulders and head remained free.
"See. Katara of the Southern Water Tribe. This is the difference between you and I. I need only get a little serious and you are unable to fight back," Master Pakku said smugly.
Katara was heaving as she looked at him in frustration.
"Isn't that the point?" a clear voice cut across the training ground.
"What are you talking about?" Pakku asked as he looked to Harry.
"You had to get serious with her, even if only a little," Harry said.
Master Pakku blinked to that.
"Have you ever needed to do that with your students? Before they are finished training, or in her case, before they even start training under you?" Harry asked.
"No…" Master Pakku admitted reluctantly.
"All she's had as training is watching Aang do a couple of moves and his less than informed explanation," Harry said.
"Hey! I'm a good teacher. I've been teaching you Airbending. Haven't I?" Aang asked sounding offended.
"You are a great teacher Aang. The difference is you've been a Master Airbender for years. You are still learning Waterbending," Harry said.
"Oh," Aang replied.
Master Pakku looked at the girl in front of him. She was still angry or maybe frustrated. He would admit she was very impressive as a Waterbender. Her necklace then caught his attention.
"Where did you get that?! That's my necklace!" he said.
"No, it's not. It's mine! I won't let you accuse me somehow stealing from you as well," Katara said in anger.
Master Pakku blinked at her and backed up. He was surprised at what he saw… More like who he saw. He looked away as the memories assaulted him.
He saw a beautiful woman who looked much like the one in front of him. She was full of life and kind to him. She even really liked him, but then she turned sixteen. She no longer seemed happy. She spent more time looking outwards towards the sea.
Then she disappeared…
"I made this necklace sixty years ago. It was for the love of my life… Kanna," he said in shock.
"Gran-Gran was supposed to marry you?" Katara asked in shock as she unfroze the ice imprisoning her.
"I carved this necklace for your grandmother when we got engaged. I thought we'd have a wonderful and long life together. I loved her more than anything. Then she disappeared," he said.
"She couldn't stand something so big and important being forced on her. It was an arranged marriage. She hated stupid customs taking even that away from her, even if she never blamed you personally. She used that anger to give her the courage to leave," Katara said.
Master Pakku seemed to be saddened. "The very traditions I hold so highly caused the love of my life to walk away. And never turn back…" he said in shock.
Princess Yue suddenly broke out in tears and ran off. Everyone was surprised to see her run like that, even her father. He didn't understand what it was though.
Sokka looked worried. "Go on," Aang said to him encouragingly. Sokka left immediately.
[-] [-] [-]
It was nightfall by the time Sokka finally found Princess Yue. She knew the place much better than him.
"What do you want from me?" Yue asked in a hurt manner.
"Nothing…" Sokka said taken aback. He approached her and stood next to her. "I just wanted to say I think you're beautiful. I never thought a girl like you would ever notice a guy like me. I get it though," Sokka said.
"Sokka…" Yue said softly.
"You're a Princess… And I'm a guy from the South Pole who just talks big," he said.
He was about to turn around and leave, but suddenly Yue grabbed him. She looked him in the eyes and quickly leaned in to give him a fierce kiss on his lips. He barely returned it before she broke it off.
"Okay… I really liked that. It was amazing… But I'm totally confused here," Sokka said while he stood there stunned.
"I do like you, Sokka. I like you a whole lot! That's the problem… We can't be together. You're an amazing guy," she said.
She then lowered her collar and showed him her necklace. "But I'm engaged… I'm sorry!" she said before running off.
Sokka hated this. He just got a kiss from a beautiful princess who likes him. But she was already engaged! Her birthday was just a few days ago. She was acting strange the very next night. Sokka really didn't like this. He bet the guy who snatched her up probably didn't even realize how lucky he was.
Sokka huffed to himself. "Man… some guys get all of the luck…" he mumbled as he walked away in a crestfallen state. He hated the whole arranged marriage thing, and that was before learning Yue was in such a situation.
[-] [-] [-]
"Well done, Katara!" Master Pakku said as he freed a student from the massive ice wave Katara created around him.
It had been a few days since she was made an exception to their no girls allowed rule. Katara hated that she was just an exception, but as Aang told her, "Change takes time." During those days, Katara had been more than impressive as a student.
Master Pakku was proud to have such a gifted student. "I'm guessing no one else wishes to challenge Katara?" he asked knowingly.
The students were an obvious mess. One of them still hadn't thawed their feet yet.
"You have shown that raw power is not enough. You have shown what one is capable of with determination, and strong will. You have shown a drive to learn is just as important," Master Pakku said.
He then looked to the one student not a mess at the moment. Aang was lazily spinning an air ball on his finger.
"Aang… is there anything you wish show? Have you mastered Watrerbending?" Master Pakku asked.
"I wouldn't say mastered," Aang said. He then hopped up and bent up pillar of ice. He grinned and seemed to dive into it. A moment later. The ice pillar collapsed and several snowmen and small snow village were formed and Aang made himself a living snowman.
"I did figure out a cool trick though!" he said grinning.
Master Pakku twitched in frustration. What Aang did was rather impressive, but it was so… childish. He was able to learn things extremely quickly, but he always did annoying and seemingly disrespectful things with what he learned.
Katara gave a nervous laugh. "Sorry, Master Pakku," she said. She felt she needed to apologize for her friend. "It's kind of like Harry told me. This is all just review for Aang. He learns the lessons… He just isn't exactly responsible with them," she said.
"Clearly…" Master Pakku said with a weary sigh.
[-] [-] [-]
"So, you don't have an ice palace at the South Pole?" Yue asked as Sokka balanced on the side of the bridge. She and Sokka had been meeting in almost secret for a while now. They would go on walks and such and share each other's company. She knew it was wrong, but her heart wouldn't listen to reason.
"Nothing anywhere near it. I was born in a block of ice… literally," Sokka said as he sat down.
Yue giggled at him and Sokka laughed back. The two met each other's eyes. They stared and smiled at each other. Yue then faltered. That had happened as well. It wasn't always Yue to falter though.
"We… shouldn't do this. It's wrong," Yue said.
"We are just going for a walk. There's nothing wrong with that," Sokka said.
He knew what she meant. He was ignoring it though. He wanted to enjoy her company until they left at least. He knew she was engaged, but all this time they had been together Sokka still didn't know who it was. To him, that showed just how little the Lucky Bastard cared for his future wife, and she was a freaking Princess!
Yue still seemed down.
"You need to meet my good buddy, Appa," Sokka said grinning. He wanted to get her mind off the awkward moment.
"Appa?" Yue asked in question. She only knew one Appa.
It was just a few minutes later and Appa, the Avatar's sky bison, was on top of Sokka licking his face eagerly.
Yue giggled. "Looks like someone needs more attention," she said.
"Yeah, we go way back," Sokka said.
He then helped her up on to Appa's saddle. She was eager but a little unsure. She wasn't used to being this high up on an animal. Once Sokka joined her, she felt a lot safer. She even smiled in excitement.
"Are you ready?" Sokka asked her smugly.
"I think so…" Yue said as she scooted closer to be sure.
"Yip. Yip," Sokka said smoothly.
They were soon in the sky. Princess Yue was laughing in delight and smiling brightly as she looked around them. "Amazing! You guys are up here like that all the time?" she asked.
"We pretty much live up here," Sokka said as he looked forward.
"Does it always feel this cold?" Yue asked as she again scooted closer. She was practically molded into his side.
"Not when you're with someone," Sokka said in a manner Yue thought very suave.
The two looked to each other. Sokka smiled to her. Yue blushed. She leaned in closer with her lips puckered. Sokka was moments away, when he was the one who faltered this time.
"Whoa boy! Got to be careful up here. Thought I sensed a stray gust," he said while laughing loudly.
Yue blushed in embarrassment this time. She almost kissed a man she wasn't engaged too. Her heart kept betraying her like this. She looked to Sokka to say something in apology or say they should turn back.
She was surprised to see him looking forward so seriously with narrowed eyes. She could tell something was up, but her heart still insisted on skipping a beat. That look… it did things to her.
Sokka soon landed them on an iceberg. He leaned down and inspected the ground. He picked up a handful of snow and rubbed between his fingers.
"What is it?" Yue asked in worry. She clutched a hand to her chest and stood close to him. She felt safer next to him, even though it seemed this was something really worrying.
"Soot," Sokka said sharply.
He looked to Yue who looked scared. He stood up and she moved in right next to him. He placed a hand on shoulder to comfort her. "It means the Fire Nation is here," he said to her.
Princess Yue gasped and chose to follow her heart. She grabbed on to Sokka closely. Sokka wrapped his arm around her. "Seeing this much probably means it is a whole fleet. A large fleet," he said.
Yue sniffed back tears of worry to that. She held on to Sokka tighter. She didn't care what her brain was telling her at the moment. She was too terrified to care Sokka wasn't her husband to be. He was however, the one she felt closest too and counted on the most.
Sokka comforted Yue. He didn't show how worried he was. He looked to the horizon in front of them. It was already turning grey as clouds of soot started blocking out the sun.
A/N: I know… Cliff hanger. I thought about getting to the Battle for the North Pole this chapter, but quickly realized that would be too long of a chapter. This one is already my longest for this story so far.
I also didn't really show the whole Northern Air Temple episode. I do have to move quickly here. I just didn't think of a way to really change that. I can't just re-write the episode either. I feel I do more than enough of that as is. I do think I'm getting a little better at changing things up enough it isn't a boring read. Hopefully, you all agree.
I'm curious what people think of the way I have been portraying the characters so far. Have the small changes I've made worked? Or at least not made things worse.
I will keep trying to get better at changing things up while keeping the idea of the episodes still there. I will be making more changes with Book 2: Earth stuff. I have plans regarding some of the characters we first meet in the second season.