Chapter 14
Beyond Reason
I lay in my sleeping bag, looking up at the stars. We were once again on earth kingdom soil, not that I cared much. My mind was spinning over the events of earlier today, or was it yesterday now? Either way I was exhausted but I couldn't bring myself to sleep. Something I had read once was haunting me. I couldn't remember where I had heard it before, maybe one of my friends who also knew Avatar had mentioned it. In the end it didn't matter where it came from, the fact remained that I remembered.
"Unless you're a bender you're not important in the avatar world. Everyone knows Aang, Katara and Toph but Sokka, Suki and even Ty Lee would be forgotten in time. Their names blurred until they are just companions, vague forms to be mentioned occasionally." Was that my fate now in this world? Was I doomed to be nothing because I had chosen not to take a gift that could potentially hurt my friends? I couldn't have taken any other choice, if I had taken an ability I would have endangered my friends and have been scorned for as long as my name was remembered. Now though was I just going to be forgotten. I had always assumed that becoming a character in a story would guarantee that I would be remembered as a hero. People would speak of my deeds for years to come… that I would be someone. I shivered. Back at home I had always aspired to have a large group of people know me. I wanted people to remember me, I wanted to be that girl who always made you smile, I wanted to be remembered. But now it seemed that I would be lost in the mists of time. No one was immortal and the few people who we as a people did remember often had aspects changed. Besides my knowledge of the future which I had done very little to act upon, what was the point of my being here?
I groaned and rolled over. Why was I getting so philosophical tonight, was it because I was over tired or was it something else? I flipped over again and closed my eyes. I needed to sleep, I was going to be of no use to my friends if I was over tired.
I must have eventually drifted off because I was woken up by brilliant sunlight shining in my eyes. With a grunt I flipped over, burying my face in the pillow and trying to fall asleep again.
"I know you're awake." I heard Sokka call, probably from Appa's head.
"Sokka, leave Pala alone." Katara retorted from somewhere nearby. There was silence for a moment before Sokka spoke again.
"Aang, if you keep pacing like that you're going to trip over Pala and fly off."
"I'm sorry," Aang replied, "I just can't stop thinking about what Roku said. How am I supposed to master three elements before the end of summer!" I sighed and sat up. My hair was fuzzy and tangled and half pulling out of my usual braid. With a sigh I undid the mess and began to braid it once again.
"Well…" Katara spoke slowly, "I could teach you what I know about waterbending… it isn't much but-"
"You'd do that?" Aang broke in, looking up at Katara. Katara nodded then looked up at Sokka.
"We're going to need somewhere we can waterbend." She told her bother. Sokka shrugged and turned slightly to address us.
"Maybe we can find a puddle for you to splash around in." I shot a scathing look at the water tribe prince and shook my head. Sokka was going to regret that choice of words.
"Some puddle." I snickered at Sokka's annoyed look. Katara and Aang were beaming excitedly up at what looked like a ten foot tall waterfall. Laughing, I grabbed Sokka by the arm.
"How about we get some practice in while Katara is teaching Aang how to 'splash'," I suggested, my lips curling. Sokka looked at me for a moment before comprehending. With a grin he pulled out his boomerang and club. As we squared off I noticed Katara talking to Aang. I pulled myself away from any distractions and readied my fan. We were both still for what felt like a long time. Sokka took a step forward. I didn't waste a second more. I threw my fans up, ready for battle and swept forward. Sokka swung down his club, I blocked by raising my fan. After that I was completely engulfed in the complex dance going on between Sokka and I. Every once in a while there was a clang as his boomerang met the coated metal of my fans. Occupied with the boomerang I forgot about Sokka's other weapon. It was only because I saw the club coming at me from the corner of my eye that allowed me to doge away.
As suddenly as it had begun our fight was finished. A dark shadow covered the sun. Freezing, both Sokka and I turned only to be drenched by a huge wave. I spluttered and swept my soaking braid off my shoulder, turning to sent a pointed look at a certain young airbender. Aang shifted and looked away, careful to keep his eyes averted from me.
"What was that?" Sokka demanded his voice harsh as he twisted water from his hair.
"Sorry Sokka, we were just waterbending." Sokka snorted at Aang's sincere reply. I couldn't blame him, we were both soaked and neither of us was particularly happy about it.
"Well you just waterbended all over our supplies." Sokka snapped. I turned, curious. Sokka was right, our supplies were drenched and while this wasn't as bad as them being washed downstream some of our items would undoubtedly need to be replaced. I groaned and joined Sokka, Aang and Katara in trying to save our things.
Half an hour later we were wandering around the harbour port buying the items that had been to ruined to be salvaged. Mostly that consisted of dried fruits that had managed to absorb water, bread products, the occasional piece of meat that we hid from Aang and a few other odd items. I was pleased that we still had some coinage left from King Bumi that amounted to more than two copper pieces. In actuality we had about twenty which was enough to buy a weeks rations and not much more.
"Well," I spoke aloud while leaning against a wooden wall, "Twenty is better than two." I was careful to keep an eye on all the unsavoury characters at this port. This was the prime place for pirates and thieves. I had already had to warn away two men with glares and the threat of hidden weapons I didn't want to really consider just how bad this situation might get.
"Make that nineteen." Of course Aang couldn't resist buying the bison whistle. Then again, it was probably better that he did the whistle would be useful in several tight situations. Katara raised an eye and held her hand out. I didn't blame her, Aang obviously couldn't handle money. Aang sheepishly handed over the small coin pouch, blushing lightly in embarrassment. I sighed.
"Come on, I want practice some more and I can't do that here." I told my friends, trying to hide the fact that this place bothered me a lot more than I was willing to admit. I felt like I was in the bad part of town, the one with police cars constantly patrolling and the middle and high classes either took transportation, went around or walked together quickly in large groups. I had been through some rough neighbourhoods before but this was an entire town dedicated to that sort of environment. Then again while sometimes things would become tight at home I had never had to see what it was to truly go hungry, I never had to know what it was like fearing that my dad would never come home. Compared to my water tribe companions and even the occupants of this town I had lived a life of luxury. For the first time I found myself grateful for what I had been given even though it had been taken away so rapidly.
"Earth nation! Fire nation! As long as bargains are your inclination you're welcome here. Don't be shy, come on by." I grimaced and turned to look at the pirate ship and the pirate that in a few moments would be convincing us to enter. There we would find a stolen waterbending scroll that Katara would steal from them... and the rest they say is history.
"You four, you look like world travelling types. Are you interested in some exotic curios?"
"No thank you." I stated pointedly at the same time Aang zipped up to the man.
"Sure!" He exclaimed before asking, "what are curios?"
"Nicknacks," I replied in a bored tone, "baubles, small things that take up space and have little to no use. Items which we don't have the money to spend on- Aang?" To my annoyance Aang was already halfway up the plank to the ship, the pirate with him. Sokka and Katara didn't look anymore impressed then I was but we hurried up the wooden board anyway.
Inside hundreds of useless items lay on shelves or hung from the ceiling. A few instruments caught my eye, one of which I recognized as a sugi horn. Turning I noticed Katara examining the stone monkey with ruby eyes and necklace while Sokka was perusing their collection of weapons. Aang was talking to the captain of the ship, holding Momo close to him. I found myself wondering when the pirate captain had arrived.
"Look at this Aang." Katara called from beside a metal rack. Inside several scrolls were stored, the one Katara had pulled out was blue with the distinct symbol of the water tribe on one end. I ignored Aang and Katara cooing over the scroll and picked out one of my own. This one too had interesting decoration on the ends, red tassells. I gently rolled the scroll open. Curious I began to read.
Day one hundred fifty
Training is brutal, especially the few of us who cannot firebend. The generals are merciless, pushing us night and day to become stronger, faster, more resilient. At the same time the other troops break our moral, repeating over and over in various ways that those who cannot bend are little more than fodder. It disturbs me to see this side of my country. What happened to the great and just nation that we were raised to believe was spreading prosperity? My uncle told me that the suffering of a few villages was well worth our cause but I am beginning to see that as I lie. Everyone is suffering from this war. Over fifty years it has gone on and here, among the soldiers I can see the toll this war is inflicting. Generals are long weary from battle, many families have lost both their sons and daughters, leaving children orphaned only for the child to die in the same pointless cause as their parents. I am coming to believe that the only reason this war continues on is that the royal family wishes to continue in Fire Lord Sozin's footsteps. I am beginning to realize that I am going to die, and that my death will have no purpose. I saddens me that the Fire Lord doesn't care for how much is own people are suffering from his stubbornness.
I stared at the scroll before picking it up. Aang was 'bartering' with the captain but I could care less.
"How much for this scroll." I asked, dropping it to the counter. The pirate and Aang both looked at me in surprise. The pirate captain raised a single eyebrow at my choice.
"That?" He picked up the scroll and examined piece before setting it down on the counter.
"Fifty copper pieces." He stated. I raised an eyebrow.
"It's old and covered in dust. Obviously no one has been interested in it for a long time. Ten copper pieces." The captain laughed.
"Are you joking? I have never seen such a fine example of fire nation script work. Forty copper pieces." I looked at him incredulously.
"Fine example of script work yes, but what is the value in something you can't read? I say it's worth twelve pieces."
"If it has so little value why are you interested?" The captain challenged, "Thirty pieces."
"If it has so much value why are you dropping the money value so much each time. Fourteen."
"You insult me. Twenty."
"Fifteen. That's my last offer." I replied sharply. We were silent for a long time before the captain nodded.
"Deal." I grinned and turned to Katara. She looked surprised but handed the money over. I deposited the chosen amount on the counter and then pocketed the scroll.
"A pleasure doing business with you." With that I followed a very nervous looking Katara off the ship, Sokka and Aang right behind me.
"Why'd you buy that scroll?" Sokka asked me softly as we began to walk away.
"I was interested in it. I think it is going to teach me a lot." I replied lightly, "I'm sorry if I spent some of our money. I'll help make it up later. Okay?" Sokka frowned but nodded.
"Hey you! Get back here!" I spun along with my companions to see at least a dozen pirates swing down from their ship.
"Look who changed their minds." Aang said with a grin. It quickly turned out that he had spoken before he should have.
We somehow managed to escape without actually flying away. Now we were back at the waterfall. Everything was peaceful again. Katara and Aang were looking over the waterbending scroll, Sokka was sharpening his boomerang and I was reading the scroll. I had begun reading from the beginning this time. Silently I thanked the deities for giving me the ability to read though I had a sneaking suspicion that Agni had done more then I had asked. After all, the pirate captain had said that this was a fine example of fire nation script yet I had been able to read it. Then again I also hadn't specified what language I wanted to be able to read.
Day 1
Today is my sixteenth birthday-
"I just want to try this one move first then it's all yours." I looked up Katara distracting me from my reading. She had placed the waterbending scroll on a dead stump and was now trying to learn the moves just by looking at them.
"The single water whip. Looks doable." I sighed and went back to reading.
My mother gave me this scroll so that I could write my thoughts and experiences. She told me since I'm an adult now I deserved something more. I honestly didn't expect this much. My mother scrimped and saved for months to buy a quality scroll like this of that I have no doubt. I'm just a simple farm boy-
"OW!" I jumped and turned to notice Katara rubbing a red spot on her forehead. I chuckled under my breath while Sokka laughed out loud. Katara sent a sharp glare at her brother.
"What's so funny?"
"You deserved that." Sokka replied before turning to Aang, "She's only interested in teaching herself." I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. Was it so hard to read in peace. I was really enjoying my gift and now it seemed like I wouldn't be able to get a moment of peace.
I'm just a simple farm boy who doesn't have much to give. The fact I can read and write is impressive all on its own. I can't bend but I know how to work the earth so it produces the best produce. I'm proud of that ability and I'm proud of our small patch of land. Most of all I love my country. The fire nation is a beautiful place and while our village is poor I'm okay with that. maybe the reason my mother gave this to me was to help me gain courage to approach a certain girl who I've admired for some time now-
A loud screech distracted me again. I grimaced and rolled up the scroll. I'd have to read it later. Aang looked at Katara who looked like she was going to start tearing her hair out of her head.
"Why can't I get this stupid move!"
"You'll get it." Aang comforted, "you've got to shift your weight through the stances." I winced as Aang pulled off a perfect water whip on his first try. It proved to much for Katara. Spinning the fourteen year old tore a strip into the twelve-year-old airbender.
"Shut your air hole! believe it or not your infinite wisdom gets a little old sometimes! Why don't we just throw the scroll away since you're so naturally gifted!"
"Katara!" I barked. Distracting everyone. Katara looked at me angrily.
"What!" I pointed to Aang, my face stern. Katara turned and froze when she saw the heartbroken look on Aang's face.
"Katara," I said softly approaching.
"I'm sorry Aang." Katara apologized sincerely. I wasn't done though.
"Katara, I understand that this is frustrating but you have to remember some things." I pointed out, "Aang has already mastered a bending form, plus he has been waterbending for centuries remember? Air is also the element closest to water so it will be the easiest for him to master. You don't have any of those advantages." Katara nodded solemnly which caused me to smile.
"Now go and apologize to Momo." I added softly. While Katara accepted Aang's apology and apologized to the poor lemur I went back to my reading. I was going to finish the first entry today.
- a certain girl who I've admired for some time now. Hopefully once I'm brave enough to talk to her she'll accept. I don't know when that will be but I do know that I'll have to speak up soon. Already several other boys my age have been pursuing her. So far though she's turned them all down.
I woke up in the middle of the night, not knowing what had woken me up. It was strange, normally once I was asleep it was impossible to wake me up other then naturally. But it was too dark for me to have slept as long as I needed and no one else was awake. Groaning I rubbed my eyes and sat up. almost instantly I realized that someone was gone. Katara's bedroll was empty. I felt exhausted. Tiredly I sat up and stumbled out of bed. Tiredly I stumbled in the general direction that I knew Katara had gone in.
The river looked calm and tranquil from where I was standing.
"Katara?" I called, looking around confused. I was sure she would have been around here somewhere.
"Looking for someone?" I spun to find myself face to face with a familiar golden eyed prince.
"Zuko." I muttered. I was suddenly wide awake.
"Where's Katara." I demanded sharply, glaring at the scarred prince. Zuko's lip curled and he grabbed one of my wrists tightly and dragged me away.
He stopped in front of the pirates and an elderly man who I recognized right away as general Iroh. Katara was bound to a thin sapling not far away. To my surprise Zuko dragged me away from Katara and toward his uncle.
"Uncle, this is Maddi, the girl I told you about." I blinked in surprise. Zuko had told Iroh about me. To say I was flattered was an understatement. Iroh had been one of my favourite characters in the series so for him to know of me was awe inspiring.
"It is an honour general Iroh." I said quickly bowing deeply, I tried to mimic the way Aang had bowed in the third season. I had done it often enough for fun or teasing my sister and cousins. I fumbled then blushed deeply.
"Sorry, I'm tired." I explained, reaching up to rub sleep out of my eyes. Zuko frowned before barking at me.
"Where is the Avatar?" I shot a glare at Zuko.
"I've told you before and I'll tell you again Zuko. I'm not against you but I'm not going to just tell you where Aang is. I'm friends with Aang I'm not going to just tell you where he is." Zuko snarled and grabbed my wrist again.
"It was an honour to met a fine young lady such as you." I turned despite Zuko trying to pull me away and smiled at Iroh.
"And it is an honour for me to have met the man I have idolized so long." Iroh eyed me sceptically before speaking once again.
"I am hardly worthy of idolization though I am pleased to hear that you think so highly of me." I smiled giddily and nodded, allowing Zuko to drag me away. That short conversation had put me into an emotional high and I was unlikely to come down off cloud nine for a while now.
Several hours later Sokka and Aang joined Katara and I in 'captivity'. Katara was the first to speak.
"I'm sorry Aang, this is all my fault." Aang shook his head, already the boy had a crush on Katara. Not that I could blame him, Katara was very pretty.
"No Katara it's not."
"Yeah it kind of is." I tried to hold back a snigger at Iroh's reply. As truthful as it was, all it would succeed to do was anger Katara. I remained quiet and simply watched as the events I knew would occur played out. Sokka tricked the pirates into betraying Zuko which caused the two groups to fight. During the fight Katara and I were freed from our awkward position on the sapling by Momo. We both bolted away from the tree and the fighting, heading towards the pirates ship. A few seconds later Sokka and Aang joined us. The ship wasn't going to move anytime soon, it was extremely heavy.
"It's no use, it would take a heard of elephant lions to move this ship!" Sokka cried, exhausted.
"Or two waterbenders." Aang added, sharing a smile with Katara. Nodding the two began waterbending in sync. While they did that Sokka and I climbed aboard. Sokka took the helm while I readied my fans.
It happened faster than I expected. The pirates somehow knew how to use Zuko's ship (or Zuko's little river boat was faster then theirs) and I found myself fending off the pirates. My fans were moving as fast as I could make them as I battled the pirates boarding. I knocked two overboard and another two were knocked off by two different bending forms. Katara's excited squeal of 'I did it!' rang in my ears while I ran past her to start fighting a pirate who was trying to detain Sokka.
After the pirate was knocked into the water I turned. Katara and Aang were bending furiously, creating two whirlpools to keep us from going over the waterfall. In the excitement I had nearly forgotten about Zuko's little ship which quickly drove into our own. We were thrown from the deck of the ship, over the waterfall... and were caught by Appa. As the giant animal flew away I took a deep breath and leaned back. I was more than ready for a quiet week of plain travel.
A/N Sorry, I am so sorry. I know this story is late but I had to pack for the move... by the time Saturday came around I realized I had only written about half of the chapter I needed... Well I did warn you guys that updates would be interesting during this time. Anyway in two weeks the move should be completed. Interestingly enough this chapter just seemed to fit by placing it the day after Spirits. Anyway I hope you guys are still enjoying the story. Let me know what you think.
Princess Kassie Out.
