Chapter 49
Preparations
Preparations
We spent a long time together moving out of our grief. There were just no words to fix it. It was a slow acceptance of what was happening. During that time Katara was slowly forgiven. Things were still awkward between the two of us but I had forgiven her. A little bit of reminding myself what I had been like at that age was a good kick towards forgiveness as well. I knew that she was going to be tearing herself apart on the inside.
Slowly the grief was accepted and we all fall into a familiar routine.
That night I watched as everyone prepared to go to sleep. Katara retired to her bedroll beside Aang who snuggled in close to her. Smellerbee and Longshot were sleeping in a similar position as well. It seemed that those who were in relationships were sleeping closer together then the others. I also noticed that Kanan and Iluq were sleeping rather close together. I wondered if Iluq was aware of Kanan's feelings. Shaking my head I pulled my sleeping bag to the far side of the clearing.
"May I join you?" I looked up. Zuko, again with his bedroll in his hands.
"I thought you didn't want to sleep together?" He shook his head and put his bedroll down.
"It works for them." I frowned in confusion before looking over to who he was pointing at. Katara and Aang, snuggled in close and sleeping peacefully. He was right, Katara and Aang's nightmares had lessened once the two began sleeping side by side. I glanced at Zuko and shrugged, placing my bedroll down beside his. It was worth a try at least. The two of us lay down, Zuko carefully making sure our lower bodies were separated by a blanket. Prude, I thought, leaning into his hard chest. For a while we lay there.
"We really aren't the best at relationships are we?" I muttered, "A twelve and fourteen year old figured out things better then we did, and faster too." Zuko didn't respond. Glancing over my shoulder I realized that he was asleep. Smiling to myself I made myself comfortable and closed my eyes.
I woke up that night with no memory of whatever dream had woken me. I began to move only to discover I was held down by strong, warm arms. Zuko had wrapped himself around me like I was some sort of teddybear. I chuckled, I wasn't going anywhere, that was for sure. I twisted slightly to glance at Zuko. Asleep, his face was smooth, all except his scar where the convoluted line of melted flesh still seemed to twist and pull at the rest of his face. It suddenly occurred to me that I had never touched it. Zuko snored slightly, and I realized that he was drooling. I was suddenly glad by hair was still in its braid, tucked away from his mouth, I didn't want to be washing drool out of it. I didn't mind the drool, for some reason it made him more human and less like a celebrity that I didn't deserve to associate with. Sighing I turned back to him and closed my eyes. I was such an idiot, I thought as I drifted off to sleep again. I shouldn't hate myself for something I couldn't have stopped. Besides, my companions still needed me. There was a life for me here now, and sometime in the future, a daughter.
The next day found us looking over the small island were we had agreed to meet the rebellion for the Day of Black Sun and already it was full of fire nation people.
"By the spirits." Kanan muttered, eyes wide as he looked at the sheer amount of people who had gathered on the tiny island already.
"Appa! Yip yip!" Aang cried excitedly, eyes glowing as the bison propelled himself closer to the island. Upon seeing the familiar form a loud cheer exploded from the island. Appa landed with a whoosh and in seconds there were people cheering, shouting Aang and Zuko's names, the cries seemed to echo through the small bay.
"Alright that's enough, back away, give them some space." A familiar voice cried. Katara and Sokka's faces lit up at the same moment and they launched themselves off Appa to greet Bato, who was standing there face bright with pride. I chuckled and slid off Appa, walking over to greet Bato myself. It had been a long time since I had seen the man.
"What are you doing here?" Katara asked Bato with a broad grin, looking up at the man who was like an uncle to her.
"You're father sent me ahead to scout out this place, make sure it really was deserted. He looked around with an exaggerated movement before lowering himself slightly.
"It was empty when I originally arrived here. Now though, I'm starting to think its making people come up from the ground." Laughter blossomed from Katara at Bato's words while Sokka shook his head at the corniness of his father's best friend. I decided to give the three of them some room and backed off, looking for my other companions. They were busy unloading Appa, Momo flying about and being an overall pain. As if to prove that point the lemur landed on my head, chittered and curled up. I laughed slightly then picked him up, earning myself an indignant screech as he flew off. Shaking my head I joined the others in unloading the poor bison and allowing him a chance to recuperate.
After Appa was unpacked the large bison wandered off to graze and I flopped down upon one of the piles. The battle was about to take place and I felt confident, knowing that we were prepared far better then in the original timeline.
I hadn't realized that Katara and Aang had wandered off until I heard a shriek of delight. Turning, curious I saw Katara wrap her arms around Aang's shoulders. Aang was beaming excitedly and after a moment the two were surrounded by a beaming Bato and Sokka. I turned to look at Kanan in confusion.
"Did I just miss something?" I asked, unsure what all the celebration was for. Kanan shook his head.
"Aang just proposed to Katara." I spun back to the cheering crowd in shock. Aang and Katara were deep in a passionate kiss. That was... a lot quicker than I had expected. I noticed that it wasn't Aang and Katara who were crowded by well wishers the most but Sokka and Bato.
"And what's going on with that?" I questioned, gesturing at Bato and Sokka who were smiling and accepting congratulations. Kanan sent me a strange look and shook his head. I sent an annoyed glance at Kanan and headed towards the crowd intending to congratulate my two friends... although Aang was a little young, even for this world.
"The water tribe has become a lot more powerful." I stopped as I entered the crowd turning to see a adult soldier, fire nation by the looks of it complimenting Sokka.
"Of course, just because we're small doesn't mean we're not powerful." Sokka boasted with a grin. I smiled until the next words the man said wiped that smile off my face.
"Of course, you chose good matches for those girls, the future fire lord and avatar? The watertribe will certainly be a political force to recon with in the future." I spun on my heel and walked away. Fists clenched. Was that all I was destined to be? A pawn to be moved around? Is that all everyone would see me as because I didn't have exterior genitalia?
"Maddi?" I looked up. Zuko had come up to me, he looked worried. I nearly shoved him away. I pulled my hand back last second.
"I'm fine." My voice sounded dead, even to my own ears.
"No you're not. What's wrong?" I glanced at Zuko and sighed before tugging him away from the crowd.
"I overhead someone congratulating Sokka for getting Katara and me 'good political matches'" Zuko winced.
"You know that isn't why we're in a relationship." He told me. I nodded in agreement. I knew it but that wasn't the reason why I was so upset. It was the fact that I would always be looked upon as a lesser being. I was a nonbending woman, by all rights I shouldn't be involved in the war at all. Only women who could bend were allowed to join the army in the fire nation, the other nations weren't even that kind. Yes I wanted to settle down, to not have to blame myself for the death of others but I also did not want to be the weak noblewoman. It was a conflict that warred inside me. I gave a wry smile.
"Don't worry about it, it's my problem." Zuko didn't look confident but he nodded.
"When will the rest of the army get here?" Su Sen asked, coming to stand beside Zuko and I.
"Within the next few hours, the invasion is tomorrow after all." Zuko replied. Su Sen nodded as a cry rose up from one end of the island.
"You were saying?" I asked with a large grin, my moment of conflict forgotten. Su Sen and Zuko shook their heads but I had already taken off to join the rest of the throng rushing towards the other side of the island.
As I crested the ridge I stopped, holding a hand over my eyes to shield myself from the brilliant sun. There, on the ocean was a small fleet of ships coming towards us. There were maybe twelve ships, not a lot I noticed with a sudden feeling of disappointment, but hopefully each was packed full with people. I rejoined the rest of the people, albeit at a slower pace than before. When I noticed some people had stopped moving I pushed through them. Several sent me angry stares but backed off when they recognized who I was. It was a little strange to be treated with that much respect from total strangers.
When I finally made it to the front of the crowd I realized that I had made a mistake in my interpretation of the fleet approaching. The numbers may have been small but the ships were far larger and of a superior make then the ones I recognized from the Southern Water Tribe. It was the northern fleet that was here. I found myself gaping as fifteen large ships pulled into shore. There must have been some waterbenders on them as a pier was formed out of solid ice. Then the boats began to unload. Off each boat close to twenty people departed, all wearing watertribe garb and carrying large packs. I noticed with a small smile that at least ten of these people were women. Healers probably but perhaps a few of them would fight as well. I didn't know what changes might have occurred since we have been at the south pole. After the twenty each left the ship more people appeared. A grin spread across my face as I began to see people I recognized. The Hippo and Boulder from Earth Rumble Six and the swamp benders all disembarking. Then there was a shout. I glanced over in the direction. Several dark shapes had emerged from under the water. The people around me were pointing and gasping at the miracle. I smiled, Teo and his father were here.
There was a great deal more submarines then there was regular ships, at least two dozen and each was huge. As they came up to the beach the submarines moved until they formed a long line across the beach. One after another each hatch opened to reveal more watertribe men, Teo and his father, and scores of other people that I was unable to name. Some were even complete strangers.
"Dad!" Two blue blurs brushed past me to tackle a familiar face. I laughed outright as Chieftain Hakoda was piratically thrown to the ground by the force of his children. It seemed like Katara had finally forgiven her father for leaving her and was just as happy to see him as her brother. Shaking my head I moved away from the happy family and to a pair of men who I recognized immediately, despite the younger's new facial hair.
"Haru! Tyro!" I called, walking up. The two men turned at my call. I blinked in surprise upon noticing how much hair Tyro had lost in the months that I had last seen him. On the other hand though I could tell the man had clearly gained both weight and muscle.
"Maddi." Haru laughed, walking over to meet me. His father followed close behind.
"Its good to see you Maddison." Tyro stated with a nod. I smiled warmly and nodded back.
"I agree. How has life been treating you two?" I asked, looking between the two. Even in real life I wasn't a fan of Haru's facial hair, it really was not necessary in my opinion. Of course, that was my opinion, it was his face after all, he got last word on it.
"Well, Haru found a girl and is now engaged." Tyro stated proudly, causing Haru to blush. The corners of my eyes crinkled. Good for Haru, he deserved a nice girl.
I noticed everyone else leaving, heading up the island. I stayed behind, lagging in the back and happily chatting with Haru and his father. Haru's future wife was named Isna and apparently she was an incredible cook. She was also pregnant with the Warden's child. Apparently the warden of that old prison that we had spent a few days at, much like I had suspected, wasn't opposed to sampling the women of prison he 'protected'. Isna was one of the unfortunate women who found themselves warming the warden's bed at night. The thought made me want to vomit.
"What is your plan with the child?" I asked. Both of them obviously hated the child, as would any earth kingdom person who knew of his heritage, at least any earth kingdom person who lived anywhere near Haru's village.
"Isna and I don't know yet. We were thinking of giving it to a family who couldn't bare without letting them know. The problem is the child could be a firebender, any earthkingdom family would hate it very quickly." I frowned deeply. He had a valid point, the child needed someone who would love it.
"If the child survives..." I stated, knowing the chances were there that the child might not, "give it to me. I'll find it a good home in the fire nation or the colonies. Does that sound appropriate?" Haru and Tyro both gaped at me.
"You would do that?" Haru finally stuttered. I nodded.
"Of course, you've done so much for us already. Its only fair. Besides, I could easily pass him off as an orphan. If no one takes him in I have a few ideas that might work." I stayed close lipped after that. I had a few plans that I could suggest for the betterment of the fire nation. The only issue would be to see the firenation's finances. Well, finances and the general opinion of the people. The finances would have to be judged first though. Wars were well known for bankrupting nations back in my world after all, who was to say the same wasn't true here? My plans, though would have to wait until the war was over before I could even mention them to anyone.
"Maddi- Oh! Haru, Tyro!" Aang swooped down from nowhere, glider in hand and grinning brightly.
"Hi Aang." I chuckled, watching with warm eyes as the young avatar shook hands with Haru and his father.
"I'd love to stay but we've all got to get up island," Aang explained, "Sokka and Katara's dad is going to make a speech soon and everyone needs to be there." With that the young airbender took to the sky. I shook my head in exasperation but sped up anyway. I was excited and I too wanted to hear the speech. As I crested the same ridge I had stood on to look out over the water I discovered just how many people had come here today. The entire place was crowded with people. It was a far cry from the maybe hundred people who had been shown in the original storyline. There had to be at least a thousand people from every nation and part of the world. The only group I knew to be missing was the Kyoshi warriors and I was hoping to do something about that particular fact sooner rather than later. I didn't push my way to the front this time as I was content to stand in the back with Tyro and Haru. I squinted at the large pedestal up front. There was a shape in blue, no there were several as well as two in red. I couldn't see anything more then the basic shapes from this distance. It was incredible and overwhelming with just how many people were here.
One of the blue shapes stepped forward.
"Hello." Hakoda's voice pierced through the crowd like an arrow. Strong enough to even reach where we were now. The entire crowd fell silent.
"For those of you who do not know me, I am chief Hakoda of the southern watertibe. I have been elected to explain the plan to everyone so I would like to thank you for both your support and cooperation before I begin." I glanced at Haru.
"Chief Hakoda's good."
"Shhh." I frowned but turned back to listening to Sokka and Katara's father.
"As you all know one of the main points of this plan is that Aang will confront the fire lord during the eclipse. However, there is a good chance that this may not happen. If that is the case then know we will still have what it takes to defeat him, it will simply make the task a little harder." I gave up and leaned back. There was no way I would be able to make out Hakoda's movements or face from this distance. I would have to just listen.
"There will be two forces. The first will attack using the submarines to enter the bay. The second is going to be taking a more difficult route. Group two will be attacking the capital from the other side." There was a cry of surprise from the crowd.
"Yes it will be difficult, but it will also be unexpected which gives us an advantage. As we have several talented earthbenders they will play a major role in the second group." There was silence for a moment before Hakoda spoke again.
"The first group, the navy, must pass the gates of Azulon, as soon as we land we must hit hard. We will be attacking before the black sun actually occurs to increase the chances of dragging Fire Lord Ozai out into the open. Remember, the full eclipse only lasts eight minutes at most so we have a very small period of time for Aang to fight Ozai. Understand it is completely expected that this battle will last far longer. Now I'm going to list off several traits that we will be looking for in each team. If those traits apply to you that is the team you are to join. If both teams need the same then split yourselves as evenly as possible between the groups. Thank you. Now if you're an earthbender-" I tuned Hakoda out, stunned. This was incredible. The plan was detailed and well thought out. Hopefully if all went to plan we wouldn't have to wait another four months before attempting to defeat the fire lord again. I felt hope fill me. We could do this. We would win.
A/N: I'm so sorry its taken me this long to update. In all honestly I did not think university life would be so difficult (stupid me). Anyway just let me know what you think. And remember only 6-7 more chapters before this story is over.
Princess Kassie Out.
