Chapter 25: Barren Wasteland
My eyes stared at the river before me with agony. Zuko was still asleep by the campfire beyond the hill behind me, and I knew he wouldn't be thrilled when he woke up. Holding the handle of the engraved steel knife, I gripped it ready to do the one thing I never thought I'd do in my life. Grabbing my braid, I held it firm as I moved the sharp edge of the blade towards the cluster of hair near my shoulder.
I'd betrayed my people. I'd betrayed Kona and my cousin. I was a traitor to the Water Tribe. As much as I loved Zuko, I couldn't help but feel awful for turning my back on my people. I turned my back on my family. What would mother say? I knew she'd be happy I was following my heart, but had I gone too far?
My thoughts took me back to a few months before her death. I was sitting with her and Katara as we took a break from cleaning up breakfast.
My little sister pouted beside me as she poked at the snow by her feet. "Why do we have to do all the cooking?"
My mother was a beautiful woman, with amazing patience and kindness. She answered calmly, "The men have to hunt for our food and protect us. They don't have time to do the things we do. Without us, men would probably starve." She winked, and I giggled. "Besides, don't you enjoy cooking Katara? You told me yesterday it was one of your favorite chores."
She pouted more. "It was my favorite chore yesterday. Today it's my least favorite. I want to go catch the food! Not cook it!"
My mother gave a little laugh, and then brushed her hand over Katara's hair. "You're so silly my little waterbender."
"I'm bored, too," Katara whined more. "I want to waterbend!"
"Alright… Why don't you go run along and practice then sweetie? I think I can handle the rest of the morning chores. Just be back when the sun is at the center of the sky."
Katara lit up and kissed mom on the cheek. "Thanks mommy!" Then she waved to me and raced off towards the water outside of the village. She had been wanting to waterbend all day, and mom gave her the chance at last.
"That girl…" Mom shook her head in disbelief. "Your sister is very enthusiastic somedays, and then other days I have to bribe her. What am I going to do with her?"
I smiled. "That's just Katara. She'll come around one day. I think she's more focused on becoming a waterbending master than anything else."
She sighed. "I know… I'm worried about her though. Your father found her a few trainers who could teach her the basics, but when she gets older she'll want to learn more advanced fighting skills. I fear she may decide to journey to the North Pole if she isn't given the proper teaching here."
The thought of Katara leaving the South Pole made me sad. "She wouldn't really leave us… would she? She's our family… We're supposed to stick together."
My mom placed the shirt she was mending down beside her, and then stood to make her way over to me. She sat down beside me on the log I'd perched on and pulled me into her arms. "Don't worry my treasure… Nothing will tear this family apart. Even if Katara does go up north, we will still always be family."
"You won't let her though…" I felt my heart clench. "You won't let her leave us, right?"
She sighed. "Sweetie… One day we all must follow our own paths… Our hearts may lead us in a direction no one expects." She inched her head forward so her forehead met my own. "You may even find yourself journeying away from home in the future. The most important thing you need to remember is to always follow your heart, Crystal. Others may not accept the path you choose, but as long as you're happy that's all that matters to me." She pulled away and stared out at a group of male teenagers chatting not too far away. "One day when your older, you may have to choose a path that changes your life forever. When that time comes, I want you to listen to your heart and not others around you. Do what will make you happy, dear. Don't ever let anyone tell you what to do."
I hugged my mom with uncertainty. "What if the path I choose isn't at the South Pole?"
Her hand went under my chin, and she forced me to meet her gaze. "Then you still go for it, because nothing should keep you from your destiny."
I placed my head against her chest feeling at peace. "What's your destiny, mommy?"
She hugged me again, answering, "My destiny is right here, being the chief's wife and a mother to three of the most beautiful children in the world."
A smile spread as I filled with joy from my mother's love. "I hope one day I can find someone like you did, mommy. Everyone in the village says you and dad were meant to be."
"You will sweetie… Whoever he is, I know he'll love you as much as your father and I do. I'm sure we'll love him too."
"As long as he isn't Fire Nation," a voice spoke behind us. Mom and I jumped a bit startled, and turned our heads to see father. He had just left a few minutes before to go hunting, and he looked like he'd returned because he'd forgotten something. His brown hair was up in a ponytail with two braids hanging on one side. He wore his warmest clothes as he prepared to head out into the icy world.
My mother stood and greeted dad with a kiss. Then she asked, "I thought you and the other men were headed out on a hunt?"
My father smiled. "We were. I just forgot my spear in the rush." He stepped over to me then and knelt so he could become eye level with me. "Your mother's right, Crys… There's a wonderful young man out there ready to sweep you off your feet. In time, you'll meet him and I know you'll be pleased."
My mother stepped forward, and I was surprised to see the smile on her face had disappeared. "Hakoda… Please tell me you're not still hung up on this plan of yours."
He looked back at my mother. "Kya… You know it's for the best. The tribe loves the idea."
Confusion swept over me. What were they talking about?
My mother's eyes narrowed, and her hands went to her hips. That was never a good sign. "You mean you and the council. Did you ever think maybe your own wife doesn't agree? And what about my mother's feelings? She came to the South Pole for the very thing you're trying to do to our daughter!"
Father looked back at me, and then stood turning fully to mom. "Kya… We discussed this. He's the only one-"
"No one said he has to be Water Tribe, Hakoda. What if it's someone from the Earth Kingdom?"
"It won't be," my father said. His tone turned a little sharp. I began to think I wasn't supposed to be listening to the conversation. "She's never going to step foot off the South Pole."
"You can't predict that. She may one day decide to travel and see the world."
"She won't… She'll understand her responsibility to the Tribe and her family."
My mother was beginning to lose her patience and temper. I still had no clue what was going on. I watched my parents argue in great confusion. I knew the conversation was about me, but I didn't know what it had to do with.
"So Crystal's going to be trapped here while we allow Katara up north. That doesn't seem quite fair to her."
My father pinched the bridge of his nose trying to cool his anger. "We'll discuss this later. I have to get back to the hunt." He went to step around mom to head over to his spear leaning against the wall to our home.
Mom wasn't done. "I'm going to go speak to Kieda about this! You and Bato may have agreed, but I'm certain she will have an opinion of her own as well."
Father grabbed his spear and turned back to mom. "Kieda is all for it. I spoke to her the other day. She thinks Crystal should start spending more time over at their place to get acquainted."
She shook her head. "Forget it… I'm not forcing her into something of such cruelty. Mother will have my back as well." She turned and walked over to me. Grabbing my hand, she pulled me up from my log and then hugged me to her side. Her eyes stared over at my father again. "We're not the North Pole, Hakoda. Our children deserve to find love on their own like we did."
Father looked over at me, and then at my mom. His tight grip on his spear lessened as he lost the desire to argue any longer. "This isn't finalized, Kya… It's just an idea. If she finds someone in the future I will change my mind. As long as he has nothing to do with the Fire Nation, I will be as accepting as I can. However, I will not drop the idea completely. In seven years she will be of age… It will be her responsibility to take on her role in the tribe. She must honor her people by doing so."
"Her responsibility is to follow her heart," my mother argued. "You should be proud of whatever decision she makes in the future."
Father gave a heavy breath, and then began to walk away. "We'll continue this tonight, Kya… I have to go."
As he headed off and disappeared behind our neighbor's home, my mother let out a deep sigh. She hugged me closer to her, and I knew she was upset. "Come on sweetie… Let's go find your brother and make sure he's not getting into trouble. Then we'll go check on Gran-Gran."
As mom started to lead me away from home in the opposite direction of father, I looked back at him wondering what that all had been about.
His words returned to me: Fire Nation? Why did the Fire Nation come up in the conversation? I knew who the enemy was. I'd never associate myself with those monsters.
He had nothing to worry about. I would make him proud.
With pain, I went to run the blade through my hair. A hand grabbed my own suddenly, and I gasped as the knife was yanked from my grasp. My braid was still attached as I looked up at my restrainer.
Zuko took the knife from my hand, and I looked at him amazed. He stared at the knife, and then at my hair puzzled. "What are you doing?"
I grimaced and let go of my braid. I tried to pull from his grasp, and he let me. Standing to face him, I answered, "I was cutting my hair… I- I thought that I should…" My lips trembled as my heart clenched more. "You and Iroh… you cut yours when you became traitors… I- I thought I'd do it too."
His confusion swept away, and he lowered his knife to his side. Understanding fell over him, and he moved his hand to brush his thumb over a tear I hadn't even realized escaped me. "No… You're not a traitor, Crystal. You escaped your captors. There's nothing wrong with that."
I hung my head in agony. His thumb was still on my skin sending warmth through me.
"I am… I betrayed them… I told them I loved you too much to leave you… I wouldn't go with them… I turned my back on them." This time I felt tears fall. "I dishonored my father by doing so."
"Your father will forgive you," Zuko reassured. "You told me how much your family loves each other. He won't hate you for following your heart." He grabbed my chin and forced me to meet his gaze. "You once told me what family is, Crystal. You told me 'family' will love you no matter what. I understand some things now… I know Uncle is the only true family I have. He loves me and takes care of me… Your father loves you too… He'll understand…"
"No Zuko…" I shook my head and tried to pull from him. He wouldn't let me this time. "The only way he'll love me is if I follow his plans… I can't make him proud though, because I can't imagine falling in love with anyone but you." I grabbed his hand and shut my eyes hard. "He'll never understand… He'll never understand that I can't marry someone from the Water Tribe because I love you…"
He suddenly pulled from my chin and wrapped his arms around my waist. Pulling me into his body, he hugged me tight. Sinking into his warm embrace, I felt more tears fall.
"You don't know that…" Zuko whispered. He let out a heavy sigh. "I have a feeling he'll be ten times more understanding than my own father…"
I didn't know how to respond. Instead, I hugged Zuko tighter, not wanting to let him go. I knew he was right about that last part, but I still had a feeling my father wouldn't be very forgiving about my treachery. He would probably be furious when Kona and Jaka reported to him about my actions.
"I- I'm sorry…" I pressed my face more into his shirt.
Zuko ran a hand through my hair to comfort me. "For what?"
"Crying," I muttered. "I feel like a wimp all the time."
He fell silent for a moment. Then a laugh escaped him. His laugh surprised me, and I pulled away slightly to look at him in confusion. "Wha- why are you laughing?"
He smiled down at me. "You took down two muscular warriors and jumped fifty feet into a rushing river… I think you're far from a wimp, Crys."
My eyes widened when he used my nickname. My heart warmed as I loved hearing it escape his lips. It was the first time he'd ever called me by my nickname, and I felt thrilled by it.
"You called me Crys…."
He looked surprised by his slip. "Oh… Sorry. I didn't even realize. I heard your brother say it once… and then Kona… I guess I like it."
I shook my head and smiled. "No… Don't be sorry. I like it too. It sounds nice coming from you."
He seemed relieved. "Then I'll have to say it more often." He leaned down and kissed me on the lips, and I welcomed his embrace. When he pulled away, I felt as if the guilt and pain vanished and was replaced by peace. "Come on. We should pack up and move on out."
I nodded. "Okay… I'm going to wash up my face. I'll be there in a minute."
He left me, and headed back up the hill towards camp. As he went, I turned back to the stream with comfort. Taking the tie from my braid, I undid my hair and let it fall loose around my shoulders. As the constraints of my braid left me, I felt a little better.
Reaching down, I washed off my tear stained face with some water from the stream. As I leaned forward, the water rippled in my reflection and for a moment I saw an image of my mother. The distorted reflection lasted only for a moment, and it could've been my imagination, but the image made my worries cease.
My mother was with me on this journey. She was proud of the path I had chosen.
When I returned to camp, I found Zuko had everything packed and was ready to go. As we were about to mount Zan, Zuko grabbed my hand to stop me.
"Wait… I have something for you." He suddenly turned me and moved my hair to the side. Then he placed a familiar crystal jewel on my neck which he tied onto me with some twine. "It's not the original chain, but I thought it would do until we could get a new one."
As the cool crystal rested on my skin, I felt elation at the return of my precious gift. It was the only thing I owned that had significant value. When I lost it back during my scuffle with Kona and Jaka, I felt like a piece of myself had been left with it. The jewel on my neck completed me.
Turning, I threw my arms around Zuko's neck and kissed him on the cheek to let him know what it meant to me. He hugged me in return, and I could tell he was relieved I still wanted it. I'd always want the precious gem Zuko gave me.
About an hour later we were journeying again. The trees had come to an end, and now it seemed we were journeying through nothing but barren wasteland. As we continued on for hours, I noticed Zan and Zuko both began to look exhausted. The sun beat down on all of us, and our water supply was starting to diminish.
When we reached an area with some mud, I knew my skills would come in handy. It seemed to be where a pond once stood, but most of the water was dried up by the sun. I made Zuko stop Zan, and then quickly dismounted. Zuko did so too, asking what I was doing. Without answering him, I stepped over to the mud and held my hand out towards it. Concentrating, I managed to pull some water particles out of the dirt and into the air. The water circled above in a sphere shape no bigger than my head, but it was enough to fill one canteen at least. Zuko got the picture and undid his canteen holding it out towards me. I moved the water through the air and maneuvered it into the container. He shut the lid when it was inside, and then smiled with relief.
"I'm glad you're here," he commented. "Otherwise I'd be licking the mud."
I grimaced. "That sounds awful." Turning back to the only moisture in the area, I managed to grab some more and form it into the air again. Then I moved the liquid bubble over to Zan. He lit up and stepped forward opening his beak. Then he took the water into his mouth with thirst, and when it was down his throat he seemed satisfied.
"We'll have to find him some food soon," Zuko stated. "We're running low."
"Aw… You've gotten a soft spot for Zan," I teased. "I didn't know you were an animal lover."
Zuko quickly crossed his arms and turned from me flustered. "I'm not. I just don't want him passing out while I'm on his back."
I smiled knowing the truth. "Sure, Zuko. Whatever you-"
My foot suddenly slid back in the mud and I shrieked as I fell back into the soft black mush. The mud was deeper than it appeared, so my back sunk into it slightly.
"Crystal! Are you-" Zuko stopped and looked at me as I struggled to get out of the mud. My whole back was covered, and I felt my hair was filthy as well. I tried to stand, and only slid again landing this time on my stomach. Laughter rang near me, and I looked over at Zuko with shock. Was he… was Zuko really laughing? I'd heard him laugh before, but this laugh was different. This laugh was younger and more at ease. This laugh was solely the laugh of a young man named Zuko.
Zuko covered his mouth and was hunched over as he cracked up from my appearance. When I finally found my footing, I looked down and saw my body was caked in mud from head to toe. The laughter from Zuko made me realize how ridiculous my appearance looked. I probably looked like a mud monster, because I definitely felt like one.
I wasn't sure why, but laughter escaped me too. As our laughter rang through the air, I felt for the first time in a long time like two teenagers having a blast together.
"Here," Zuko said with a grin, extending his hand out towards me. "You look like a brown blob."
Taking his hand, I smirked, "A cute brown blob though."
He rolled his eyes, but I saw him enjoying the moment. "I'll give you that."
As he tried to help me out of the mud, I couldn't resist. With a playful yank, Zuko fell forward with a yelp. He dropped in the mud beside me, his body getting covered from head to toe. He'd pulled me down during his descent, and I landed in the mud beside him. As he tried to sit up stunned by my action, I sat up breaking out into hearty laughter. He managed to get on his knees and stared at me with surprise.
"You got me filthy!" He whined like a five-year-old which made me laugh harder. He narrowed his eyes at my amusement, and then smirked. "Fine… You asked for it!" He lunged forward grabbing me around the waist. I shrieked as his fingers dug playfully into my side tickling my skin. He laughed in my ear as he tickled me, restraining me from escaping his attack.
"Stop!" I pleaded, laughing as I tried to twist from his grip.
He tickled me harder, ordering, "Only if you apologize."
I fought harder as he found the sensitive spot on my side and made me laugh harder. "Okay! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
He stopped his attack, and I found myself breathing heavily from the endless ticklish poking. "Now I know your weakness," Zuko commented. He stood from the mud and held his hand down to me.
I took it with a pout. "That's not fair… Now I have to find your weakness."
We both clambered out of the mud, and as we did so Zuko stated, "Good luck with that."
A few hours later we found once more we were out of water. The barren waste land around us was no comfort as we searched for a source of hydration. I'd never been so thirsty in my life, apart from the time I was locked up in the cell with no water. At least in the cell the sun wasn't burning into me. Zan began to slow as he started to become exhausted from the heat. We began to fear we'd die of thirst if we didn't find water soon. Our stomachs growled as well as hunger started to overcome us.
At one point we found some travelers seated under the shade of a dead tree. There was a small fire beside them where they were cooking some food. The woman had long brown hair, and the man had chestnut hair tied in a topknot. They were a young couple, and upon further inspection I could see the woman was pregnant. Zuko reached for his broadsword, as if he were ready to rob them. I stopped him by grabbing his hand.
"No… We're doing this my way," I calmly said. Sliding off of Zan, I made my way down to the couple seeing they had tons of water beside them. Zuko slid off Zan, but stayed beside him watching me approach the young couple.
The man looked up from where he was getting some food together, and I saw him stare at my appearance with surprise. His wife looked over with question, and I could tell she was taking in my muddy appearance with uncertainty. When I got close enough, I shut my eyes tight and bowed with plea. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but we've been traveling for a very long time and have no food or water. If you have anything you could spare we'd be most appreciative."
There was silence for a moment, and then the woman asked, "How old are you, child?"
I was surprised by her question. Coming out of my bow, I answered, "Fifteen."
She was leaning against the tree, her belly swollen under her dress. She looked over at her husband with eager eyes. "We must help these young people, dear. They look exhausted."
Her husband seemed unsure, but then shrugged and stated, "We have enough to share. Bring your friend over and we'll give you some water. We're headed to a town that's only a few miles from here to meet up with my sister, so we'll be able to replenish our supplies."
I felt utter relief. Bowing again, I turned and gestured towards Zuko to come on over. He seemed astounded by my actions, and baffled that I'd managed to convince these people to share with us.
Eventually we were all seated around the fire, eating some meat from a type of bird. The man Than gave some fruit to Zan, and I saw he was happy to have some food in him. Also, all three of us were given water to quench our thirst which we were truly thankful for. The woman Ying seemed relieved when she saw life come back to Zuko and I.
Ying rubbed her stomach as she made conversation. "So… You kids are traveling pretty far… Are you headed to Ba Sing Se too?"
Zuko spoke up with a leveled tone. "Yes… We're meeting my uncle there…"
Than looked over our features trying to guess our background. "Where do you come from?"
We shared a look of uncertainty, and then I answered, "We're from a small town near the Mo Ce Sea… Our home was invaded and we've traveled for many weeks to get to the great city so we can start anew."
Ying nodded. "We're all searching for that new start…" She placed a hand on her belly again with affection. "I'll do anything to make sure this little one has a safe future."
I smiled at the woman, remembering back to when Kinata was pregnant at the tribe. She was the last woman in three years to have a baby since the warriors left. I can remember how excited everyone was about the baby's arrival. They named him Huka, after his father who died falling through a piece of ice. He had been on a hunt, and went onto a thin patch that couldn't hold his weight. My father managed to pull him back onto the ice, but he died a day later.
"You're going to be great parents… That little one will be lucky to have you."
She thanked me, and took my hand in hers. "One day you'll have a little one who will be lucky to have you too."
A cough escaped Zuko as he drank his water too fast. I jumped at the sudden noise, and looked over at him with question. He stopped choking and looked down at the dirt with a red face and wide eyes. I looked at him with question, and I saw Than was amused from across him.
Ying giggled. Then she pulled me close to her and whispered in my ear, "He's a cute one. You're a lucky girl."
I blushed at her perception.
Eventually Zuko and I said our thanks and good-byes. We were given directions to a town not too far away where we could buy some supplies and get some rest. As we headed away from Ying and Than on our good friend Zan, I hugged Zuko around the waist so I wouldn't fall. He had been quiet since Ying made her comment, and I wondered why he was so affected by it.
"Zuko… Are you okay?"
He took a moment to gather his thoughts, before he answered, "I'm fine… Just tired." He gripped the reins tighter as he moved Zan a little faster.
I didn't believe him one bit. However, I decided if he wanted to talk he'd let it out eventually.
A few miles later the barren wasteland turned into green farms. Wooden fences were set around family property, and inside were animals of all shapes and sizes. The farm houses seemed to surround the town for miles. There was also what appeared to be a wooden tower for lookouts in the center of the village.
"I've never been to a farming village before," Zuko suddenly commented. "It's pretty quiet…"
My eyes watched the groups of men and women that passed us by. They all were pretty poor and weary. I wondered if the village had always been that way, or if war had done a number on the place. My eyes noted a group of men kneeling on the ground that looked like Earth Kingdom soldiers, only their uniforms were dirty and unkempt. They were clearly gambling; I knew then they weren't the honest soldiers they should've been. As we passed them, they looked up and immediately glared as if telling us we weren't welcome. Zuko kept Zan moving forward, trying to ignore the intimidating men.
"I don't like this place," I muttered. "The people here are sketchy."
Zuko stopped Zan, and then slid off. He held his hand to me and I took it sliding off as well. He squeezed my hold in comfort. "Just stay by my side. We won't stay long." He grabbed Zan's rein and began to lead us through the quiet ominous village.
Eventually we found the town market which was run by an Earth Kingdom man who didn't look too deceitful. While Zuko tried to buy some feed for Zan, water, and food for us, I looked around and saw a few kids run past and duck on the other side of the stall. I narrowed my eyes at the place they hid, knowing they were up to no good.
"Not enough here for a hot meal," I turned back to the man at the stall with dismay. "I can get you two bags of feed."
Zuko seemed like he wanted to argue, but then he sighed heavily and nodded. He handed the man what little coins we had and the man in turn gave us two bags of feed for Zan. Just when Zuko was about to reach for the feed, the kids nearby stood and tossed something through the air at the soldiers behind us. I looked over with shock when I saw the eggs they threw both hit the soldier I assumed to be the leader. The kids snickered and darted off from the stall. I watched them go with horror. What were these brats doing?
"Hey!" The soldier's voice erupted through the air. He had left his circle of friends and stormed towards Zuko and I. His buddies stood and followed him to get in on the action. I felt my blood go cold when I saw the weapons at their sides. Would they try and hurt us?
Zuko didn't move, but I saw his jaw clench from the corner of my eye.
The man was right behind Zuko, and I clenched my fist feeling ready to fight if something happened. I didn't think this man would mind creating a scene. "You throwing eggs at us, stranger?"
"No," Zuko said with a level tone. The stall clerk had backed away, and I saw him stare at the soldier fearfully.
"You see who did throw it?"
Zuko turned and I saw him touch the hilt of his swords which he had tied to his side. "No."
Another soldier behind the man snapped, "That's your favorite word, no?"
The main soldier spoke again. "Egg had to come from somewhere."
Zuko tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword. "Maybe a chicken flew over."
A soldier at the rear of the group laughed, and the leader turned glaring at the man to silence him. When the man stopped, the leader turned back to us with cold eyes. He then stepped forward and reached between us taking the feed from the stall table. My eyes widened and I felt my blood boil.
"Thanks for your contribution. The army appreciates your support." He tossed the bags of feed back at the man who laughed. "You better leave town. Penalty for staying is a lot steeper than you can afford, stranger." He patted the hammer at his side threateningly. "Trust me."
His eyes then shot over to me, and I crossed my arms to stand my ground. This man was nowhere as terrifying as Zhao had been. Plus, Azula was a monster compared to him.
"Of course, your girlfriend is welcome to stay. We could find plenty for her to do in this small village." His men laughed behind him at his words. I cringed and shrunk in disgust.
Zuko moved in front of me, his body tense and ready to fry the man if he tried anything. "We'll be out of your hair in a few minutes." He placed his arm around my shoulders.
The leader scowled. "Fine… Get out of my village." He turned and stormed off, and the rest of his posse followed. Zuko still had his arm around me even as the men disappeared around the corner.
The merchant muttered behind us, "Those soldiers are supposed to protect us from the Fire Nation, but they're just a bunch of thugs."
"Clearly," I muttered.
Still on alert, Zuko moved me away from the stall and back over to Zan. As we mounted and started to head out, the little boy who threw the egg suddenly came around the corner of a wooden building and ran over to us. He stepped in our path forcing Zuko to stop Zan from moving forward. The boy was perhaps ten, and had messy hair that went in all directions. His clothes were torn and covered in dirt.
The boy exclaimed with gratitude, "Thanks for not ratting me out!"
Zuko ignored him and moved Zan around the boy to get us away from the village.
"Wait!" The boy caught up and grabbed onto the rein. "I'll take you to my house and feed your ostrich horse for you… And you both could sleep in our hay shed for the night. You look like you could use some food and rest." Zuko and I shot one another a look of uncertainty. "Come on, I owe you."
Nodding, I smiled weakly at Zuko. "We could use a good night's sleep."
He let out a heavy sigh. "Fine… Just for the night."
The young boy grinned and began to lead us out of the village back towards the farming area. "My name is Lee by the way! My mom and dad love visitors. We don't get a lot because of the war and stuff, but when we do we're always thrilled. I'll have to show you all of my favorite animals on the farm…"
Lee spoke to us the whole way to his home, telling us about everything he did on the farm and how much he loved taking care of the animals. Zuko seemed to zone out as he spoke, while I nodded my head to pretend I was listening to him. Back at the South Pole I wasn't always good with kids. When I had to babysit one night so the adults could attend an important meeting, I wanted to tie up each kid I got stuck with. Of course, those were all Gokada's children and took after his crazy ways. They poked me with sticks and jumped on me all night, driving me completely berserk.
"There it is!" Lee pointed suddenly at a small wooden home in the distance that had a large fenced in area. There were animals of all kinds running around the field, and I could see a shack out back where most likely the hay was held. The house was in poor condition, and the wood looked a bit cracked. I knew then that Lee and his family were living off of whatever their farm animals provided them. However, I was intrigued by the thought of farming. If we could use animals for food in such a way, no one in my tribe would ever have to hunt again.
"Lee! Where in the world have you been?!" A middle aged woman raced out of the house with worry in her light brown eyes. Her hair was up in a bun with bangs that framed her face. She looked utterly relieved as she threw her arms around her son. "Your father and I have been worried sick!"
Lee tried to break free from his mom. When he finally escaped he gestured to Zuko and I. We had dismounted Zan when the woman ran out of the house, and stood behind Lee with uncertainty. I wasn't sure what this woman would think of us, and I knew Zuko felt the exact same way.
"I was in town with Ming… We were sort of messing with Gow and his men…" His mom's eyes widened with horror. "This guy managed to cover for us though and we escaped without getting into trouble. I told them they could spend the night and get some food in thanks for not telling on me."
His mother narrowed her eyes at him. "You know better than that young man! Do you want to be forced away from us?!"
Lee pouted and hung his head in shame. "I'm sorry mommy…"
She shook her head in disbelief. "Forget it… Just take their ostrich horse to the stable. And go tell your father we have guests." Lee nodded and grabbed Zan's rein leading him around the house to do so. The woman turned back to us with a weak smile. "Sorry about him… Ever since his brother left he's been a handful." She held her hand out towards me. "My name's Sela. We'd be glad to give you a place to stay for the night."
Shaking her hand, I said with gratitude, "Thank you… This means a lot."
A man suddenly rounded the house where Lee had just disappeared, and I could tell immediately by the similarities he was Lee's father. He had a short beard and a top knot. His shirt was ragged and covered everything but his chest. He stared at all of us with question.
"You two friends of Lee's?"
Lee suddenly ran back from around the house having overheard his dad. He stopped beside me and gestured over to Zuko. "This guy just stood up to the soldiers! By the end, he practically had them running away."
At Lee's words, I had to try all I could not to giggle. He was definitely over-exaggerating a little.
Sela smiled kindly looking at Zuko. "Does this guy have a name?"
I could see Zuko turn anxious as he didn't know what to say. "I… uh…"
The man jumped in. "He doesn't have to say who he is if he doesn't want to, Sela. Anyone who can hold his own against those bully 'soldiers' is welcome here." The man suddenly put his arms around his wife and son in a fatherly manner. I grimaced as I suddenly thought of my own father again. "Those men should be ashamed to wear Kingdom uniforms."
Sela frowned. "The real soldiers are off fighting the war, like Lee's big brother Sen Su. Supper's going to be ready soon. You two look like you could use the meal."
I smiled. "Yes… We haven't had a good meal for days."
She nodded. "Why don't you wash up some. You look like you fell into a mud pit. I have some clothes I can spare. Then you can come help me in the kitchen, while the men work on the barn. Gansu could use some help with the roof. I'll come get you all when suppers ready."
A few minutes later we both stood in the kitchen. I was cleaned up, in a tan shirt and some dark brown pants. We were making something I'd never even heard of before. Sela called the concoction Pau-buns and said they were a delicacy in the Earth Kingdom. As I helped her fold the dough over some pork, she began to converse with me.
"So where are you two headed? You look so young to be traveling so far alone."
I frowned and hung my head. "We're headed to Ba Sing Se to find a friend… We both don't really have a home to return to so we have no other choice…"
"What happened to your family?"
My hands stopped folding the dough, and I stared out of the opened window in front of us. "I don't know… I haven't seen them in months…"
Sokka… Katara… Gran-Gran… My eyes watered as my heart tightened in pain. I missed them so much. I missed my brother's protection, my sisters love, and my Gran-Gran's care. I missed my family so much. Zuko was good company, and I loved being with him, but I couldn't get over the fact that I longed to see them again. I wanted to see my family again.
A comforting hand overlapped my own, and I looked over to see Sela smile comfortingly at me. "I'm sure you'll see them again… Have faith dear." She turned back to the dough with sad eyes. "This war tears many families apart… We must all hold onto hope that we will one day be reunited."
Nodding, I turned back to preparing the food. However, I couldn't help but continue to think of Katara and Sokka.
Would I ever see them again…?