Disclaimer. I do not own any of the characters on Avatar and only own my original characters.
Its been a long time since I've updated this story but since Avatar has made its way to Netflix and I have been binging my spark had been reignited. I'm going to try my hardest to update as much as I can. Review if you can, I love hearing them and they really do help keep me inspired with writing.
Also just to clarify, for ages Zuko is 18 and Akaya is 18 as well, everyone else is the same age from the show.
"Hey!" Akya glared at Sokka as he pulled the map from her hands starting to look it over. "Excuse you?"
"What? Not like anyone else knows where we're going." He looked up from the map, starring over at Aang who sat on Appa's head steering the large beast. "You have no idea where were going do you?"
Aang gave a nervous chuckle before glancing back at the siblings and Akaya. "Well I know it's near water." Aang replied, turning back to look forward. Both Sokka and Akaya shared a look before glancing down over the edge of the saddle, seeing the water stretch out miles before them on either side.
Sokka snorted, leaning back against the saddle. "I guess were getting close then. OWW." He rubbed his arm where Akaya had hit him. "What was that for?"
"You're not exactly Mr. Map guy yourself. Don't forget you're the one who almost led us into an armadillo bear cave a few days ago." Sokka sulked back, his cheeks tinged in embarrassment as Katara laughed.
It had been nearly two weeks since the group had left the Air temple. Since then, they had been traveling North, with luckily no hiccups. They had mapped out roughly a direction they could take that would get them to the North quicker. Now they just needed to make sure they were going in the right direction
Another hour passed before land came in sight. The island stretched out before them, green and lush. Akaya gripped the saddle as Appa started to descend, Aang calling out for the stop. The group landed on the island before Aang quickly hopped down, Momo following close behind.
"Shouldn't we get a little more flying done before we camp out?" Sokka said as the other three climbed off Appa's saddle. Aang starred out at the ocean, concentrating on something they couldn't see.
"He's right, at this rate we wont get to the North Pole until Spring." Katara agreed. Akaya plopped down on the sand, laying back. While she was getting used to the flying, she still had a few bouts of air sickness. She just hoped she could get over it quickly.
"I think a break needed. It might be nice to be on stable land for a bit." She said, glaring up as Sokka chuckled at her.
"See Akaya gets it! Plus, Appa's tired already aren't you boy?" Akaya laughed as the animal gave an exaggerated yawn to emphasize the point.
"Yeah that was real convincing. Although, it's hard to argue with a 10-ton magical monster." Sokka said, dropping his pack on the ground as Aang ran forward.
"Look!" The three watched, their eyes widening when the water surface broke, a giant fish leaping out and back into the water. Akaya got to her feet as she rushed forward with the siblings, standing beside Aang.
"What was that?" She asked, Sokkas mouth comically hanging open. Aang smiled, before pulling his tunic and pants off, leaving him in a pair of shorts.
"That's why we're here—Elephant Koi, and I'm going to ride it!" Akaya stopped, looking at her friend like he had grown a second head.
"What? That can't be safe can it?" She asked as Aang laughed, turning back towards the water.
"That's the fun part." Before any of them could say anything, Aang took a running start, jumping headfirst into the water. "COLD!" He shot out of the water with a start, before continuing his swim. They watched as the giant fish leapt out of the water once again, Aang still in hot pursuit.
"This is crazy he's going to get himself killed." Katara said, her tone worried as she wrung her hands together.
"I don't know how he thinks he's going to-" Sokka was interrupted as Akaya pointed, the koi fish resurfacing once again.
"Guys look!" She let out a yell, cheering along with Katara as she caught sight of Aang. He was perched on top of the fish, gripping his top fin as the fish speed forward, leaping and jumping through the water. Soon, two more joined the party, leaping up and into the water. Akaya couldn't wipe the smile from her face. She had never seen and Elephant Koi, neither had the siblings. Being able to see it firsthand was an incredible sight.
"They don't have fish like that back in the south." She said softly, looking over at Katara, her gaze still locked onto Aang on the fish.
"He looks pretty good out there." Katara commented as Akaya nodded her head in agreement. Sokka scoffed, crossing his arms.
"The fish is doing most of the work." Her muttered, Momo jumping up and down and screeching beside them. A commotion behind them had Katara running towards Appa. Akaya and Sokka continued to watch when they noticed a large shadow appear on the surface of the water, before two of the koi fish disappeared.
"Somethings wrong Sokka." Akaya said, her eyes shifting nervously over the water and over to Aang as Sokka tried to call out to him.
Katara joined them a moment later. "What's wrong?"
"Aangs in trouble. There's something else in the water." Akaya said to her as they all started yelling out to Aang, trying to grab his attention. They gasped when he was thrown off the koi fish, landing hard on the water. As he resurfaced, a large fin breached the surface. Aang took over towards the beach, the creature hot on his tail. Aang got to the beach, barreling into Sokka as the two flew to the ground.
"Aang, Sokka are you ok?" Akaya said, her and Katara running over as the two of them slowly got to their feet.
"What was that thing?" Katara questioned, glancing back towards the water.
"I don't know." Aang moved over, pulling his shirt and pants back on as Sokka dusted off his parka.
"Well let's not stick around to find out. Time to hit the road." Akaya noticed it first but before she could say anything, figures dressed in green jumped down surrounding them. Akayas hand flew to her water pouch by her side but before she could pull the top off, she was on the ground, tied up and a blind fold placed oved her eyes. She struggled as she heard the commotion from her friends, concluding the same thing was happening to them.
"Hey! What are you doing let us go." Akaya shouted, struggling to get loose crom the ropes but to no avail. She felt herself get hauled up as she was led away.
After a bit of walking, she felt her back hit a post, feeling presence on either side of her as she was tied to some kind of post. "You four have some explain to do." Akaya and the others stopped struggling when they heard a voice finally speak.
Another voice, a feminine one soon joined. "And if you don't answer were throwing you back in the water with the Unagi." So that was the creature that had nearly ate Aang, Akaya thought.
"Show yourselves cowards." Sokka was the first to speak. Akaya blinked as the blind fold was removed, she quickly looked to her sides seeing Aang to her right and Sokka to her left as their blind folds were removed. She turned to their captors, seeing the same green uniforms from before. But getting a better look, she could see that they were all women. Their faces were painted, all resembling the same style.
"Who are you? Where are the men who ambushed us?" Sokka asked as Akaya rolled her eyes.
"There were no men, we ambushed you. Now tell us who are you and what are you doing here?" One of the girls stepped forward, her stare directed at Sokka.
"Wait a second. No way a bunch of girls took us down." Sokka chuckled, stopping instantly when Akaya dug her elbow into Sokkas side. "OWW."
"Maybe lay off the sexism there Sokka." She hissed out.
The leader apparently agreed, reaching forward, and grabbing Sokka by the front of his porka. "A bunch of girls huh? The unagis going to eat well tonight."
"No don't hurt him! He didn't mean it. My brothers just an idiot sometimes." Katara interrupted as Akaya quickly shook her head.
"Yeah, truthfully I think he may have taken a few too many hits to the head an all." Sokka threw a small glare at Akaya who shrugged her shoulders.
"Its my fault, I'm sorry we came here. I wanted to ride the elephant koi." Ang finally spoke up, the girl letting go of Sokka as they looked to Aang.
"How do we know your not Fire Nation spies?" An older man stepped forward, the same one who had initially spoke. "Kyoshi stayed out of the war so far and we intend to keep it that way."
Aang suddenly smiled at the mention of the name. "This island is named for Kyoshi? I know Kyoshi."
The man laughed, looking at Aang like he had grown two heads. "How could you have known her? Avatar Kyoshi was born here 400 years ago. She's been dead for centuries."
"I know her because I'm the Avatar. "The group fell silent, starring at Aang.
The leader of the warriors was the first to speak up. "That's impossible. The last Avatar was an airbender who disappeared 100 years ago."
Aang just shrugged, smiling. "That's me."
"Throw the imposter to the unagi." Akaya turned to Aang as Sokka started struggling next to her.
"Aang do something with your airbennding." Aang quickly nodded as the group of girls moved forward, their fans drawn. Aang took a breath, throwing himself up into the air as the ropes broke off of him. The crowd that watched gasped as he floated back down towards the ground.
Once the village was fully convinced, Akaya and the siblings were untied. "Sorry about that. We cant be too careful now a days you know?" Akaya smiled, waving off the apology. "My names Suki. We are the Kyoshi Warriors."
"My names Akaya. Aang you've already met, and this is my friend Katara and her brother Sokka." Akaya introduced, Katara giving a small wave, Sokka still sulking. "Sorry about him by the way. He can be nice just…he has his moments."
Suki chuckled, glancing over at him as Sokka turned away. "Were used to it. Still doesn't negate that we took him down." Sokka was about to say something, Katara quickly dragging him away to gather their supplies. "Follow me, I can show you were you and your friends can stay."
Akaya followed Suki up towards the village. It was small, but thriving, people weaving in and out through the small roads, starring at the new arrivals. She heard a gaggle of girls laughing, noticing Aang among them as he showed them some of his airbending tricks. "So, you guys have really stayed out of the war this long?"
Suki nodded her head as she moved into a small building. "Kyoshi created this island to protect her people. Its far enough out that most people don't give it a second though but were close enough to still trade when we need to."
"And you and your group?" Akaya asked as Suki gave a small smile.
"We've trained to protect our people, just like Kyoshi did. Its why we dress the way we do and wear the paint, in honor of her."
"Well I have to say you guys are good. You took down the Avatar and two waterbenders." Akaya said.
"You're a waterbender?" Akaya nodded as Katara and Sokka walked in, carrying their packs.
"Myself and Katara." She said as Suki glanced at Sokka.
"Well I could have guessed. Mr. Warrior here doesn't have the right stance for it." Katara and Akaya both laughed as Sokka glared. He quickly moved to one of the rooms, muttering under his breath about girls before the door shut, Suki joining in the laughter.
It was decided that the group would stay a few days, to rest up and replenish their supplies before they continued to the Northern water tribe. It was the third day they were there that found Akaya down by a small stream Suki had shown her. She had initially wanted to go to the beach but remembering the Unagi, decided the father she was the better. She had asked Katara if she had wanted to join her, but she had been in a sour mood. Akaya could guess it was due to Aang and his fan club, but she wasn't broaching that subject.
Her hands moved fluidly, the water pushing and pulling against the rocky bank. She concentrated, glancing down at the worn out scroll that had a few moves on it. She was determined to get this water whip if she had to stay out all day. She watched as a stream of water slowly rose from the water, Akaya carefully moving he hands. She thought she had it when the stream broke, splashing down against the grass by her feet.
"Monkey feathers." She whispered, bending down to wipe at the water droplets that had landed on the scroll. Her eyes moved over the weathered scroll, brushing her fingers over the worn-out markings. She could still remember the day she had received it. She had not known how her father had gotten it but when he had presented it to her on her 7th birthday she had been over the moon. She had instantly ran out of her igloo, straight to Katara and Sokka to show them the gift.
Her head shot up when she heard screams coming from the village. Looking towards the direction, her blood ran cold when she saw the smoke. That only meant one thing: Fire benders. Akaya grabbed her scroll, tucking it into her pocket before taking off towards the village. She broke through the tree line, scanning the area as she took in the soldiers. They rode large beast Akaya had never seen before, setting fire to the roofs of buildings as they passed. Akaya ran, dodging between the buildings, trying not to be seen.
She peeked her head around the corner of one building, her eyes widening when she saw one of the men standing over Sokka (dressed fully in the Kyoshi warrior get up). His ponytail instantly gave him away, Prince Zuko.
When she saw him raise his fist, bursting into flames, she acted. Making sure her water skin was opened, she concentrated. Her hand moved forward as water shot out, she bent her wrist, the water wrapping around the firbenders leg before yanking him off his feet. Akaya smiled, forgetting for a moment the danger around her, excited she had finally done the water whip.
"I did it!" she cheered, as Suki pulled Sokka for cover. Akaya paused as she watched Zuko rise to his feet, turning his glare on to her. "Uh oh."
"You." He sneered as he caught sight of Akaya as she stood there frozen. She finally moved, quickly dodging a fire ball aimed at her. She took off running, dodging between the buildings as the fire bender was hot on her trail. She fought back, shooting water when she could but it wasn't as strong as her first.
She screamed when she felt herself fall, tripping over an exposed tree root when she jumped back from the fire blast. Looking up, Zuko hovered over her, a smirk on his face. "Well, someone's been practicing their water bending?"
She glared, her fist curling. "Took you off your feet didn't it?" She spat back. His face morphed into a scowl, fire erupting from his hands. She went for her water skin, her blood draining as she saw it no longer at her side, her eyes finding it discarded on the ground where she had been running.
Akaya braced herself for the searing pain but a voice broke out from the trees. "Hey, over here!" Both Zuko and Akaya looked as Aang appeared.
"Finally." Zuko turned his attention on Aang, shooting flames at him as he took off, Zuko running afrter him. Akaya stood, running to grab her water skin before running back to the village. Her heart sank as she saw the flames consume some of the buildings, the statue of Kyoshi starting to catch fire. She looked around, catching a glimpse of blue. She saw Katara near one of the buildings, ushering in some of the children.
"Katara!" Katara turned when she heard her name, seeing Akaya run toward her.
"Akaya thank goodness." She quickly hugged her friend before pulling away. "Have you seen Sokka and Aang?"
"Sokka was with Suki last I saw and Aang led Prince hothead away." She said.
Katara looked towards the sky, pointing up. "Look! I see him."
They watched as Aang descended on his glider before them. He turned his head, looking at the flames that took over the village. His head dropped, looking away with shame. "Look what I brought to this place."
"Aang its not your fault." Katara said as Akaya nodded her head.
"Yes, it is. These people got their town destroyed trying to protect me." He said sadly. Akaya looked around, catching sight of Appa in the distance.
"Then let's fix this. We need to leave now. If the Fire Nation sees us leaving, they wont have cause to be here they'll come after us." Akaya saw Aang move to argue but she stopped him, laying her hand on his shoulder. "I know it feels wrong to run away but this is the best solution we can give."
After a moment, Aang nodded his head. "I'll go grab Appa."
Akaya turned to Katara. "Go with him. I'll go find Sokka." The girls separated, Akaya running through the village, trying to avoid the soldiers that still wondered around. She finally stopped when she saw Sokka crouched beside Suki. She couldn't help but smile when she saw her lean forward and kiss his cheek.
"Sokka we need to go." She interrupted the two, Sokka turning his head to look at her. Giving one last look to Suki, he stood up following after Akaya. The two met up with Aang and Katara, climbing aboard Appa who immediately took flight.
"Aang look, their retreating to their ship its working." Akaya yelled catching sight as the soldiers and Zuko were running to their ship.
"I know its hard, but you did the right thing. Zuko would have destroyed the whole place if we had stayed. They're going to be ok Aang." Katara said, looking over at Aang as he steered Appa away.
"Aang! What are you-"They watched as he stood, diving down towards the water below.
"Is he crazy!" Sokka yelled as the three watched him disappeared below the water. A moment past when the surface broke, the Unagi breaking through the surface. What was surprising was seeing Aang on top, gripping the tentacles by his face. They watched as he manipulated the beast, before his mouth opened, spraying water out towards the village. Akaya could see the flames slowly disappear as the water rained down.
"He's saving the village." She whispered as the flames completely disappeared. Once they were gone, Aang let go of the Unagi airbending up as Appa flew down. He jumped on the saddle, settling himself as he looked at his three friends.
"I know, I know, that was stupid and dangerous." Aang said, already knowing what he was going to hear.
"Yes, it was." Katara smiled, moving to hug Aang. Akaya couldn't help but smile when she saw his cheeks turn pink, a goofy smile spreading on his face.
"That was brave Aang. Plus, you rode the Unagi. Don't think anyone can say that." Akaya said, patting his shoulder.
"Thanks Akaya your-wait where's your necklace." Akaya's eyes widened as her hand shot up to her neck, feeling only bare skin.
"Oh no! My mothers necklace!" she turned her head back towards the direction of Kyoshi. "I must have lost it when I was fighting Zuko."
"Akaya…I'm so sorry." Katara said, her voice filled with a sorrow Akaya could understand. Her own hand brushed against her own necklace, the one belonging to her mother.
"We can't go back." Sokka hung his head, knowing the words were hard to say but were needed. They needed to get as far as they could from the fire nation and quick.
Akaya understood, even as the tears fell. Aang was the first to move towards her, his arm moving comforting around her, Sokka and Katara doing the same. Momo even moved into her lap, snuggling up under her chin. There they sat, Akaya grieving as her friends gave her comfort.
Zuko stood on the deck of the ship, starring a head at the open sea before them. His eyes scanned the skies, not catching sight of the Avatars flying beast. He could feel his hands heat up, he had been so close, so close to catching the Avatar. He was so close to gaining back his honor, gaining back his birthright, finally being able to go back home.
He dug into his pants pocket, pulling out the blue pendant. He didn't know why he had grabbed it when he had seen it on the floor. The carvings were instantly identifiable as water tribe, the etches reminiscent of waves. He had figured it had fallen off the stupid waterbender. His teeth clenched as he recalled how he had let her get the best of him, letting her take him off his feet. He tried to defend it, that his back was turned, that if it hadn't it would have gone a whole different way.
"That is a lovely necklace. As I recall, these necklaces are betrothal necklaces. It seems one of the women traveling with the Avatar may be engaged. Young love is quite beautiful." Zuko grimaced at his Uncles words, turning sharply, and heading to the door leading to the inside of his ship. He didn't know how it was going to help, but he knew this necklace may help him down the line. He would make sure of it.