Sorry it took so long to update, it's been a busy few weeks at work. But it has given me time to decide where I want to bring the story. This is sorta a filler chapter, still undecided on a few plot points so I didn't want to get to far ahead of myself until I make up my mind. Regardless, I hope you guys enjoy! As always, reviews and criticism is welcome.
Zuko
"Are you sure this is safe, Uncle?" The towering walls of Ba Sing Se were intimidating, even more so the closer they got to them. After three years on sea, he was already feeling claustrophobic about the prospect of being completely walled in.
"Countless families of every culture have been displaced because of the war, many flee to Ba Sing Se for the promise of sanctuary. To everyone else, we're just two more refugees, seeking work and refuge," Iroh's steady voice always reassured Zuko. "The important thing is to just stay comfortable and aware. No one will suspect anything if you mind your business and keep your head down. The city is densely populated, and it's easy to blend if you know how." He definitely wasn't wrong about the populated part. Even the boat they were on was jammed packed. He couldn't imagine how many people inhabited the largest city in the kingdom.
The boat they were smashed into was finally coming into port and people all around were impatiently making their way towards the exits to avoid the rush of people trying to leave. The smell of stale water was being taken over by the stench of the city. The outer ring didn't have the most welcoming smell.
"I'm worried someone will recognize me," Zuko clenched his fists, he could feel the anxiety creeping in. "How do I hide my scar?" No one was paying them any attention at the moment but that didn't put his mind to ease. Sensory overload was setting in and he couldn't wait to be off the damn boat.
"Many people have scars, Nephew," Iroh pulled Zuko along with him off the boat and past the armed guards checking baggage, they traveled lightly to avoid close inspection. "Pay attention to the people around you, many try to hide their scars out of shame or pain, but some are impossible to cover up. Many have fought in the war or lost their homes to attacks. It's not unusual to have burns in these parts. Like I told you, stay relaxed. You're doing nothing wrong. Just looking for a new start."
They hurried past the crowds of people, now in silence. His uncle had finally convinced him to give up his wild chase for the Avatar and his attempt at restoring honor. It wasn't easy either, but Iroh was persistent. After many sleepless nights and fits of rage, Zuko had finally resigned to the fact that he probably was never going to go back home anyway. But without his mother there, there wasn't much else he was missing from home. His sister Azula was the favorite and his father obviously didn't have much love for him, and if he did, he had a horrible way of showing it. He initially wasn't thrilled to be stuck with his uncle, but he found that he sincerely cared for him and his well being, and that was more than Zuko could say for the rest of his existing family.
"This way," Iroh pulled him further into the city. The crowds of people were unsettling, but he could see how it would be easy to hide here. His uncle was right, no one would notice two more people. "Remember what we went over?"
"Yes uncle, my name is Lee and we're from a small village in the northern Earth Kingdom, we were fisherman and came here after many people in our town fled colonization from the Fire Nation. You're my uncle Moshi, I lost my parents in a raid and that's how I got my scar." Both he and Iroh cut their hair prior to traveling to the city, but it wasn't long enough to cover up the worst of his scar. He knew someone was bound to ask him about it.
"Yes. Stay away from names and details. That's how you get caught. You never know where people originated. You don't want to be caught in a blatant lie. If anyone asks you something more personal than that, it's best to try and leave the situation or steer the conversation away from the subject," Iroh knew they had covered the basics many times, but they couldn't afford slip ups, that's something they both could agree on.
"I think I'm going to miss bending the most," Zuko admitted as they crossed a bridge bringing them into the section of the city they would be calling home. Bending was his way of channeling his anger and discontent and it would certainly be harder now that he didn't have that outlet. His hands were already itching to feel the warmth of the flames again.
"It is the hardest sacrifice to make, but remember your breathing exercises, they'll help you feel more connected to your chi, I will also miss practicing with you, Nephew," Iroh patted him on the back and Zuko gave him a small smirk. He never imagined he and his uncle would ever get along this well, especially in the beginning, but it was comforting to have someone care about him. "Here we are, this is going to be our home from now on," Iroh motioned him to a small apartment. Zuko took a deep breath and followed his uncle in. He wasn't sure how long they would be here for but hopefully it wouldn't be as bad as he was fearing.
Aang
Katara handed Aang the last bag and he strapped it onto Appa's saddle. The chilly night air was creeping in as the sun was setting. It was a beautiful sight but he couldn't fend off the shiver that ran down his spine. "That's everything!" Katara called up to him and he joined her and Sokka near the center of the village where their Gran Gran was prepared to see them off.
She pulled Sokka and Katara each in for a hug, "Remember to stay aware of your surroundings, be careful who you trust, and traveling at night is always safest." For a monotone granny, she definitely cared deeply for her grandchildren, and Aang couldn't help but smile at the exchange.
After hugging them one more time, she pulled Aang in too for an awkward hug, "Please keep them safe, Hakoda won't be happy if there's even a scratch on them when you get there." Aang couldn't tell if she was joking, since her tone never changed, but he laughed and patted her on the back.
"I'll take care of both of them, I can't imagine letting anything happen to either of them, thank you again for your help and hospitality. I hope we'll all be reunited sooner than later," Aang assured her. She gave him a weathered smile and grabbed Katara's hand.
"You all have a hard journey ahead of you, but I couldn't be more proud. I never could've imagined seeing the Avatar in my lifetime, you've given us hope, and I wish you the best."
"We're going to miss you, Gran Gran," Katara pulled her in for one more hug and couldn't help but let a tear or two escape. "I hope we get to see you soon."
"Don't worry about that, you have a long road ahead of you, focus on that, learn your bending, and stay strong little one," Gran Gran parted with one more hug each and her wrinkled face broke out in a smile as she backed away towards her home. "I love you and be safe, all of you."
Sokka, being uncharacteristically quiet, threw his bag onto Appa's saddle and helped Katara up. And with one last wave, they were off into the chilly night. After a long silence, Aang finally worked up the courage to ask, "If you're both okay with it, we'll be coming up to the Southern Air Temple by morning, and I'd like to stop there. I just want to see if any of my home survived."
Sokka was actually the first to respond, "I'd be okay with it. We need to stop somewhere to sleep and have a bathroom break anyway. I don't think anyone would bother us there and it would be the safest place to stop."
Katara, finally leaving her thoughts, added, "I think that would be a good idea too, Aang. You deserve to be able to see your home again. I think we'd both be honored to see it with you."
Aang sighed with relief. He didn't expect either of them to be so helpful or eager to join him. The past couple days were filled with surprises and he felt relieved that both Katara and Sokka were making the long journey with him. He knew none of this would be easy, but for the first time since escaping the destruction of his home, he felt safe. "Thank you both for everything," Aang climbed to the saddle to be able to talk to them more comfortably. The cold night had both Katara and Sokka wrapped in blankets, and Aang was thankful his airbending could keep him warm. "After you found me, I wasn't really sure how any of this would work out, and I'm not sure I could even do it without you. I just want you both to understand how grateful I am for everything."
Sokka and Katara both beamed at him, "We're happy to help. I know I wasn't too excited about finding a stranger trapped in ice, and I was really sure you were some sort of spy, but we've got your back Aang. I mean, you're the freaking Avatar. Anyone would be stupid to turn down helping you."
"Sokka's right, we've always heard stories about the power and compassion of the Avatars. Your spirit has always been here to help the rest of the world, it's the least we can do for you. I think I speak for both of us when I say we're happy to call you our friend Aang. Gran Gran was right, the Avatar brings hope, and in a world that's been hopeless for so many years, it's a honor to help you restore peace in any way we can." Katara reached over and placed her hand on Aang's arm. "You're not alone in this. And I know it couldn't have been easy to leave your home and everything you knew behind, especially now under the circumstances, just know we're here for you no matter what. You're family now and we take care of each other."
Aang tried to hold back his tears. Even though monks didn't attach themselves to nuclear families, his friends and gurus were his family and he'd be lying if he said he didn't miss them every day. The feeling of acceptance was in explainable.
Sokka, sensing Aang's demeanor quickly changed the subject, "Our dad was last stationed in the Southern part of the Earth Kingdom. I don't have an exact location but Gran Gran sent him a letter and told him to send a reply to Kioshi island. So after we visit the temple that should be our next stop and then we can meet up with our dad. I know they've been traveling around the Earth Kingdom to aid in any way possible but after he meets you, I'm sure priorities will change."
"I'm not a fully trained Avatar though," Aang looked down at his hands that were suddenly becoming clammy, "I mastered airbending but I still don't know anything about the other three elements or ever used the Avatar state willingly. And it's not like gurus are just hanging around like they used to. I'm worried I won't be much help."
Katara scooted closer and grabbed Aang's hand, "No one expects you to take the fire lord down tomorrow. War takes strategy and time. We've been fighting for a hundred years, the world can wait a few months for us to get a plan together. Don't stress yourself out, Aang. Just being here gives people hope. You connect people, and inspire them. I don't know much water bending but I'll teach you what I know until we can find a master."
"And we can practice hand-to-hand combat every morning together," Sokka added. "You are going to have two strong nations behind you. Just give it some time and let things work out. The best thing you can do now is have hope and stay positive." Sokka cringed, "Man, I really sound like Katara right now with all this hope crap."
Katara leaned over and slapped his shoulder and all three of them laughed. Aang decided they both had a point. He wouldn't let the past weigh him down. "Thank you both for everything. Hopefully within the next week we'll be meeting up with your dad and the rest of your tribe and we can get something set in motion. Whenever we land in the morning you guys can grab a nap while I explore the temple, and afterwards we can eat, get some practice in, and by that time it should be safe to travel to Kioshi Island, sound good?"
"Sounds great," Katara agreed, "You can lay down and sleep if you'd like, we'll keep Appa company and I'll wake you up whenever we land. You'll need your energy for tomorrow."
Before Aang could even respond Katara handed him a blanket and a rolled up sleeping bag for a pillow. He smiled gratefully and moments after laying down drifted off to sleep to the sound of the gentle breeze and the salty smell of the ocean.
