I HAVE A THEORY! Okay, you know how in 'bitter work' Uncle said that if the lightning were to pass through his heart the results could be deadly? WELL, I was watching Siege of the North when Katara was learning that whole healing thing and they were healing the HEART so THEREFORE that could be the case in the future! WOO! ((does happy dance))
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
FANARTIST WANTED!
(READ AUTHORS NOTES)
"Well, now that we know never to use a train again while Akiko is sick, what shall we do now genius?" Akiko asked still mildly under the weather. And because Iroh's arm still was bothering him oh-so-much Zuko was stuck carrying her.
"I mean come on, are you the only one without brains here?" Akiko asked sourly.
Zuko dropped her.
"Oof!" Akiko yelped and stood rubbing her backside. "You jerk! I'm sick!"
"You seem just fine to me." Zuko said and continued walking beside Iroh whose mighty shoulders were quaking with laughter.
Akiko looked at Katara who gave her a grin that said: you-shouldn't-have-messed-with-him-you-brat. Akiko glared at her, "Shut up."
Katara looked out into the woods and smiled a bit at her discovery of another trail. "Hey, there's a town over there. Let's go check it out!"
Before anyone could disagree she took off running toward it, Akiko and Iroh following along in interest. Zuko moaned and followed the shop-o-holics; maybe just maybe he would be able to put up with one of their many sprees.
Well Katara wasn't a shop-o-holic the way Iroh and Akiko were, she liked to buy clothes and stuff but mostly she liked the interesting things, like books and scrolls, possibly a few things for her hair.
Akiko liked to look at things most of the time. She loved clothes and jewelry. Oh sure she was into books but they spent about two hours in each store with her trying on several kimonos and gowns with matching accessories.
On a different note there was Iroh. Agni. That man bought everything and anything in sight. Useless junk and knick-knacks came in crates. He loved clothes, shoes, books, anything you could name he was picking up and adding it to his stupid little useless-things-he-doesn't-need pile. Put a dress on him and he would make a fine woman.
Zuko on the other hand, never bought anything unless he needed something.
The town was really small and it was filled with interesting shops. That's exactly what Zuko wanted, really interesting stores to spend all his time in with two girls and an old man.
'Dreams do come true…' Note: Overdose of Sarcasm
Akiko's eyes practically popped out of her head when she saw the dress shop. They were beautiful and all hand made. She squealed and turned around to her friends her fists shaking at her heart.
"I'm going to that cute little dress shop, anyone want to come?" she asked her enthusiasm noted.
"Oh, no thanks! I am going to check out that book store." Katara said eyeing an interesting book shop. It looked so…I don't know…welcoming… with the crimson curtains in the window and the yellow adobe.
Iroh smiled, "I will join you, Akiko. Although I doubt they make dresses my size."
Iroh's joke was ignored as Akiko yanked him by the arm in to dress shop.
"See you guys later!" she called.
Katara smiled and walked into her own little store, leaving Zuko standing there…alone. FINALLY! He put his hands behind his head and decided to walk around in silence away from those annoying people. One a so-called friend, another fool is a so-called Uncle, and another a so-called enemy (why the hell was she so nice?). Oh well, no use wallowing in self-pity of his company. He decided to go look for something to eat. What else was there to do?
Katara opened the door and jumped when a tiny silver bell rang. When her composure was gained she looked around; the library looked old but very well decorated. There were lanes and lanes of books that she didn't know where to begin. She wanted something interesting to read. Maybe there was something about the Nations and their myths. That always caught Katara's interest.
"Excuse me." An old woman croaked. Katara yelped in surprise and spun around. The old woman was very short, probably Toph's height and was a little saggy. Her hair was snow white and her eyes were so squinted you couldn't see their color. "May I help you?" she asked kindly as she folded her wrinkled hands around a book.
"Oh well, this sounds a little…I'm not sure if you have it…It's just that…" Katara couldn't seem to find the words to say. What if this woman was super uptight about the Nations? Oh, what a fool Katara would look like!
"Oh child spit it out. I've heard them all. Cooking with Martha, voodoo, 'so you can't produce pleasure' articles, you name is sugar." She said. Katara giggled.
Well, she didn't seem uptight at all. Katara smiled, "Well, this may sound ridiculous but it has always kind of struck an interest. So by chance do you have anything on the four Nations myths?"
Katara was sure her cheeks were turning pink.
The old woman laughed, "Oh well honey if that's what you wanted then follow me!"
Thank La!
The bookkeeper put down her book and grabbed Katara by the hand leading her down the long cases of books, this place was bigger than it looked!
"I like things about the Nations too. It's always fun to know outside of your own box, eh?" the old woman suddenly sighed, "No one likes hearing these things anymore, everyone is against each other."
Katara silently agreed to herself.
They stopped and the old woman turned to one of the shelves in the very back. Her tiny eyes scanned each book for a long time until she found it. Katara was so excited she didn't know what to do with herself!
"Well, here you go!" the old woman smiled showing her browned teeth. "You can keep it too. Anyone who shares such an interest is a friend of mine."
Katara held the brown book in her hands and looked it over with shimmering eyes. "Really, you don't have to do this." Katara said now looking at the beaming elder.
"No it is my pleasure, we must share our knowledge!"
Katara was all smiles, "Well thank you…uh…" she didn't know the woman's name.
"Harah," The elderly woman said and patted Katara lightly on the cheek. She pulled a stray leaf from her snowy hair.
"Katara," Katara said to her new elderly friend. "And thank you!"
"Well, you keep that book safe; it is one of my favorites because it is so, realistic. Now my little waterbender you better head off, those nice people will be looking for you." Harah said and patted the hair that was covering her ears.
Katara's mouth was hanging open, how did she know she was a waterbender and that she was with anyone? But she didn't have much time to think because she and her new book were being guided by her feet. Harah was waving after her as she excited the store. When the waterbender was gone she pulled her hair behind her pointed ears.
0000
When Katara got out of the store she looked around and the first person she saw was Zuko who was eating a peach. She had to tell someone about this book called, 'Myths' right away. She was too excited!
"Hey, Zuko!" Katara called running up to him.
Zuko spit his peach all over on the ground and clamped a hand over her mouth. "Will you shut up? My name is Lee." He hissed.
Katara gasped through his hand. She had completely forgotten that he was a fugitive! When he removed his hand she told him how sorry she was and she would never do it again. He just gave her a passive stare.
"Well anyway, look at this neat book I got!" Katara squealed and pushed it into his face. Zuko grunted and took it as he examined its cover.
"You wasted your money on some book about sea monsters and lava people?"
Katara gasped and snatched the book away from him. "Do you mind? I am really excited about this, so don't ruin it for me!"
Zuko crossed his arms and muttered a 'whatever'.
Katara pursed her lips at him. He obviously didn't appreciate a good book like she did.
"Hey guys!" Akiko called running up to them with Iroh close behind. "What's going on?"
Katara grinned and showed her the book.
"Oh, wow." Akiko said with a forced smile. Katara knew she was just being nice and lowered the book to her waist. She didn't even want to show it to Iroh. He wouldn't like it either.
"Why didn't you guys buy anything?" Katara asked eyeing the empty hands of her friends.
Akiko shrugged, "Too expensive."
"We should be going." Zuko said and began walking back to the trail. The rest followed like sheep.
He was right, they needed to get as close to the sea as they could before nightfall and the sun was already an hour or two away from setting. The sea was possibly fifteen or so miles away. If they made at least three miles they just might be able to make it and catch a ride from someone, or steal a boat…whichever.
Katara looked down at her book; she was going to have to wait until they walked three miles till she could begin reading. Great.
0000
They finally got to set up camp! Zuko made them go an extra two miles before they found a spot. Akiko plopped down under a tree and covered her face with her arms. She was ready for sleep.
Iroh sat down and began to set up a small fire place for tea. Zuko sat next to him sharpening a stick on a rock. Apparently he was planning on going fishing in the morning.
Now that she had the time, Katara was ecstatic to begin reading that book. She opened Zuko bag to get a candlestick. Surely he wouldn't mind if she borrowed one. She found the candlestick but was surprised to see a pearly white knife. She picked it up and examined it in her hands; 'never give up without a fight' was what it said.
Not sure what to make of it, she stupidly ran a finger softly along the blade. It didn't matter how softly she did it, her finger still began to bleed. Katara hissed as a sting settled in. She put the knife back and grabbed the candlestick. It was a bit of a shock to discover Zuko with a knife just right there. Sure he had swords but that was a hand knife meant for stabbing! STABBING ENEMYS!
Katara walked up to where Iroh was making tea and stuck the candle in the fire waiting for it to light.
"Why Miss Katara, your finger is bleeding!" Iroh exclaimed. He was eyeing the cherry red blood dripping from her finger and the dark dots it made on the earth. Katara took a sharp intake of breath and looked at Zuko who didn't seem to hear.
She looked back at Iroh, "Uh yeah, I got a paper cut." She said hastily and grabbed the candle before practically sprinting to her place below the tree. She opened her flask and healed it so no blood would get on the pages.
Akiko was now sitting up and peering into her own bag for something to occupy herself. It was only eight-fifteen after all. Akiko looked at Katara who was staring wide eyed at the pages completely engrossed.
"Hey Katara what are you reading again?" Akiko asked, she was bored enough so why not?
Katara looked up, "I am reading about legends and myths about the Nations."
Akiko nodded acting interested.
"Fire Nation has dragons that can pose as humans and live in the lava of your volcanoes. Their tongue is venomous and they enslave anyone they touch." Katara said beaming. Now Zuko and Iroh were listening yet still casually doing what they were doing before.
"Earth Kingdom has elves." Katara smiled. Zuko snorted. "They help grow the plants and care for the animals and they make sure that all earth is restored."
Iroh was the only one that was truly interested.
"And the Air Nomads have fairies." Katara read, of course she was skipping the details. Zuko have a short laugh that Katara ignored. "Their wings make the air fresh and their sight makes anyone fall in love the moment they set eyes on them."
Akiko had fallen asleep and Zuko was sharpening his stick. Iroh was leaning in very curious. "What about the Water Tribes?" Iroh asked.
"I haven't gotten there yet, I want to read the rest of these and save my nation for last." Katara explained flipping to the first page of the book. Iroh nodded with a smile and returned to his tea.
After awhile Katara couldn't take anymore and the candle was almost out, everyone but herself had fallen asleep and it was about time she followed their example. She blew out the candle and marked the page she was on in the book. Tomorrow she would be able to read all about her nation's creature.
0000
"Katara come on, keep up!" Akiko called. Katara was walking far behind still engrossed in that book; she would be getting to her nation at anytime now. It was exciting! Well, for her anyway.
"Yes, I'm coming!" she called nonchalantly. She wasn't even paying attention to the sea air that was starting to invade her nostrils. They still had a good two miles but it was still close.
"We should stop at a town again. We need clothes and other supplies for the trip." Iroh said his hands tucked firmly into his sleeves.
Zuko groaned, "No, we have made far too many stops as it is!"
Katara closed her book and held it at her waist. She walked up to Zuko and put a hand on his shoulder. No need for anyone to get upset!
"Zuko, I know you want to go home as everyone else does. But we have to do this right if we ever want to see the Fire Nation. It's okay, just be patient."
Zuko growled and shoved her off him, "Don't touch me filth!"
Katara and Akiko looked at each other sadly. They knew his pain, but he was dealing with it in an entirely different way. In an unhealthy way that really brought tension into the group.
"Zuko, that wasn't very kind." Iroh whispered when Zuko caught pace with him.
"Why should I be kind to someone beneath me? Not to mention she's my enemy in case you have forgotten!" Zuko spat.
Uncle frowned and closed his eyes, "There is not one person on this earth that is beneath you. And I have not forgotten any pasts. Yet, I do recall some excellent teamwork on our little train ride."
No more was said.
It was a long and silent walk into town. Katara rubbed her bare tan arms; she had goose-bumps as they approached the town. It was along the seashore and she didn't like it. Not that she would say anything, there was just something about it.
"Well, Katara and I will go get clothes for us all while you men get everything else." Akiko said hooking her arm with Katara's.
"Why do you get the clothes and we have to get everything?" Zuko barked getting in her face.
"Because you men have no sense of fashion you dunce! Leave it to the women to dress up little Zuko!" Akiko shot back in a mock-baby-tone.
Zuko recoiled and crossed his arms, "I liked it better when you didn't talk."
Akiko smiled and tugged Katara along with their arms still hooked. Katara looked back and waved a little, "Be back soon!"
As the girls stumbled into the dress shop they looked at each other with large grins. It was filled with casual but classy dresses, perfect for dinners and fancy partys.
"You'll need one for now." Akiko said starting to look around.
Katara felt a fabric between her fingers. "Why just one?"
"It's all we can afford if we all need at least one new outfit." Akiko then looked down at her grey dress, navy pants, and brown boots. She shrugged and began searching through fabrics.
"So Katara, why do you want to go to the Fire Nation anyway?" Akiko asked.
Katara froze and stared into space for the longest time. How was she going to come up with something?
"I-well-I'll tell you later." Katara said sadly and resumed looking through dresses. What did she just get herself into?
"Okay." Akiko said completely oblivious to Katara's inner turmoil.
"Oh Katara, this would look wonderful on you!" Akiko squealed pulling out an orange kimono that had faint purple detail on the sleeves and a pink/purple sash around the waist instead of an obi.
Katara took it into her hands; it was beautiful but certainly not a dress for dancing. Yet, it would have to do for now. She watched Akiko pick out a green dress with blue detailing and they were ready to shop for the men. Well…man and boy that is.
They were silent all the while until Akiko broke the silence. "Do you think that maybe, things won't work out?"
Katara looked at her, "There is always that chance. But we have to stay optimistic for the sake of each other." Katara said with a smile, Akiko returned it.
They stepped into the store with their bags to search for clothes for Zuko and Iroh. They ended up with brown boot and olive pants for Zuko with a green vest and gold shirt underneath. Iroh had a simple green outfit with grey shoes and a grey vest.
"I hope we got the right sizes." Akiko said grabbing the bags.
"I'm sure they will be fine." Katara replied. Akiko nodded and they set off on their hunt for the man and boy.
"Can I ask you a personal question?" Akiko asked suddenly.
Katara avoided colliding shoulders with a man. "Sure."
"Well, do you like anyone? Or have you?" Akiko asked.
Katara thought, "I did like this one boy. I thought he liked me too but he just wanted to use me for some plan against the Fire Nation. But that's a long and complicated story. I thought I liked the Avatar but then I realized I loved him, like a brother. And as of now, I don't think I like anyone."
Akiko nodded, "But what would you do if, you knew this boy that you really cared about and he cared about you too. But then something happened and you're not sure if it can be forgiven or if they don't feel that way about you anymore."
Katara cocked a brow, "Is this hypothetical?"
"Of course," Akiko snapped almost too quickly. Katara was far too witted to know that this was hypothetical.
"Well, you have to remain optimistic. And if you cared about each other as much as you said, then nothing should be able to break you apart."
Akiko nodded and smiled at Katara. "Thanks Katara,"
"No problem," Katara replied with a small smile then it faded, "Wait this isn't about Zuko is it?"
"EW NO," Akiko squealed.
"It's about time you got here." Zuko's voice rang out.
The girls looked up at him not realizing he was right in front of them. They looked at each other and laughed before walking around him. Zuko tensed, he didn't get the joke. Well, at least they were ready to get the heck out of there.
"Come on let's go." He barked grabbing all their supplies. Katara stopped in her tracks and remembered the knife he had, how was she ever going to be able to sleep with him around?
But she didn't have time to think about that now. How were they going to catch a boat ride?
"Zuko if you don't mind me asking," Katara began.
"Actually, I do mind." Zuko replied.
Katara wrinkled her nose in irritation, "How are we going to get anyone to give us a ride?"
There was no answer. Zuko just kept walking alongside Uncle and Akiko. Katara crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one foot. It wasn't fair that she got treated like a nothing. She was honestly getting tired of it. But what was she going to do? It wasn't like Zuko would ever change, he was emotionally shallow.
She sighed and followed them to the docks. Maybe Yue would go easy on her and give her some luck. Oh, she hoped this would be over soon. But so far she had been lucky, no headaches, no nightmares, it has been going pretty smooth ignoring what happened back in the ballroom.
"You do realize that there is no way to get directly to the Fire Nation by boat." Akiko said after a long silence.
Zuko looked at her. "What?"
"Well, I was looking at the map last night and we can't get directly to the Fire Nation by boat."
"WHY NOT?" Zuko barked. They had all stopped moving.
Akiko put her hands on her hips. "It's not like there is a huge chunk of Earth Kingdom in the way or anything Zuko!"
Zuko roared in frustraition, flames erupted at his knuckles as he stalked off at a quick pace. Iroh and Katara looked at each other as Akiko had sparks faintly flicker at her fingertips. She stalked off too.
Katara gazed at Iroh in worry.
"I am worried about those two, too." Iroh sighed, almost as if reading her mind. "They are too alike for their own good. One day they are going to do something to really hurt each other and they will regret it."
"I hope not." Katara said watching the pair stalked as far away from each other as possible. "I mean Zuko and I fight less then he and Akiko fight. And we're enemies!"
Iroh sighed, "Enemy is such a strong word. Rival is a better suited word. You don't hate each other to the core and wish death upon each other do you?"
Katara shook her head.
"Then you are rivals. Though, I do hope that won't always be the case." Iroh smiled and put a hand on Katara's shoulder and began walking. Katara smiled and looked down at the ground; he was out of his mind.
He was right though. Those two were going to do something they were going to regret.
…
When they got to the docks Katara's heart was beating faster than ever. They had no idea what they were doing. Their plan was ruined and then they would have to travel over even more Earth Kingdom, though honestly it wasn't too big but it was just more walking.
Zuko, however, wasn't fazed by the humiliation. He went around asking anyone with a boat if they would take the group to the Fire Nation. He made a little boy cry and run to his mother.
"Uh, Zuko?" Katara piped watching the little boy run in tears. "I don't think this is the best way to go about this."
Zuko ignored her and walked around looking for someone. But the dock was nearly deserted as it was, not to mention he drove anyone that was there away. Then he felt his heart leap when he saw a girl loading her boat. He began jogging to her.
He stopped in his tracks when he saw a good view of her. She was beautiful. She was tall at about 5'7 and had a great figure. Her hair was jet black and down to her tailbone with a few wispy bangs. Her face was almost exactly like Song's only her eyes were the exact color of the ocean. They were far more startling than Katara's.
"Can I help you?" a sweet voice rang. Zuko realized she was in front of her smiling.
"Uh, yeah, where are you heading?" He asked nodding over to her boat.
The girl dusted her hands off a little, "Well, no where really. Do you need a lift?"
"Yes, to the Fire Nation!"
"Oh, well. I think I can get you to the Earth Kingdom that divides Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom. I only have two days to do this though."
"Can you get us there in two days?" Zuko asked.
"I'm pretty sure I can."
The girl flicked her hair behind her shoulder and held out a hand, "I'm Rae, what's your name?"
"Uh, I'm Lee." Zuko replied shaking her hand.
Rae giggled, "Well you and your company are welcome to join me. It should be safe if I can count correctly."
Zuko nodded completely entranced by her. Now we all know that Zuko isn't your typical hormonal teenaged boy so this is something. Rae motioned for him and his company to follow her on the ship.
Katara arched a brow and followed everyone. She really didn't like the feeling of this.
0000
Katara walked up on deck once she was unpacked. The ship was marvelous it was true but something was so unreal about it.
Rae came up to her with a big smile. "Are you a waterbender?"
"Yes, I studied with Master Pakku in the North Pole." Katara smiled, "Are you a waterbender?"
"I guess you could say that." Rae giggled through her long pale fingers. "Could you show me something you know?"
Katara nodded, "Sure I don't see why not."
The young waterbender moved to the side of the ship. She surely wasn't going to use Water Lacing but possibly that other move, the one with the large orb of water. Katara got in her stance and pulled up the water needed. Sweat formed on her brow but she managed to successfully master the move in daylight.
Rae clapped, "Wow that was great!"
"Hey thanks, what about you though?" Katara said not wanting to get a big head.
"Well, I guess I could show you a few things I learned here and there." Rae shrugged.
She got into her stance, Katara watched her for a long time, almost too long. Maybe she just wasn't a skilled waterbender. Katara should say what a great job she did and maybe she will get it next time.
When Katara started walking towards Rae the ocean made a rumbling sound. Katara looked up. The largest column of water she had ever seen was making its way arching over the ship and mingling with the other side. Katara gasped and staggered back onto her backside looking up at the mystic blue water hanging over her. She wasn't even aware that everyone else was watching too.
She realized that the whole group was behind her when they started clapping. Katara stood and watched as Rae skillfully put the water back in the ocean. Katara swore that she would stray away from envy after the whole Waterbending Scroll incident but now she gave in.
Making her leave, she heard everyone praise Rae on what a great job she did. She just wanted to go into their room and relax, she was really nervous even though she was surrounded by her own element. And now she had given into envy, this just wasn't her day.
She flopped on her bed and covered her face with her arm. When she opened her eyes she saw a stray string hanging from her sleeve. She tugged at it but it didn't snap it just unraveled a little more. She groaned and went over to Zuko's bag to borrow his knife, he wouldn't mind too much.
Katara opened his bag and began digging around which was stupid. She grabbed the blade and instantly regretted it because a white-hot pain surged through her hand. She snatched it back and looked at it. Blood was oozing uncontrollably from her palm. She winced and tears flooded down her cheeks. She reached to her side but to her horror she had no more water in her flask. Now she had no way to heal herself without embarrassing herself in front of everyone and letting Zuko know she used his knife.
There was nothing she could do! But when Katara caught site of a loose nail in the wall and sighed in relief; that would be her story, she was walking by and her hand got cut on the nail. Yes, it was perfect.
She went to her own set of things and wrapped her bleeding hand in a rag. She hissed in pain as she was forced to tie the rag into a knot. But at least she had an excuse until she could properly heal it, but she doubted seawater would do much good.
Akiko came walking down to the room with a big frown and her hair standing on end. "That Rae girl schooled me." Akiko growled flopping down on her bed.
Katara arched a brow. "Well, what happened?"
"She wanted to see what I could do. I summoned the lightning next thing I know she screamed and soaked me causing THIS to happen!" she wailed pointing to her hair.
Katara giggled through her fingers, "Well, why did she do that?"
"I think she thought I was a waterbender because of the pale eyes." Akiko mused patting down her hair to its normal state. "I probably startled her or something."
"Yeah, probably," Katara thought tucking her hand behind her back. She wasn't in the mood for questions.
Akiko flung her platinum hair over her shoulder and tied it with a grey ribbon. "So, what do you think of Miss. Perfect anyway?"
Katara shrugged, "She's really nice but I don't know, for some reason I…don't like the vibes around her."
Akiko nodded, "I know what you mean. There's just something about her that I find to be odd. And I am not normally one to give into envy but I don't know…"
"Yeah, I understand that feeling." Katara said looking at the floor. "But I suppose we should try and get along with her, I mean, she is offering us a ride."
"Well, anymore outbursts like that then she's really going to get a piece of my mind, ride or not." Akiko replied.
Katara laughed then got serious again. "But I don't understand how she can be a waterbender. She has the signature eyes but other than that she doesn't look like a Tribes girl at all. And she's far too good to just have picked a few things up here and there."
Akiko agreed. "She doesn't even have a crew and I haven't seen her do much of anything ship related the whole time."
Katara nodded, "Something's fishy."
"And you know what really strikes me as odd?"
"What?"
"That Zuko is in puppy love over her." Akiko grimaced.
"WHAT," Katara was in shock
"Yep, looks like the tin man really does have a heart."
"Zuko…Prince Zuko is… with Rae…and liking…with…huh? Am I running a temperature?" Katara felt her head. She was fine but the world wasn't…CONSIDERING IT WAS ABOUT TO END!
"I honestly don't know what he sees in her. I think she is a fake, he just likes her for beauty, brains, kindness, good-nature, talent— uh, what was my point?" Akiko scratched her head, "Anyway I still don't like her."
Katara laughed, "I never would have thought Zuko would fall for her…for anyone for that matter."
Akiko shrugged, "He's only human."
"Well, that's news." Katara shot. Both girls began laughing.
"Girls, get ready for dinner, it's very formal." Iroh said coming down to the room with a frown.
Katara turned on her side, "What's wrong Uncle Iroh?"
Iroh sighed, "I would prefer if we didn't discuss it, it would be far too rude."
"That's okay Iroh, we're girls. We can handle the gossip." Akiko smiled.
Iroh smiled faintly and sat down on his bed. "It's that young lady Rae."
"Ooh," The two girls looked at each other.
"I can't place it but something disturbs me about her. It doesn't help that Zuko is head over heels either." Iroh said stroking down his shaggy beard.
"We know what you mean." Katara said sourly, "We noticed it too."
Akiko nodded, "There are some weird things going on here."
Everyone agreed.
"I guess we should all start getting ready then." Katara suggested reaching for her new dress. Akiko sighed and did the same.
Katara was looking in the bathroom mirror slightly feeling intimidated by Rae. She was going to look gorgeous. Katara sighed and undid her braid and redid it without the bun. She swirled the braid into its own sort of flat bun on the back of her head. The finishing product was rather nice.
She stroked down one of her loops and turned to see Akiko with a low bun with two strands hanging around the outline of her face. She frowned at Katara as if saying; "this is going to be one hell of a night" Katara couldn't have agreed more.
Iroh came into the bathroom with his beard brushed and his new outfit on. He too was frowning; Zuko appeared to be the only one that tolerated her (which was an understatement).
"We should get this over with." Akiko muttered the first to step out of the bathroom. Iroh followed, and then Katara who was reluctant as ever. She really didn't like this.
At least she got to her Nation's creature, it was mermaids. But she couldn't focus on it, she was too sick over Rae.
The dining hall was perfect, surprise, surprise. Everyone sat down at the table until Rae would decide to come in. They had maybe been waiting for at least ten minutes when she came in, a blue kimono with green mermaids and sirens as detail.
Zuko lunged up and pulled her chair out for her. Akiko, Katara and Iroh all looked at each other with the same look, 'are you kidding me?'
"Would anyone mind getting the food?" Rae asked sweetly. Her hair was flawless (of course) in a long ponytail in big blue ribbon.
"I WILL!" Akiko and Zuko rang at the same time. Akiko wanted to get out of there but Zuko had another intention, showing off. They both stood and left the room.
"Why Katara, what happened to your hand?" Rae exclaimed. Katara groaned.
When they got to the kitchen Akiko leaned up against the doorframe.
"Okay lover-boy, what's your deal?" she asked with narrowed eyes.
Zuko spun around with the carts of food, "What do you mean what's my deal?"
Akiko walked straight up to him and pointed in his face. "You have been acting like a love-sick puppy ever since you saw that phony! Now what's wrong with you?" He was about four inches taller than she was but that didn't matter to her.
Zuko grabbed her finger and jerked it to the side, "What are you talking about? Am I not entitled to have feelings for anyone?"
Akiko wasn't sure what shocked her more, that he admitted his feelings or that he had any.
"And since when do you talk down to me? If it were up to me you wouldn't even be coming along you filth!" Zuko barked.
"Excuse me? Did I just hear you correctly?" Akiko asked softly. "JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE BUDDY? DON'T YOU DARE TALK TO ME LIKE-" before she could finish she had been shoved up against the wall.
When she opened her eyes rubbing her head, she stared after Zuko in astonishment as he rolled his cart into the dinning hall. Akiko was dumbfounded, had he seriously shoved her? She didn't have time to think about that because she had her own cart to roll into the dinning hall.
When everyone's food was served Akiko sat next to Katara with wide eyes. She was just staring at her food. Katara looked from her to Zuko. Something was wrong, really wrong. The meal was silent except the constant flirting between Zuko and Rae.
When the meal was over Akiko, Iroh, and Katara went downstairs and changed into their normal clothes. They didn't enjoy the meal at all. Iroh went straight to bed and Akiko sat behind Katara brushing out the long chestnut locks.
"Katara, something's wrong." She whispered careful not to awake a sleeping Iroh.
"Hmm, how so?" Katara said groggily.
"Zuko is seriously not himself, he is crazy over her, it's like he is under some sort of spell!"
Katara rolled her eyes, "Don't be ridiculous, you told me he shoved you but you had that one coming. As for the other behavior its normal teenaged boy stuff, trust me, I have a brother."
"No Katara, I am serious. Zuko isn't himself and I think I know why." Akiko hissed.
"Oh?" Katara arched a brow.
"Rae is a mermaid…" Akiko whispered.
"What?"
"No really, hear me out. I read some of that book earlier. Mermaids can spend up to three days above water without the forces of the sea coming to claim them; she said she only has two days to get us to the Earth Kingdom!"
Katara sat there quietly.
"They rely on the guidance of the sea which explains why there is no crew." Akiko said.
Again Katara said nothing but just sat.
"They are beautiful, hate lightning, they are excellent waterbenders, and men around their age can't help themselves. Come on Katara that isn't just a coincidence!"
Katara looked her square in the eye, "Akiko, that book is nothing but myths and legends, none of it is true. Trust me."
After awhile of silence Akiko looked down with a blush, "I guess it was sort of far-fetched huh?"
Katara nodded with a grin.
Akiko slapped her forehead, "Well now I feel dumb!"
Katara laughed and got up to her own bed, "We should get some sleep. Hopefully that will bring you back to reality."
Akiko nodded and curled under the covers, Katara following soon after. Zuko wasn't back yet and she was starting to get a little suspicious herself. A few moments after she thought this the door opened and Zuko stepped in. She quickly feigned sleep at his approach and watched through one cracked eye. He seemed normal as he climbed into bed so she closed her eyes and let sleep claim her.
0000
"The sky declares war." Iroh said musingly.
The sky was dark and the waves threatened to swallow them whole. Rae was standing in the corner biting her nails muttering, 'this isn't supposed to happen, this isn't supposed to happen' over and over.
Akiko leaned against the deck with the chill to her back with crossed arms. "This is just what we need, a storm."
"Oh come on, don't be negative. It will all be fine. We can still make it in time." Katara assured putting a hand on Akiko's shoulder. Akiko shrugged.
"Can't your optimism can it?" Zuko grunted from behind them.
Katara spun around, "I didn't know you were here."
Zuko rolled his eyes, "You don't know much anyway so that isn't much of a shock."
Katara put her hands on her hips and glared, "Excuse me but what is it you want?"
"I wanted to tell you that you need to keep water off of the ship." Zuko replied pointing at Katara.
"What?" Katara asked, "Just me? Why can't Rae help?"
"Rae doesn't like the water." Zuko explained.
Katara balled her fists and got into his face. She scoffed, "She's a waterbender!"
"Hey it isn't my problem." He waved his hand dismissing himself of her presence.
Katara scoffed in aggravation and turned to Akiko, "Can you believe the nerve of him?"
"All just because of that Rae!" Akiko said sourly twirling her ponytail.
Katara nodded.
Then there was a loud clap of thunder and lightning streaks across the sky like fireworks. The wind howled and the waves roared. Akiko and Katara looked at each other with surprised expressions.
Katara gasped as a large wave made to envelope the ship. Akiko put her hands over her head with a pinched expression on her face preparing for impact
Katara held out her hands and redirected the water. Then it started to pour making it hard to see. It was like every move angered the storm even more.
Rae was being guided inside by Zuko, "Don't worry Rae I will protect you." Zuko cooed shutting her inside. Iroh rolled his eyes and guided Zuko by the arm.
Akiko looked up at the sky, the lightning was extraordinary! Just as she thought this there was a loud crack and the lightning bee-lined for the ship. Akiko had no idea how to redirect lightning! Iroh stepped in front of her and surprisingly redirected it with an easy and flowing move.
Iroh blew some of the smoke from his fingers as Akiko watched in wonder. "Wow, you're going to have to teach me that one."
"Look out!" Iroh wailed as a large dose of water knocked them to the other side of the ship.
Katara was redirecting the waves like mad but the storm was abnormally strong for this time of year. She heard someone come up behind her as she let yet another wave pass.
"You're supposed to be keeping the water out of the ship!" Zuko barked.
"I'm—trying as hard as—I—can!" Katara hissed the strain tiring her out.
"TRY HARDER!" Zuko barked, "RAE DOESN'T WANT TO GET W-"
Everyone stopped talking and listened. There was a mystic singing coming up over the waves and through the storm. It was like nothing anyone had ever heard. Clear as a bell and tempting to follow. It was so strange and it captured everyone in the moment, especially the men.
Katara shook her head and looked over at the zoned out Fire Nation Prince, "Zuko, snap out of it!" she wailed as he gazed off into the water with glazed eyes.
"Iroh, come on get your head out of the clouds!" Akiko scolded the man next to her.
Katara and Akiko exchanged glances, the singing was growing louder and Katara's head began to hurt. Something wasn't right. They needed Rae's help. Akiko ran up to Katara with her ponytail whipping around in the air.
"Katara, what are we going to do!" she wailed over the storm and the singing.
Katara looked around at the dazed men and her frightened friend. "RAE, RAE YOU NEED TO HELP US!"
Something was coming and they didn't even know what it was.
"RAE!" Katara and Akiko wailed. Suddenly the wind roared louder than before and a humungous wave consumed the ship knocking the two girls back. They hit the railing hard as the ship rocked around and the singing grew almost to an unbearable point.
Katara's hair had come loose and she lost the charms that hooked to her loops. She gasped, "My grandmother's charms!"
Akiko's hair had come down too and was sticking to the sides of her pale face. There was a large gash in her forehead from where she had hit the railing and she was unconscious. Katara gasped and leaned down to her friend examining the gash with her own wounded hand. She looked up and winced, the singing was a roar now. She heard a faint splash and a flop…something was flopping against the ship…
"Katara move it, the sirens are here!" Rae screamed. Or at least Katara thought it was Rae. Instead of legs there was a blue mermaid tail that was shockingly long that got amazingly skinny and then two large clear fins the size of three Zuko's vertical and two horizontal. Everything else was the same except the webbed fingers and fins for ears and on her arms. It was a bit freaky.
"Wait…sirens?" Katara asked snapping out of it.
Rae nodded, "They are the ugliest little things. You have to help me keep them away from the men."
"Not until you tell me what's going on!" Katara yelled over the singing and storm.
Rae sighed, "The sirens are worse than the mermaids. Mermaids have a mystical power that men their age come to adore them, we can't help it and just go along with it in friendly terms. Women don't like us because of envy and elders don't like us because we seem too good to be true. Sirens get everyone to adore them with their voices and then drag their male prey into the ocean with them whenever they are with a mermaid."
Katara listened.
"Basically everything your friend said was correct. I didn't want to be in the storm because then my identity would be exposed because water changes us back to our natural form. This whole storm is because the sirens are jealous and want the men for them and them only. They are making this storm to distract us, who knows how big the swarm is."
Katara nodded and avoided a wave that came crashing onto the ship.
Rae looked down at her tail and then looked up, "We have to save them before they-"
Katara gasped as the men began walking to the edge of the boat with silly grins on the faces, the wind whipping their cheeks pink. Katara and Rae looked at each other and then down to Akiko who was sitting there lifeless than ever.
Rae reached out and touched Akiko's neck and face. Katara watched as an eerie green glow produced on contact. The next action left Katara to scream and run to the edge of the ship. Rae had thrown her overboard! The crazy, psychopathic—
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Katara wailed putting her hands to her mouth absolutely in horror.
"A mermaid's touch is powerful enough to give humans the ability to breath underwater." Rae explained.
Katara looked down at the water and then over at Zuko and Iroh who were still walking like zombies closer and closer to the edge of the ship. She reluctantly forgot Akiko and ran up to Zuko as Rae flopped over to Iroh. The girls began tugging and pulling on the men but nothing was working, they still were walking like they weren't even being tugged on.
Katara got in front of Zuko and tried to push him back but she ended up being pushed by him! Rae was suffering from the same fate. Now they were almost at the rail. Katara felt tears sting her eyes, from the fact the men were going down to their fate and the singing was so loud it was unbearable.
Their vision was jagged because of the bullets of rain plummeting from the black clouds. They were occasionally thrown off from a crash of the waves but they continued. Plus Katara was worried about Akiko in the water…unconscious.
"Zuko, Zuko please stop, come on!" Katara said tears flooding down her cheeks and her ears ringing.
They were at the rail now. Rae was just as frantic with Iroh. Katara used all her strength to push but Zuko kept moving on. Katara looked up with tearful eyes and slapped him, he wasn't fazed in the least, and he still had that groggy love-sick look on his face.
Katara got behind him and grabbed him around the middle. She put her feet up on the rail and pulled but with no result. He was standing on the rail looking down lazily with Katara hanging on his back sobbing.
Rae reached out and touched her and Zuko. Katara felt dizzy and different as she clung to Zuko's back for dear life. Her neck felt dry and scaly all of a sudden.
"Hold on Katara, we are going to fight!" Rae wailed over all the noise. Katara looked at her with wide glazed eyes. Before she could think further, Zuko then jumped with her going down too.
Katara held on and felt the bubbles tickle up her limbs. She opened her eyes and looked around, she could have screamed. The sirens were about her size but the ugliest things she had ever seen. They had round head with empty sockets and pointed teeth and no noses. They're skin was a pale green with webbed hands and feet. Their hair was strictly octopus tentacles.
She clung to Zuko tighter as one made to reach out for him. She pulled the water around her and shot it at the thing which hissed at her in anger when it regained composure. She looked over her shoulder at Rae who was fighting around Iroh. She looked beautiful, her hair floating around her body, fins glistening through the blue glitter of water. She could see how Zuko liked her so much.
Because she wasn't paying attention to what was around her she felt a tug at her bottom half, she looked down and her eyes widened. The things were pulling at her but having much difficulty because of the webbing. They gripped to her shoes and pants and they smirked up at her. Katara flinched because their smirks were so hideous. She shot water at them which sent them flying along with her pants and shoes.
She looked over at Rae for help. She wasn't sure how to handle them. Rae looked at her as she smacked a siren in the face with her fins. "Fight them with everything you have, don't be afraid because they are horrible fighters, but amazing manipulators!" her voice echoed. Katara nodded as more were beginning to come with louder voices than ever.
One grabbed Zuko which shot Katara into battle mode so fast her hair could have fallen out. She found she could easily move around as if it was air. Thank Yue for mermaids. She kicked the thing with all she had and began doing the same with the rest, not one was able to touch Zuko.
She was startled when they all began to circle around her closing in and out, in and out. Katara was entranced by the movements and she began to do them too.
"KATARA!" Rae yelled her echo cutting through the water.
Katara gasped and looked around to see the sirens had separated and were surrounded around Zuko with sickening smiles on their ugly faces. Katara propelled herself forward and fought anything in her path with physical blows and bending ones. Rae somehow had Akiko with her now which was some relief to Katara.
Katara kicked her bare mocha legs to get the creatures away. Suddenly they pushed their way through and all jumped on Zuko pulling away. Katara reached out frantically but some other sirens pulled her back. She shuddered when a cold tentacle brushed across her cheek.
"Zuko!" she attempted to scream but only to produce a faint sound and bubbles. She was fighting with all sources she knew, bending, punching, kicking, biting, scratching, anything that came to mind but she wasn't even close. There were far too many of them for her to take on. Plus, she had never used her bending deep in the ocean before.
"Katara…come here…" Rae's voice echoed through the loud singing. Katara looked reluctantly at Zuko's swarmed form but swam over to Rae who was still mildly in control. They pressed back to back looking at the large swarm of sirens.
"He must be some man to get a swarm this big," rang Rae's voice. Katara looked at her and then to Zuko who was being swarmed more and more each minute. She never thought of that…
"I need your bending to drive them away. When I take it you have to swim for Zuko as hard as you can and reach him before I release the energy." Rae instructed. Katara nodded focused on Zuko's body. Rae grabbed Katara by the back of the neck and she felt a horrible nauseating feeling but she chose to ignore it when Rae let go and she propelled forward through the horrible sirens and wrapped her arms around Zuko's neck and her legs around his middle gripping for dear life.
Katara felt a huge energy around her body but she was slowly drifting out of consciousness that she couldn't even hear the singing anymore. She just drifted closer to the man's body for comfort of the horrible empty feeling. Then she felt, heard, saw, nothing…
0000
Zuko's fingers curled through the wet sand as he regained consciousness. He looked around to find his Uncle snoozing on dry sand and Akiko unconscious with a hideous gash in her head her lower half halfway in the water. That other girl, the waterbender he couldn't see. He turned around and saw her on her side one knee drawn up to her chest unconscious her tan legs and feat bear and her hair down. She looked so beau- he caught that thought by the ass and threw it into non-existence.
He sat up on his rear still too weak to actually get up. Judging by the gash in Akiko's head there must have been some fight while he was…he was…okay now what the hell happened? He slowly got to his knees and instantly regretted it for the pain the pulsed through the head.
Someone next to him stirred. He turned his head to see the waterbender slowly sitting up with moans and groans. She turned gasped and frantically looked around until her big blue eyes settled on Zuko.
"Oh, Zuko!" Her voice rang and she launched herself into Zuko's arms. He was so taken aback he had no idea what to do as she clung around his neck like fabric. "I thought I would never see you again!" she wailed into the crook of his neck. She pulled herself off of him and wiped her eyes with a blush.
Zuko just stared.
Katara smiled which snapped him out of it.
Zuko rubbed his head, "What happened?"
Katara sighed and tried ignoring the aches and pains she was suffering from, "Well your girlfriend Rae was a mermaid, and we got attacked by sirens and I had to save your hide from them." Katara explained with a playful smug look on her face.
Zuko looked at her in astonishment, "You saved me?"
Katara's playful look vanished, "Well, yeah…I tried everything I could. I tried I really did but they got you and I was almost stupid enough to dive in there and get myself killed if Rae hadn't told me to move. She somehow used my bending to save us."
Zuko was still staring at her. She saved him. He had saved her once but that was nothing, this was something she wanted to do because she…cared.
Katara stood, "Come on, we better get rested." She said offering a hand. Too stunned to cop attitude Zuko took it still staring as they walked to shore. When they reached the warm sand Iroh woke up rubbing his eyes and looking around.
"Well, I believe explanation is in order." Iroh said eyeing the two woozy teenagers.
Then all the attention went to Akiko. Katara cringed as a parrot-crab crawled up her arm. Akiko moaned in her sleep and slowly opened her eyes. When they went into focus the first thing she saw was the little critter with its head cocked to the side staring at her in wonder. For a moment this didn't register and Akiko's face was blank.
"BLAHAEEEAHHHHHHAHHHHH!" Akiko wailed and flung the critter into the sea as she sprang to her feet holding onto her arms.
"HAVEN'T I HAD ENOUGH CREEPY CRAWLERS FOR ONE JOURNEY?" she wailed but instantly regretted it when her head caught up with her actions. She clutched her forehead and then looked at it in surprise, it was covered in blood. She looked at her friends whom had been staring stupidly at her the whole time.
"Okay was anyone aware of this," she said pointing to her head, "and that?" she pointed over to the parrot-crab that was crawling its way out of the water.
Everyone looked at each other and gave sheepish smiles. Katara walked up to her and hooked arms, "Come on let's find a stream so I can fix you and me up." She said lifting up her injured hand.
Zuko was still staring, the whole situation was bizarre, Katara putting her life on the line to save him and all. He looked to the side and his good eye widened. There dry in the sand was all their things, perfect and neatly in order without a scratch. He leaned down to a book that was out in the open with its old pages reading out passionate words.
'Drifting out into Love'
One of Mora's favorite quotes but that wasn't in the book…
Zuko turned it over and examined the cover, yes he had the right book 'Destiny' but where did that quote come from? He looked back to the page that the quote was on but it was replaced with the biography of Mora. Zuko blinked a few times.
He swallowed too much sea water.
0000
Well? I personally loved writing this chapter and I hope it is as great as I bragged or I am going to feel like an idiot.
Ew…I have the oddest feeling about Karu returning to Avatar…((shudders))
"Expect in future chapters: A blood curdling scream rang throughout the entire forest causing birds to fly from their homes in fright:
'WHERE IS HE?'
'But I have to get it…it's so cute and cuddly!'
'You're…'
'You lied to me?'
'Just what did you see peasant?'
'RUN!'
'I'M DYEING, I'M DYEING!' "
Well that's a lot! A lot of drama is coming up…oh lordie you have no idea! Well, if anyone is a movie maker on youtube then I would love a trailer! Heh heh…I am thinking of making up a website for all my work and stuff when fanart is received…HINT!
FANARTIST WANTED
TRAILER MAKER WANTED
REVIEWERS WANTED!