Chapter II

Protection

The news of Arnook's death did not settle well on Aang. He and his comrades were called to head to the North Pole. The healers who examined Arnook's body declared he died of a heart attack caused by venom injected at the neck. The fact that Arnook been murdered also didn't sit well with the Avatar either.

Sitting at the bow of the ship they we're sailing on instead of flying on Appa. Aang contemplated who would have killed Arnook andwhy.

"It doesn't make any sense Katara, who have killed him? He was a war-hero and great leader." Aang asked as he watched the ice floes pass him. Katara hair flew in the breeze as she stood in silence for a while before asking.

"Someone wanted his place maybe." Aang growled in frustration at Katara's answer. The likeliest reason for Arnook's murder would be someone's ambition to be Chief, but Aang didn't want to believe anyone could be that petty

Reaching the North Pole Katara notice that the fortress was quiet, perhaps mourning in silence.

"Everyone…is not even here?" Sokka saw this as well, as Suki walked next to him. Zuko and Mai we're also with Aang's gang. Zuko however felt much different return to the north. Memories of the Siege flashed into his head as he walked down causeway to the main Hall. The icy quite of the grieving nation brought a sense of hush to the group as the walked inside, not want to talk and ruin the silence.

Inside Aang got down to business. With a cup of warm arctic cider Aang started asking questions to the three who found the body.

"Was anyone here in the kashiq durning the time of the Chief's death?" asked Aang as Katara started to examine the building. The attendant, who seemed to be the eldest bit her lip and answered.

"It was New Years and we had ritual cleansing done. Arnook was supposed to witness but he said he was going to be late. The people that were present were Jaki the Tide Speaker and his apprentice, but we all saw them." She explained which made Aang's brow furrowed.

"Anyone else?" Another one, with an overbite shrugged her shoulders and said to Aang.

"The apprentice brought his cousin and uncle with him. The uncle fell asleep and the cousin ran off." Sokka got up at that he and tugged on Aang's shoulder.

"Well we got our first lead; let's go question the uncle and the apprentice's cousin." The first attendant, who spoke shook her head.

"No it can't be him…he….he's much too-" Sokka cut her off with a wave of his hand.

"It doesn't matter how young he is, we need to still talk to him," Suki got up and went to fetch Katara. Aang however looked at the apprehension on the ladies' faces, one with a birthmark on her face and the one that didn't speak said.

"If you want to talk to them very well, they are on the southern edge of the city located by the aqueduct with the Koala-seal on it. It's the first house from it has path leading to the ocean." Aang nodded and they left to find the house.

At this point Mai and Zuko returned to the ship realizing they really had nothing to do and Mai was bored. Suki and Toph joined them as well; mostly because Toph couldn't see squat and was cold and Suki because she wanted to give Toph some company. So it was just Sokka, Katara and Aang to visit their first suspect.

Aang was first as he knocked on the door; Katara and Sokka looked around nervously. A second later Hanai opened the door and with a look of surprise, blinked before letting them in.

"A-Avatar, I heard that you we're in the city today." She sighed as she let Aang sit down. Aang smiled softly before sitting, Katara looked around the small ice house before sitting herself, Sokka however got straight to the point.
"I am sure you are already aware of the death of Arnook we were told that some family members that live hear were in the hall when he died. We have reason to believe that one of them did it." Hanai blinked up at them and the got up.

"I'll make some tea; I think...you're jumping to conclusions too fast." Aang lifted an eyebrow at Sokka who sat down while Hanai brewed some tea.

"My son told me what happen when he and his mentor were cleansing the hall last two nights ago. Amana my brother, came with him along with my nephew Tikaani, it was Tikaani who ran off during the supposed time of death. However my nephew couldn't have done such a thing." Aang accepted the tea and drank slowly still to piece things together. Sokka asked Hanai something,

"Can we see your nephew and ask him a few questions." Hanai gave a frustrated sigh and shook her head.

"No, he and Amana are asleep and also my nephew cannot speak well he-" There was a loud screech that got everyone's attention as Hanai got up to go to the bedroom. The three heard some conversation before some more shrieking, a minute later Hanai returned with someone. Aang stopped in mid-drink to put down his cup and look at the boy with her.

"This is Tikaani, he must have heard you come in and woke up." Aang tried to smile pleasantly but Tikaani's who was half-dressed and rocking back and forth didn't look at the three. Hanai made Tikaani sit and gave him something to hold as the three got a good look at him. His face was scratched up and he didn't look like he slept much. Aang watched as he rocked back and forth and had the stuffed animal to his face. Aang bowed his head,

"You're right Tikaani isn't the one who killed Arnook there is no way, but…but, he might have saw who did it?" Hanai sighed and gave more tea to Katara who looked at Tikaani with great concern.

"Rahmet thinks the same thing, as of late we have been having some disturbances at our house, my husband thinks that someone knows Tikaani saw what happen and they are after his life. I…I don't want to believe any of it." Hanai said looking at the kettle, "It's just too much, the death of Arnook was a great blow and now? Someone is after my Tikaani?" Aang was still watching Tikaani before turning back to Hanai.

"Have you thought about getting help?" Hanai shook her head.

"I don't know if it's actually true and no one would help me anyway. I thought about moving Tikaani around but I don't want to cause him anymore distress. He stopped eating, sleeping and now talking. He's regressing again." Aang sighed and then put the cup down.

"I'll stay here for the night and see if anyone is trying to hurt Tikaani, if his life is jeopardy, we can put a stop to it. If he knows who did it we can help him find a way to communicate it." He looked firm and like the realized Avatar that he had become. He was looking into Hanai's eyes who returned the gaze with apprehension before nodding agreeing to Aang's decree.

"If that is what you wish Avatar than you are welcome here." Aang got up and bowed to Hanai and to Tikaani before getting Katara and Sokka up. The water-siblings look dumbfounded at Aang's declaration. As Aang was to leave the hut he turned around and told Hanai that he will return in three hours. The three left and it was half way to the docks when Sokka spoke.

"Aang! Do you really think that useless lump really knows who killed Arnook?" Katara glared at her brother's question and challenged him.

"Useless lump!? Sokka how can you be so rude!? He doesn't deserve that kind of treatment!" Sokka shrugged as he walked the gangplank.

"Hey, I'm not trying to be mean, I'm just saying that he doesn't look very helpful he; might even make things worse." Katara was going to interject when Aang opened the door of the gray hull before saying.

"I know he knows something despite his obvious condition. Tikaani had seen something that is distressing and I am sure we can convince him to communicate what he saw in some fashion." Aang turned to look at Sokka as he ended with. "Besides it does not matter what shape his mind or manner is, he is still a human being and a life worth protecting." And with that the discussion ended.

In the galley the group stayed around a warm fire drinking mulled cider. Aang had his sleeping mat and some extra clothes ready. He was discussing things with everyone before leaving to stay with Tikaani and his family. The expressions on everyone's faces were varied from boredom to concern to annoyance. As Aang told everyone he was to leave Suki spoke up.

"Let me join you Aang, we could have better luck with three people taking watch at whatever is trying to get to Tikaani and his family." Aang gave her a thumb up.

"Great, get your things, I'm always glad to have a little back would anyone else would like to come with me?"

Katara spoke up,"I'll come along too, two waterbenders are better than one and three people would be perfect for a watch." Toph waved them off as she had her feet on the table.

"You guys have fun at your sleep-over, I'll try to ask around about the nobility here and if anyone was after Arnook's spot."

Zuko nodded at this and added on to it."We might have better luck asking around, you guys can see if you can get the boy to talk or something." Aang saluted Zuko and headed out with Suki and Katara behind him.

They walked in cold silence with round moon over them. They slush and shush of the ocean was distant as Aang held his lamp over the dark quiet roads to the hut where Tikaani lived. Finally reaching the house Aang knocked on the door, and was greeted by a bear of a man. He had bright almost ghostly blue eyes his head was in the tradition wolf-tail style except for the long braids on the side of his head with blue shell beads woven into them. His thick beard also had braids and beading. Aang was a bit intimidating but the man was quite friendly.

"You must be Aang, Hanai told me you will be staying with us tonight, had my nephew to get some more rice today. We also have clam chowder with fresh sea urchins if you want to try something new." Aang shook his head on the last bit, the man welcomed them in. "Oh I see we have more company," he said noticing Suki and Katara, "That's good we got plenty to eat. Oh by the way I'm Maka, Hanai's husband c'min." Aang crossed the hut's threshold with Suki and Katara behind him. Hanai greeted him with that same wane smile as she had when the met, as she brewed a pot of tea.

"Tikkani is asleep he will; wake as soon as dinner as ready." She noted as Aang sat upon the fur cushion. Amana was at the table watching them before tilting his head, his own braids sliding down his shoulders. He sipped his own tea from his chipped cup as Hanai served the oolong she had to Aang and his friends.

"So you think Tikaani saw who killed Arnook? Is that why you're here?" Amana asked Aang, but it was Katara who answered.

"Yes but we're here to see what the disturbances are. Hanai said that someone is trying to get into your house and probably after your…er…brother?" Amana took another swig before correcting Katara.

"I'm his uncle, and Hanai's sister. It's just us here. Hanai's children are all grown. Tikaani has a sister but no other male siblings, much to Tigtuk's dismay." This somehow sparked the conversation as Suki asked.

"So Hanai isn't his mother?" Maka nodded his head at Suki's question.

"Hanai is Tikaani's aunt." Katara couldn't help herself; she had to ask the following question.

"What happen to Tikaani's parents then?"

Aang looked at Katara worriedly wondering if they just opened a can of worms. There was a pregnant pause between the family members before Maka answered it.

His deep voice was firm and even saddened. "It's a long story really…but I suppose I should tell you anyway." Rubbing his temples, Hanai got up briefly to check on Tikaani, Maka started the story. "Agna and Tigtuk were Tikaani's parents; Tig was a warrior and a very proud one. Agna already had a little girl Liluyue, or Lilu for short. But Tigtuk wanted a son, badly, mostly to carry down the name and his lineage. So when Agna discovered she was pregnant again she made a deal with the ocean spirit, what that deal was we don't know but all we know that she wanted her new child to be a boy. And low and behold she bore one. Tikaani was born healthy and Tigtuk was please, but that's when things went downhill." Maka stopped to drink his tea when Amana picked up where he left off.

"Tikaani wasn't normal. My sister visited Agna often to help her with the new baby. But as she did she got complaints from Agna that Tikaani was cursed. He wouldn't behave like a normal infant and as days became months it was discovered that Tikaani was severally delayed. He didn't walk until he was almost three and learned at sea-snail's pace. Tigtuk declared that Tui stole his son and demanded Tikaani would be thrown into the sea." Katara looked horrified at that the last part as did Aang. Suki covered her mouth at the though of the father drowning his own son.

"And Hanai decided to save his life by adopting him?" Asked Katara, Maka turned his head away ashamed.

"She was the only one that disagreed with his family's decision and took Tikaani home here. Amana and I didn't accept him at first but…but I know I can't see my life without him. He's a part of us now and that's why we need your help on protecting him." Aang nodded at the sober story, brutal proof that the water tribe didn't waste themselves with the weak. Yet he could always find compassion in them. Hanai was proof of that.

Hanai brought a sleepy teenager to the living room and hand him sit in the same spot as before and then gave him the plush animal she had. Tikaani didn't look at the three and rocked as Hanai finished dinner. Suki noticed Tikaani and smiled at the boy.

"Did you have a nice nap Tikaani?" She asked pleasantly to Tikaani who was looking away. He did not answer her but rock and stare into the walls. His mouth was hung open and his hands continued to hit it as he seemed to ignore Suki. Katara looked at Suki with an apologetic look before Suki scooted back away. Amana watch this mild exchange of actions before shaking his head.

"He did sleep well if his pleasant mood is any proof." Amana commented as Maka started to serve bowls to Aang and his friends before making Tikaani sit down with them to eat. Aang tried to read Tikaani's expression as he struggled to kneel. Hanai had force Tikaani into a sitting position. She then made a strange gesture with her hands and repeated 'Sit' over and over to him. Eventually Tikaani copied the gesture and knelt down. Suki watched this quietly as she received her own bowl.

"He doesn't respond to verbal commands does he?" She inquired as Hanai had a dish of just boiled mussels for Tikaani and set it in front of him. Tikaani didn't look at the food but waited until Hanai tapped his hands. He then began to open and eat the chewy centers not looking at the plate but at the walls. Hanai sat next to him slowly eating her soup and the fresh urchins.

"He does hear them and he just reacts differently. It didn't occur to me until he was older to use a combination of ways to get a message to him." Tikaani finished his meal then immediately got up to pace around the hut. The rest of the family didn't seem to notice or care, occasionally Amana or Maka would look up to watch him before eating again. Aang finished his seaweed broth and rice and now observed Tikaani. While everyone ate he got up to sit on cushion as Tikaani paced in front of him.

Tikaani didn't know these people; he recognized the bald one and the water tribe girl but not the one with brown hair and pale skin. Who are these people? What do they want now? Tikaani heard them arrive as he was in his room sleeping. He knew Auntie was expecting them; she didn't hurry them out try hiding Tikaani in the room. Tikaani remembered how hard it was for Auntie to keep him a secret from the city. He remembered how she lied to her friends when was only a toddler. He recalled the lies about how he wasn't her child and she was just babysitting him. How she often tried to get Amana to watch him while she left to go see her friends. Or even his cousins tried to say "He isn't mine." Tikaani noticed that the bald one was watching him. Tikaani stopped only to rock in place before he turned to look at the one watching him. Something caught his eye, it was the tattoos. He immediately walked over to touch them. The bald one didn't say anything or moved away. Tikaani sat down to touch and pet them.

Rahmet had lines on his skin like this, just like this. Was this man a shaman too?

Katara was exchanging conversation with Hanai when Suki got up to pull Tikaani off of Aang.

"Hey can you respect people's space?" She said frowning, Tikaani made a odd noise and tried to pull away,

Hanai glared at Suki and told her to take hands off of him.

"He wasn't bothering the Avatar and you had no right to disturb him!" She tried to keep Tikaani behind her as she took the stuff animal he had earlier and handed the plush toy to him. Aang tried to look apologetic.

"Suki didn't mean to cause problems she was just concerned." Suki apologized as Tikaani buried his face in the plush turtle seal and rocked in the corner. There was a feeling of unease as Amana tried to get Tikaani out of the corner.

Coaxing him out seemed to be a chore until the mentioning of a bath brought Tikaani out of his meltdown. He followed Amana to the bathhouse to get clean. The unease seemed to dissipate as Tikaani was no longer in the room. Feeling a little guilty, Suki offered Hanai to help clean up the table.

A little while later Aang was laying in the living room next to Katara as the both listened for any sounds. Suki was up first watching outside.

"The family seems so stressed and uncomfortable," Katara noted in a whisper as she had her head on Aang's chest. Aang didn't comment right away. He listened in silence before he replied to Katara.

"I think they are quite happy they are just not use to strangers in their lives they care for Tikaani and Tikaani is well cared for. I see nothing wrong and actually I think Tikaani is rather interesting. He pretty observant." That comment made Katara lift her head and scrutinized Aang t. The low firelight accented her frown as she lay back down on his chest.

"Well…it is true we are intruding a bit. But how can you tell that Tikaani notices or recognizes anything? He seems to be in his own little world." Aang sighed and kissed Katara's head. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close to him.

"Honestly, I really can't, but when he stopped to touch and trace my tattoos I think they fascinated him. He seems to be captivated on things that bring him comfort." Katara smirked a bit as she kissed his lips.

"I think Tikaani is going to be your new pet project," She said wittily as she closed her eyes, Aang laughed as he titled his head back a little. He thought he heard something.

"What? I can't be a philanthropist?" That's when Aang jerked his head up. "Did you hear-" he was cut off when Suki bolted in.

"Aang get out here. We have some near the house, he's going in the back way." Then just as Aang was getting his heavy coat on, there was a scream.

"TIKAANI!"

AN: More wacky autie-hijinks to come. Thanks to Caladbog777 for betaing 1-2. Good ole Petey for stickin' by and let use him to bounce ideas off of. And to LeFox who adores Tikaani.