Katara pulled away from Hakoda's comforting arm. ''You married me off to a what? How could you let this happen?''
Hakoda brow wrinkled, and his words came out pained. '' You think I had planned for your fiancé to turn out to be a monster? I just wanted you to be happy!''
Katara threw her arms up in the air. ''Well guess what dad; I was happy!'' Her features were distorted by the lantern Iroh had lit in the center. '' I didn't care that I was poor and that we had to scrounge and save jsut to get by. I knew that if I loved the man I would marry, it wouldn't matter if we ate seal jerky for every meal of the rest of our lives!''
Hakoda eyes grew misty, and he gazed into the lantern. ''That what your mother said.'' He heaved a heavy sigh. ''I should have listened to her.''
She leaned forward. ''Mom didn't know?''
Hakoda squeezed her hand, ''Of course your Mother knew.'' His brow darkened again. ''She was against it, but I talked her into it.''
Zuko tried not to let his feeling show. His was angry that Katara was to be given away to a man that probably wouldn't appreciate her, if he let her live. But her felt an odd forbearance in the air. He had expected Katara to be betrothed, to Aang or some water tribe warrior, but he never expected that the thought of her being given away would cause him any pain. If I'm going to lose her, it isn't going to be to a monster. ''I say we finish him, right now, permanently.''
As he stood to leave Iroh caught his pant leg. ''I'm afraid it is not that easy, nephew.''
''Of course it is, Uncle.'' He relished the thought of pummeling Kendo. He thought back to being unable to move his body when he fought with Katara, and he figured it out. ''Katara can bend blood.''
Katara gave Zuko a knowing look. So he's not a complete retard. '' I f we work together we could all out bend him; even if he can bend two elements.''
Zuko nodded and loosened his leg form his uncle's grasp. ''I'm sure Toph would like to toss the idiot around too.'' He smiled vindictively, ''and then I torch the basta-''
''What a lovely idea, nephew.'' Iroh's voice was stern and rose in volume as he spoke. ''Tell me, what will you do when the fire nation troops Kendo plans on contacting arrive? Will you also torch them? Do you have an escape route for the others, in case something goes wrong?'' Iroh's was practically shouting. ''But I'm sure you have thought of it all! You have a strategy to defeat the other five hundred Dioppo, waiting in the capital!'' Iroh's voice echoed throughout the library.
Katara felt the angry tears well in her eyes. We may not have a plan but, I refuse to stand by and watch him destroy us! ''What do you expect us to do? Should we wait, and watch him destroy everything we've worked for? What do you expect me to do? I refuse to go down without a fight!'' She panted as she waited for the earth to fall apart, or Kendo to walk in and kill them all.
A flame grew in Iroh's hand and he held it close to Katara's face. As the flame casted shadows across her face he studied her. '' And you will have your fight. I promise you. Your heart is stout, young flower. But your actions, our actions, need to be well thought out. If Kendo is even slightly aware that we know of his true identity, he will not hesitate to alert the capital of our position. '' He turned his gaze toward Zuko. ''And if that happens you can expect to see your sister, perhaps even your father, very soon.''
Zuko clenched his teeth as he thought of Azula close to Aang. He could imagine one of her bombs crushing Toph or Ozai blasting them all to bits. ''What's our plan then?'' He turned to Hakoda and Iroh, ''Well?''
Iroh held up a Pai- Sho Tile. ''I have begun to alert some friends of our predicament and will soon meet with them. In the meantime the best we can do is wait.''
Katara looked incredulously at her father, ''Wait? What if the Fire Nation comes knocking on our door, do we 'wait'then?''
Hakoda ran his fingers through his hair, ''we've intercepted some letters between Kendo and the Fire Nation. Parts of his plans are to stay here for awhile.''
Zuko leaned toward his uncle. ''Part?''
Iroh stroked his beard thoughtfully. ''While we were traveling together here, I saw all of his messages. Of course, he made to sure send them off and reply to them when he thought I was asleep, or out getting supplies. '' He seemed to be searching for words. ''Since he has been here he has found a way to send messages out in parts. Today he has managed to get one message out. They replied right away so we have reason to believe that Ozai has contacts stationed in the nearest town.''
Katara gasped. ''Do you think that's the town Haru went to get supplies in today?''
Iroh shrugged his shoulders, ''we are not sure flower, but we do know that our exact location is still a mystery to them. Kendo has yet to trust them completely. He wants to make sure that he gets whatever it is they promised him, before handing over the Avatar. They have been using a fire hawk to communicate.''
Zuko snorted bitterly. ''That explains the speedy responses.''
Hakoda reached by his side and retrieved a scroll. ''We managed to intercept the message, or well part of it.''
Katara sighed, ''Again, with the part.''
Hakoda grimly rolled out the scroll. ''It seems that Kendo doesn't trust us. Or at least, doesn't trust the fact that Toph can sense his every move. We placed his room next to hers. He has found another way to get send and recieve the rest of his messages.''
Zuko's good eye widened. ''You put him next to Toph!'' He sputtered.
Hakoda nodded absently and rolled up the scroll. He shook his head as he placed the scroll beside him again.'' This part of the message won't make any sense till we have the rest.''
Zuko looked at his Uncle like he was crazy, ''I still can't believe you put him next Toph! What if he tries something.''
Hakoda laughed, ''unless Kendo is a giant zebra sloth in disguise, I'm sure that Toph will feel him coming long before he arrives.''
Katara furrowed her brow. ''Why is she afraid of them? They're slow.'' She shook her head in bewilderment If anything she could bend them away. They're not very brave things.
Iroh held up a finger. ''Ah, but their speed is where their danger lies.''
''But they're slower than moth turtles!''
Zuko's mouth twitched, ''They move so slow she can't feel them coming. By the time she does feel them, their close enough to spray her with their scent.''
Katara processed what he said. ''I still don't see the big deal. Toph's never been afraid of smelling bad before.''
Zuko's gold eyes met her blue ones. ''Along with the spray they give off needles that paralyze you from the neck down. They usually won't attack but females can get pretty fierce.''
Katara sucked in her breath. ''Oh.''
Iroh's eyes crinkled, ''I remember the first time, nephew, you encountered a giant zebra sloth.''
Bemused Katara played with a strand of her hair, "perhaps you aren't as intelligent as I thought.''
Zuko turned red. ''Azula stuck a baby one in my room. I smelled like rotten peppers for a month. Luckily it was too young to have any needles.''
They laughed and for a moment all was forgotten. Katara imagined Zuko's utter surprise when he found the sloth and his horror when he was sprayed. ''How did she get her hands on one of those anyway?''
Zuko shrugged, ''they're kept around the palace to be trained as messengers.''
She was quiet for a moment, ''But don't they move a bit slow for messengers?''
Iroh wiped a tear from his eye, ''they were used for secrecy, not speed. You can hide alot among thier fur and needles.'' He stifled the last of his laughter. ''I don't believe I have seen one on palace grounds since they discovered a way to train fire hawks.'' He took a scroll form a shelf next to him and placed it in his belt. ''Now we should all get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us. ''
Katara stopped laughing. ''Wait, what about me? What should I do about the whole… proposal?'' She shuddered as she said the word.
Iroh placed his arm on her shoulder. He cast a glance at Hakoda before looking her in the eye. ''Under no circumstances, is he to know that you are aware of his true identity. If he asks you about the subject of marriage you must look like you are strongly considering it. Flirt with him.''
Her mouth dropped open, ''What?''
Hakoda grinned at her, ''let's see if you and your mother share the same gift for charm.''
Zuko's mouth was a firm line.'' Good night.'' He stood and trudged out of the library He tensed as he thought of Kendo' s arm around Katara. I still think we should have just killed him.
Katara crossed her arms. ''How can he just say goodnight and go to sleep?''
Iroh put out the lantern and a flame sprouted in his hands. ''Perhaps he is trying to drown out a certain emotion he is feeling.'' He smiled slyly at Katara, who just blinked twice.
''Is he feeling sick or something?''
Iroh pursed his lips and wondered what had become of the teenage population's attention span. As he led her out of the library he spoke to her in an urgent whisper. ''I did not mention this to my nephew, but he and Kendo will be working side by side in teaching Aang firebending.''
She tried closing her mouth, ''But Zuko's a great teacher! We- Aang doesn't need anyone else!''
Hakoda crept up from behind them. ''Yes, but Kendo fights like a Dioppo and a Fire Nation soldier. It would help Aang practice for the real thing.'' He winked at her. As he walked toward his room called over his shoulder, ''Maybe you'll get a chance to spar with him.''
Katara smiled faintly as she imagined bending Kendo into oblivion.
Iroh placed his hand on her shoulder. ''But remember flower, not a word of this to my nephew. '' He smiled at her. ''Just because he has joined your side does not mean his temper has gotten any better.''
Katara bit her lip and tried to sound like she wasn't bursting with worry. ''This should be fun.'' Or detrimental to everyone's health.
The next morning was awkward, and beyond. Haru and Sokka snickered as Kendo sat down to breakfast. He glared at them suspiciously and began to eat. The Duke ad Teo were gazing at Kendo, like he was some new invention that promised to explode, And last there was Zuko. He harbored a little smile in the corner of his mouth, and smirked along with Haru and Sokka every time Kendo ate a bite.
Puzzled Katara sniffed the rice in her bowl. It smelled normal. She took a small bite and sighed with relief. It tasted normal too. Her father and Hakoda had gone to play a game of Pai Sho. They're probably contacting some of Iroh's buddies now. Aang and Toph still hadn't shown up for breakfast. Aang will show up eventually, but Toph will sleep all day if I let her. She sighed and set down her bowl. Giving a quick glance at Sokka and Haru who were now eating quietly, she scurried to Toph's room. Well if it's poison at least I won't have to marry him.
As she neared Toph's room she heard hushed whispers. She slowed down and stood near the door.
''I just don't know what to do.''
''The best thing I can do is tell you to forget her, Twinkletoes.''
Aang sighed, ''because she's betrothed right?''
Toph snorted. ''That and because from what you've told me your not mastering the Avatar state, unless you let go of Miss Fussy Britches.''
Katara gasped. Oh shoot! I hope they didn't hear me. They kept talking and Katara relaxed.
''I can't do that Toph! I love her!''
''You got to love her enough to let her go.''
She heard Aang sigh. ''How do you forget someone you train with everyday! Someone you'd die to protect! Someone you've kissed!''
Toph sounded surprised. ''You and Sugar Queen kissed?''
Katara cringed. You just had to tell her Aang.
''Yeah…''
Katara took a few steps backwards. ''Wake up Toph! Breakfast is ready!''
She entered Toph's room and tried very hard not to look through the window. She failed and saw Aang flying through the sky on his glider. She sighed. Why didn't he tell me about the Avatar state? If he had I would have never kissed him! Heck, I would have tried to make things easier. I could have gone away somewhere or something. A tiny voice spoke up form the back of her mind. That's exactly why he didn't tell you. He would have lost you. She gave a sigh of frustration and Toph cocked her head to the side.
''How much did you hear?''
Katara gave a laugh and tried to convey puzzlement in her voice. ''What are you talking about Toph?''
Toph crossed her arms. ''I can tell your lying. Besides I heard you gasp.''
Drat! ''Well I didn't hear anything important.'' Just that Aang can't go into the Avatar State because of me and on top of that we could have probably saved everyone else if he could only let me go. Why the he-
''Calm down Miss Fussy Britches, I can feel your blood pressure rising.'' Toph stood up and walked over to her. ''It's not your fault that he can't let you go. You wouldn't have kissed him if you had known about the whole Avatar State thing.'' She made a face. ''You were just expressing your feeling for Aang.'' Toph made a gagging noise.
Katara crossed her arms. ''And what exactly is wrong with Aang?''
Toph headed down the hallway. ''Nothing at all, I'm just saying you could probably do a lot better.''
Fuming Katara followed Toph. ''A lot better? I... I love ….'', Zuko's face flashed inside her mind, ''him.'' I mean I kissed Aang I've got to love him. Right?
Toph snorted. ''You love Aang in the, he's the Avatar and needs to be protected, he's my best friend, and he's like a brother to me- way. Not in the lovey-dovey-fluff-way.''
Katara stomped into the pavilion after Toph. ''What are you the love expert?''
Toph laughed. ''I think your peachpuff is sick, Sugar.'' She pointed to where everyone was eating. Kendo who had dropped his bowl; he was clutching his stomach and his face was a shade of sickly green, ''which way to the bathroom?''
Katara tried smiling sweetly. Pretend you don't want to tear him to shreds. ''Down the second hallway on the left. It'll be the third door on the right.''
As Kendo left clutching his stomach, Katara turned and glared at Teo and The Duke. ''What did you do?''
The Duke lifted his helmet above his eyes. He smiled brightly. '' We put prune juice in his rice!''
Teo put his hand on the Duke's shoulder and was trying to hide the smile on his face. '' exploding prune juice.''
Katara's mouth dropped open. ''What if he dies or something?'' I won't be able to eventually beat the crap out of him, if he dies.
Sokka snickered, '' Relax Katara, your prince charming isn't dying.'' He elbowed Haru. ''Haru tested it out on Momo, and he was fine.''
Katara took a threatening step toward Sokka. '' Momo has three stomachs Sokka!'' She poked him in the chest. ''And he's not my prince charming!''How is Aang supposed to learn to fight the Fire Nation soldiers and the Dioppo if Kendo spends all his time on the toilet! She smiled. It would be easier to defeat him if was on the toilet…
''Ugh, Katara. I think your food didn't agree with your um… fiancé. '' Suki entered the pavilion and waved her hand in front of her face, ''the entire hallway smells like…well unpleasant!''
Katara handed her a bowl of rice, and tired looking peeved. ''The boys put exploding prune juice in his rice.''
Suki looked at her bowl suspiciously, ''Did they…?''
Katara shook her head. ''Thankfully they were smart enough to put it only in his bowl.''
Zuko smiled at her. ''Thankfully the rare occurrence happened now.''
She laughed, and the entire room grew quiet. ''What?''She could feel everyone's eyes on Zuko and her.
Toph laughed and tired to break the awkwardness. ''Eww! Gross!''
Sokka looked away from Katara and Zuko. '' What?''
''I just thought of something.'' She shuddered. ''Wouldn't the prune juice make him well…runny?''
Katara mouth fell open in horror. ''Toph that's totally gross! You know that topic is off limits when people are eating!''
''But I'm done eating.''
Katara motioned to where Suki sat. She had shoved her bowl away. ''Well Suki isn't!''
Toph rolled her eyes. ''She's got a strong stomach.'' She sat down on a rock. ''She goes around snogging Sokka for heavens sake!''
Sokka waved his hand around, ''Hey! I'm right here!''
Zuko's lips curved upward. ''She knows that.'' He checked to make sure he had his swords. ''I'm gonna go get some firewood.''
Katara gave him a wiry look. ''I'll go with you.'' Maybe he's thought about what we can do with Kendo.
They all looked at her like she had grown an extra head. ''What?''
Suki played with the rice in her bowl, ''Nothing, really. It's just that you two are getting along.''
Teo laughed. ''By now me and Toph are usually making bets on who'll be the first one to snap.''
The Duke peered up at her from his helmet. ''Toph usually bets that you'll be the first to start a fight. She says you're too finnicky for your own good.'' Katara, momentarily forgetting that Toph was blind, glared at her. Remembering she sighed, ''I'm glaring daggers into your skull, Toph.''
Toph smirked and walked away toward her room. Sokka ran after her. ''Wait Toph! I've got a favor to ask.''
Katara and Zuko trail blazed through the jungle. The heat came off them in waves and the sweat in torrents. She stopped a moment to lean against a tree. ''You'd think it'd be cooler under the trees.''
Zuko hacked at a dry branch with his swords. ''These trees, '' he pointed to one on his left, '' don't let the heat escape. They're pretty popular in the winter.''
She peeled herself of a tree she was leaning against. ''It gets cold here, in the winter?''
Zuko tossed another stick of wood at her. '' Not really, they bear fruit in the winter. We use them to make Dragon Jam.''
Katara nodded and pretended she knew what he was talking about. Dragon what?
He stopped hacking at a branch. ''Do you miss it?''
''Miss, what?''
''The South Pole.''
Why does he care? ''Sometimes, I miss the people and all the snow. But I can't really complain. I mean, I'm seeing the entire world.''
Zuko grunted and scurried up a tree. Bewildered she approached it. ''What are you doing?''
His voice came from above. It sounded far away and faint. ''I'm getting something.''
What could you possibly want up there that you couldn't get down here? ''We've got enough wood, if that's what your worried about.'' She motioned toward the giant pile beside her. It could last us a week if we're careful. ''Zuko!''
He landed beside her with a thud. His right hand was gripped tightly around something. He motioned for her to come closer.
She looked at him curiously and took a peek at his hand. She gasped and whispered, ''What is it?'' In his hand was a flat, bright blue pebble the size of a coin. It looks like a piece of the sky.
He placed the bright blue pebble in her hand. ''It's Dragon Sap.''
This time her bewilderment was obvious. ''Um…?''
He grinned, ''you have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?''
She smiled back sheepishly. ''Do I get an explanation if I say yes?''
He picked up the bright blue pebble from her hand. ''It's sap from the tree I showed you earlier. If you firebend at it you get a pebble like this.''
She glanced at the tree he had dropped down from. ''How do you know that? I mean how do you know that tree is the same as the one before? They look pretty different.''
He gave a tiny laugh and pointed at the trees around them.
She blushed as she realized all the trees were the same. ''Oh.''
He thoughtfully looked down at the ground. ''Listen, what happened back under Ba Sing Se. I –'' he placed the pebble back in her hand. ''I wanted you-''
A scream they both recognized filtered through the trees. Toph's scream.
Their eyes went wide and they took off in the direction of the scream
As Katara heart hammered in her chest she prayed silently. Please, let it be something stupid!
As they arrived in the clearing a horrid stench burned the inside of Katara's nose. Ugh. It's like rotten peppers and Sokka's socks.
Her heart almost stopped when she saw Toph lying motionless on the ground. ''Toph!'' The stench got stronger as she neared her. ''What happened?''
Toph's eyes were shining with tears. '' It's about time, Sugar Queen!''
Zuko moved toward Toph but never took his eyes off the perimeter of the clearing, ''what are you doing in the jungle?''
Toph's voice turned small and she faced Katara. ''Well Sokka wanted me to follow you guys. He said you and Sparky getting along was just too weird so he told me to follow you guys.''
Katara fumed. Sure send the blind girl to spy on your sister. ''What they heck did we think we gonna do? Fornicate?''
Zuko blushed and tore his gaze away from the edges of the clearing. ''Toph I need you to tell me what happened.''
She tired to shrug her shoulders. ''It was one of those stupid Zebra Sloths. I was just walking around when I felt this thing really close to me. There was this bad smell and then I couldn't move. ''
Katara felt her fists shake. ''Oh wait till I get my hands on Sokka's skinny little neck!''
There was a rustling noise behind them and she turned. Out of the foliage an eleven foot Sloth was making its way towards them. In between the black and white fur, millions of little needles stuck out ready to sting. ''Oh crap!" She paused and took a deep breath.
Toph rolled her eyes. ''What now?"
She debated whether or not to tell Toph that there was an eleven foot zebra sloth headed their way.
Zuko spoke up, ''Katara I need you to pull the needle out of Toph's foot and bend the poison out.'' He took a deep breath as he got into bending stance, ''Then I need you to grab her and go!''
She motioned frantically toward the slowly moving sloth. ''And what are you going to do with this thing? You can't kill it!'' Besides the razor sharp needles, it was kind of cute.
He sighed and an edge crept into his voice. ''I'm not going to kill it but, there's some very important information hanging off of its neck''
''What?''
He pointed at the sloth's chest and Katara gasped. On a golden chain around the sloth's neck hung a scroll with the Fire Nation's seal on it.
Zuko's mouth formed a grim line. ''I think we found out how Kendo's sending the rest of his messages.''
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