AN: Hello again! A few things to get out before I get to the story. 1) I'm sorry this chapter took so long but I've been sick and couldn't really concentrate on writing. 2) I've started school again so there might be a slight wait between chapters now. I still have every intention of finishing this story. 3) I want to put a plug in for a really great story that hasn't been getting the attention it deserves. "The Elements of War, Novella Two: Water" (read one first though) by Limetastic. Trust me you'll like the story. 4) Moony92, this scene is for you. See hope isn't always bad.
Disclaimer: Now that I've taken care of those friends who give fake lotto tickets (re-sheaths sword), we can continue on with the story. I'm still broke though and I only own my sword. Yesss, my precioussssss.
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"…and so we've decided to come see you." Katara and Aang had just finished telling Bumi their story. Without help from Sokka who was shoveling in food faster then ever. They had glossed over some events and concentrated more on fact then feelings. It was much easier to get through it by being emotionally detached.
"Well, you three certainly have been busy. That's a lot to go through in so short a time." And he could see the signs of it in their faces. Aang had lost some of his carefree nature in the face of such great evil. Sokka's eyes had lost their exuberance and slight clueless ness; instead there was a shadow of a heart breaking loss. And Katara, always the most serious of the trio, had lost her innocent view of the world. Things were no longer black and white and it seemed as if she was no longer sure of what to think of people.
"Well, you need to rest for a few days. Rest and good food and you'll be ready to continue. Yes. Then I will send you south to my friend, Ishi. It is roughly a three day journey but with Appa, about a day and a half. She is a wonderful teacher and not too hard on the eyes." Bumi wriggled his eyebrows, Aang and Sokka looked slightly horrified while Katara stifled giggles. "Now, what was I saying… oh yes. She's strict though, so be prepared to work. Now then, who wants to help me feed Flopsie?"
The three exchanged nervous glances. Each remembered Bumi's 'little' pet. Katara cleared her throat. "With all due respect, your majesty. We've had a long journey and we had best get to bed."
The twinkle in the old king's eye declared that he expected that answer. "Very well then. Off to bed with you. Shoo, shoo. See you in the morning." Together, they rose and headed for their rooms.
O.o.o.o.o.O
Elsewhere, in an inn near the palace gardens stood Zuko. Finally, it's dark enough. He slipped into dark clothing and wrapped a dark cloth around the lower half of his face. His mask had been destroyed in the explosion. Lastly he strapped a pair of daos on his back.
"Are those really necessary?" Iroh called from behind him, sipping slightly at his tea.
"In case there's a problem, uncle, I'd rather not have to bend. This way, at least, I'll be anonymous."
Iroh sighed. "Very well. Be careful Zuko. Nothing flashy. Just get in and get out. I'll be waiting."
"Yes uncle. Don't worry, I shouldn't be long." With that, he slipped through the window into the dark alley. It was only a matter of moments before he was over the garden wall. Foolish. They must expect the outer walls to stop all intruders. Or to have enough time to fall back and raise their defenses.
Quietly, he slipped through the garden, looking for an entry way. There. He smiled at the sight of the darkened window above him. A quick climb up the tree next to him and a leap and he was on the sill. Easy enough. He emerged into a bedroom; neat, spacious and, thankfully, empty. He was making his way across the room when the handle began to turn. Fight or hide?
"Why don't you guys come in and we can finalize our plans before bed?" The girl's voice decided him. He noticed a door to his right and slipped in; the bathroom. Good enough.
Katara and the others walked in and Zuko settled in to wait. And to listen.
O.o.o.o.o.O
"I know we have to leave soon but can't we stay one more day Katara?" Katara was perched on the bed and Sokka was sprawled on the floor while Aang moved restlessly about the room. "It's fun being with Bumi. Not to mention all the great food."
"He does have a point, Katara." Sokka perked up at the mention of his favorite past time.
"One more day's fine but the day after tomorrow we have to leave. It's a three day journey to get to Midori Island and we can't waste anymore time."
"Only a day and a half on Appa. You worry too much Katara." Aang plopped down next to Sokka and air bended a marble into the air.
"Well I have a right to worry. We only have a few more months before the comet comes. And I keep waiting for Zuko to show up and chase us again."
Sokka waved a hand lazily. "It's not like we haven't handled him before. Perhaps we'll get luck and he'll freeze out there on the raft."
"Sokka!" Katara admonished him. "Don't say things like that. He doesn't deserve it."
He sat up in disbelief. "How can you defend him? He's a fire bender."
"So's his uncle, that doesn't mean he's not a good man."
"Just because he tried to save that monkey faced Zhao doesn't make him decent. One time of good doesn't make up for a whole bunch of bad. Besides, it's not like he'd do that for one of us."
Aang shifted uncomfortably before deciding to speak up. "Well, you can't really say that Sokka." Katara and Sokka stopped their bickering and faced their friend.
"What are you talking about, Aang?" Katara prompted him gently.
"Well, you remember that time you guys got sick and I gave you those toads to suck?"
"Yeah. I'm still trying to get the taste off my tongue." Katara shushed Sokka impatiently.
"Well, when I was trying to get them, I ended up being captured by Zhao."
"Aang! Why didn't you tell us?" He looked sheepishly at his feet.
"I didn't want to worry you. Besides, everything turned out alright. But I was chained up and locked in a room when a guy in a mask came in and cut the chains. Then he led me outside and we made a break for it. We were spotted and we had to fight out way out. You should have seen him fight. He was amazing. Cutting arrows out of the air, taking on five… ten men at once. Anyways, we were surrounded and he, well, he figured a way out of it but he got knocked out by an arrow. I dragged him out and we made it."
"Yeah, great story Aang, but what does it have to do with Zuko?"
Katara shot her brother an exasperated look. "Are you really that oblivious? He was the guy in the mask, wasn't he Aang?" He nodded.
Sokka was torn between confusion and disbelief. "That's crazy. Why would he risk himself for you."
"Because he's not all bad." Both boys looked at Katara. "When we talked after the battle he seemed like… I don't know, he was different. He wasn't bloodthirsty or violent. He was hurt… weary… sad. I think he's more complicated then we thought."
Sokka peered closely at her. "That's it, you're sleep deprived. Go to bed and we'll see you tomorrow." He and Aang left.
"Bed sounds nice but another bath sounds better." She headed for the bathroom.
O.o.o.o.o.O
Zuko panicked. There's gotta be someplace to hide. His eyes came to rest on a screen in the corner of the room. He quickly disappeared behind it. Just in time, because Katara walked into the room.
I can't believe this. I can't believe this. He repeated this over and over in his head like a mantra. Katara undid her hair, letting it fall loose and long around her shoulders. The tub filled with hot water sending steam into the closed room. She hummed softly as she searched through the bottles on the counter. Choosing one, she added it to the water. Soon the scent of lavender reached his nose; clean and sweet. Just like her.
Zuko shook his head to clear his thoughts. She began to undo her tunic and he closed his eyes. If she sees me now, she'll kill me. No matter what she said before. He heard the sound of water moving as she slid in and he looked up. He got an eyeful, blushed, and looked back down. I guess we can't keep calling her the water tribe girl.
With a sigh, almost a moan, she sunk into the water up to her neck. He stifled a sigh of his own as he settled in to wait. I hope she doesn't take as long as other girls. He looked up again, though, as she began to sing. It was a Water Nation melody, slow and captivating. Her voice was low, clear and sweet. He lost himself in her voice and the sight of her shoulders above the water and the time past quickly.
Then she was rising from the water and he dropped his gaze. Within a few moments she had prepared for bed and entered her bedroom. He moved from behind the screen and looked out the door. She stretched and climbed under the covers. He looked out the window at the height of the moon. I'll wait an hour, then I'll leave.
An hour later he slipped quietly past her sleeping form, pausing once to look down at her. She really is lovely. He left her chamber and made it back to his uncle without further incident.
"Zuko! What took you so long? Did you see anything interesting?" Iroh was surprised to see a deep flush spread over his nephew's face. "Are you alright? Do you have a fever?" He went up to the younger man and placed his hand on his forehead.
Before he could begin to fuss like a mother hen, Zuko stopped him. "I'm fine uncle. I found out the Avatar's plans. We move out tomorrow with the men and head south towards Midori. They'll come down to make camp before reaching there and that's when we'll strike. Let's get some sleep, we need to be up and out before down." He ignored the curious look his uncle was sending him and settled into bed. As sleep claimed him, her song drifted through his mind.
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AN: That's it for this installment. I hope you all liked it. R&R please.