I Told You So
Chapter 6: The Plan
Disclaimer: Avatar is in no way mine
When Zuko and Katara finally made it back to Ember Island they dropped off to get their first decent nights sleep in over a week. Between the night escapades and gathering rumors during the day, sleep had become something of a luxury. Add to that the fact they never slept very deep in case someone were to come upon them as they rested. After a saying hello and making sure that no one had caused any catastrophe in their absence the two benders went to their quarters for some much needed rest.
Sokka looked as though he were ready to argue; anxious and ready to wring every last scrap of information out of them. However, the combined stares of Suki, Aang, and Toph, who noticed their exhaustion, served to stall his protests.
"Can't you see their completely exhausted Sokka," exclaimed Suki, after smacking the back of his head to stop him before he even opened his mouth.
"But they've been gone for over a week! The Fire Lord won't defeat himself you know," he complained rubbing the back of his head as Zuko and Katara disappeared from view.
"Yeah Snoozles, we know. But one more day won't kill us either," sighed Toph. She was getting really tired of Sokka right then.
"Hello! Did you forget that someone tries to kill us on a daily basis! Remember Combustion Man?!"
"That's enough Sokka," cut in Aang, a sense of authority in his words, "Let them rest. I'm just as anxious as you to see what they've learned but we won't be doing them or ourselves any favors if we don't let them rest. Or do you really want sleep-deprived, cranky, tempermental benders on the loose?"
"Oh no, no thanks," replied Sokka, shuddering at the mental image of a cranky Katara refusing to cook. I don't think I can survive another one of Suki's attempts at cooking, he thought, cooking just isn't one of her gifts. Not that he would ever tell her that.
Everything was back to normal the next morning. Zuko woke up Aang with the dawn sun to practice his forms while Katara started in on breakfast. By the time that was done everyone else had managed to drag themselves out of bed and was now sitting around in a loose circle on the courtyard floor eager to catch up on the news.
"That smell so good, Katara," sighed Sokka, wiping a tear from his eye, a decent breakfast at last. It also earned him a jab in the ribs from Suki. "Not that your cooking wasn't delicious of course."
"Ok everybody," started Zuko, taking charge that morning, "here's what we've gathered so far. The majority of the stories came from rumors that floating around. As you know, you guys weren't exactly secretive about your activities while in the Earth Kingdom. Some of the more detailed accounts apparently came from a cabbage dealer who had the misfortune of always being in the wrong place at the wrong time." His tone showed his bewilderment at that fact but he choose not to comment further on it. Katara went ahead and picked up the story.
"Besides that, we managed to find out some very interesting details about events going on at the palace; namely, some very strange behavior concerning Azula. It seems like the Fire princess hasn't been quite the same since the incident at the Boiling Rock. Mai betrayed her by helping Zuko escape. Ty Lee betrayed her by preventing her from punishing Mai's betrayal. Neither of them has been seen since," she finished quietly. She had no love for either of the two girls but neither did she wish Azula's wrath upon them. "They say that she has gone mad, crazy."
"And a crazy Azula, is a dangerous Azula," finished Zuko.
"Right. So how does that make her different from before, exactly?" asked Sokka, between large spoonfuls, "cause I'm pretty sure she's always been dangerous, not to mention crazy."
"Yeah, kinda agreeing with Snoozles on that," said Toph, leaning back on her hands, "Azula never struck me as the overly rational type."
"No," spoke Suki, quiet until this point, "The problem with Azula before was that she was rational, not to mention very intelligent." She was quiet for a time, unsure of how to proceed. "When…when she fought us in the forest, me and the other kyoshi warriors, it was methodical. Precise. She never got ahead of herself. That's why the attacks were so deadly."
"But if that is true, then her being crazy should be a good thing," ventured Aang.
Shaking his head Zuko replied, "Not really. All it means is that she'll be even more unpredictable. She won't know when to stop, even if it means going down with us."
Everyone met this comment with silence, unsure of what to say next. It was true that they never had any clear victories over Azula, but if they had her pinned in a way she would retreat, like her first attempt at getting through the walls of Ba Sing Sei, or when the gondola line was being cut at the prison.
"If we run into Azula she won't stop until one or both of us is dead," stated Katara, just to make everything clear, "when we fight her, there won't be any second chances."
"Okaaay…enough with the drama. We get it. Crazy Azula: Bad," groaned Toph. Talk about beating a subject to death. "What about Ozai? Any news on him or where he's going to be."
Zuko and Katara looked at each other uneasily. They seemed to question each other somewhat, their eyes speaking to each other. After a moment Katara sighed, nodding her head in agreement and looked towards Toph.
"He's on his way to the Earth Kingdom while Azula keeps watch at the palace. The comet will be unleashed over there at full power."
"That is where we expected him to go," said Aang, "why the secrecy?"
"He's not just landing anywhere in the Earth Kingdom," said Zuko and he turned towards Toph, "he's starting at your home town, the home of the Bei Fong family, the last great power left in the Earth Kingdom."
Again the gaang was silent, absorbing the information. Toph sat shocked. She hadn't thought of her parents in a long time but Zuko's announcement was quite a reminder. The young Earth bender was visibly shaken and all her friends could see it.
"What…I mean…we…" she stammered before taking a moment to control herself, fighting back the fear that threatened to consume her. When she had taken several deep breaths she ventured to speak again. "OK. We've got the information. Now what's the plan?"
The rest of the day was spent getting their plans in order. Sokka's original plan, which he had so proudly displayed before, was tossed out amidst cries of, "My map, my plaan…my schedule!!"
That night they bid their farewells to Ember Island and the brief peace they had found there. They were on the last ferry off the island, heading to the port town on the mainland, arriving late that night. A small inn on the outskirts of the town served as their resting place for the night. All of the gaang had crowded into one room, wanting to feel close before the inevitable came. In the morning they would be dividing once again. Bitter words had been said and voices had gotten raised but in the end they had seen no other way.
Zuko woke with the sun as usual but decided to let his young student enjoy sleep for awhile longer. Hearing him move around, Katara woke up as well. Relations between the two had definitely improved as they realized just how much they could accomplish by working together. The two sat companionably on the floor, legs stretched out in front, watching their small group, which had become a small family.
Toph lay sprawled on the floor, a slight snore emitting from her mouth. Sokka and Suki had taken the bed; the kyoshi warrior had settled under the covers while he slept on top of them. Their hands curled together lightly by their heads. Aang was rolled into a small ball on his sleeping mat, looking like any other child.
"Zuko, do you think we'll make it?"
"We have to. We can't just let my father destroy this world."
"But do you think we can?"
The brooding teen was silent as he contemplated the question. Finally he gave the truest answer he could.
"I don't know, Katara. I don't know". With that said everyone began waking up around them; a new day was begun.
After breakfast they started putting their plan into action. Sokka, Suki, Aang, and Toph would head towards the Earth Kingdom to catch up with Ozai. Zuko and Katara would head towards the palace to deal with Azula. The decision to split hadn't been easy but everyone eventually came around. Sokka, as usual had been dead set against it initially.
"We need to stay together. The end of the world is coming and you want us divided?" Sokka insisted with disbelief.
"There isn't any other way Sokka," yelled Zuko, angry with his friend, "We need to take Azula and my father out at the same time."
"Why can't we just deal with Ozai first? We can come back and deal with your looney sister later, Prince Charming," argued Toph, "this is my homeland we're talkin' about here. We need to throw everything we got at this guy."
Katara, Suki, and Aang more or less stood by as they argued.
"So who's going to be the voice of reason today," drawled Suki, "I was it last time."
"I'm all out of reason I'm afraid," said Aang quickly, "need to keep the powers nice and rested for the Fire Lord."
"Guess that leaves me then," sighed Katara. Time to straighten these kids out.
"Guys?" she called. They kept arguing. "Hello?" a little louder this time. "HEY!" she finally yelled, "trying to say something here." That finally got there attention, just as Zuko grabbed Sokka by his shirt front and Toph dropped into her fighting stance.
"WHAT!?" they yelled in unison. Seeing the incensed look on the waterbender's face they quickly moderated their tone. "I mean…uh…what's wrong?"
"First off, Toph, everything he have is in Aang now. We've taught him as best we can. It has to be enough. Secondly, Sokka, do you really want to risk the chance that Azula will manage to organize something to attack us after we get back from dealing with Ozai? She's CRAZY. There is no telling what she might do so we have to get her while we know where she's at," Katara insisted fiercely. Sokka was coming around, nodding grimly so Zuko let him go. But Toph wasn't quite ready to back down.
"What if he can't?!" yelled the girl, "what if he fails? What then eh, Sweetness!?" They could tell she was distressed. Of all the people there she had never known what I was like to lose those that she cared about. She may have been the world's greatest earthbender but she was still just a kid, with a kid's same fears. Against that Katara had no answer.
"We're scared too Toph," said Aang softly, "But I need you to believe in me, cause I can't do this thinking that my teachers don't think I'm ready." He squared his young shoulders and faced off against the rest of them. "You've all helped me become the Avatar that I need to be, I won't let you down."
"Fine," came the gruff reply, "but if you lose that fight I'm gonna pound whatever is left of you into the ground, ya hear Twinkle Toes."
"Yes ma'am," said Aang with a grin, knowing it was her way. She was his friend and he would do anything to make sure Toph wouldn't have to experience losing her family as so many others had; as he had.
"Guess you turned out to be the voice of reason after Aang," laughed Suki, glad that the tension was dissipating. Everyone laughed at the small joke grateful for the humor.
At that point the rest of the group started waking up, going through their morning routines. After sharing a quick breakfast they started the trek to a town a bit farther along the coast that Zuko and Katara had scoped out before. It had a small but prosperous shipping business transporting goods between the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom and was the best way to get into the country without drawing too much attention. For the right price, of course.
As they neared the edge of the town Zuko and Katara thought it best to enlighten the rest of their group about a few details they missed.
"Alright everyone," started Zuko, "this isn't exactly a high-end neighborhood. They're a tough bunch, most of them work for the shipping company. They can get a little…restless."
"What Zuko means is that they spend a lot of time out on sea, when they do have shore time, they tend to get a little desperate about their perceived needs," continued Katara, praying that the others would catch on before she had to explain any further. Tui and La weren't blessing them at the moment however.
"What kind of needs?" asked Aang innocently. Toph snickered. She knew exactly what kind of needs Katara was talking about but hearing her forced to explain it was too great an opportunity to pass by.
"Well little buddy-" started Sokka, and was quickly cut off by Suki. He was definitely not the one to give this particular lesson. "What? He needs to find out about it sooner or later."
"Agreed," said Suki, trying to keep a strict face, "just not from you."
"Well why not, I could tell him about the time I-" Suki cut him off again.
"NO! Do not say it. Whatever it is, I don't want to know."
"But it's funny!"
"No."
"Pleeaase…."
"Nooo!"
"Pretty plea-" he was cut off once again, by Zuko this time.
"Look Sokka, now just isn't the time. Don't you have any dignity?" said the fire prince with a scowl. He turned toward Aang, "When this is all over I promise we'll have a talk but right now I just need you to follow along, ok?"
"Fine, whatever you say Sifu."
Katara went ahead and picked up the warning.
"The men here tend to get a bit leery over the girls, and the women tend to be a bit possessive. Just stay quiet, and don't look at anyone too closely. Let Zuko and I get your passage."
"Yeah right," drawled Sokka, "look I got this ok. Genius at work. I'll have us on the next ship out of here." He puffed out his chest, trying for the tough guy look, just not getting there.
"I think we need to listen to Katara and Zuko on this one, Sokka," suggested Aang, with agreeing nods from Toph and Suki, "they were the ones who scoped it out for us."
"Ya sure, ok buddy," was all Sokka had to say, already sauntering off. A sigh went up from everyone as they sadly hung their heads, knowing what was coming. Zuko gave his forehead an audible smack and the group began to follow him down the street. Before they even made it to the docks trouble struck.
Sokka was casually walking down the street, then he saw a pretty girl at a booth selling the early morning catch of fish. Being his usual self he casually called out, not noticing the group of young men who sat casually on the booth's corner. Turns out it was a big mistake.
"Hey there beautiful," he called, giving a wink as he passed by. Without warning one of the men from the group stood up and came to stand in front of Sokka.
"What do you think you're doing talkin' to my girl, punk," he said with menace, his face inches from Sokka's, his figure towering over that of the watertribesman. Caught with foot in mouth Sokka could only stammer a reply.
"I…I…I was j..just s..s..saying hi, dude."
"Nobody says hi to my girl unless I say so, ya hear!" came the threatening response. Sokka just nodded mutely before he turned tail and ran back to Suki and the rest of the gaang.
"The people here are CRAZY!" and just for good measure he turned to Suki and gave her a quick peck on the cheek, "By the way have I mentioned how much I love you?"
"Ya. Sure Sokka," Suki was unmoved by his advances. That call out was evidently going to cost him.
"How are we supposed to get anything done in this smelly ol' town if we can't even have a civil conversation with these people?" questioned Toph, a large part of her hugely enjoying Sokka's misery at the moment as he made puppy eyes at Suki, begging for forgiveness.
"We just have to speak their language," said Katara, with a nervous giggle. This was one of those things she had hoped Sokka would never find out about. Zuko was looking equally nervous. Oh well.
"And just what language is that supposed to be?" the earthbender asked.
"Lets just say its better if we show you. Just follow our lead and whatever you do, DO NOT REACT," stressed Zuko, "this was something we kind of figured out while we were trying to get information. Ready Katara?" Everyone gave them a slightly mystified look, wondering just what was happening. Katara gave a nod, swallowing her nervousness back, praying that Sokka would stay calm. For once Tui and La were with her.
Zuko abruptly swung his arm over Katara's shoulders while the waterbender slung an arm about his waist and the pair started walking down the street, swaying lightly against each other, looking for all the world like a couple that desperately needed some private time. From time to time one of them would giggle or give a sharp laugh and hands seemed to be moving in strange directions, looking completely absorbed in one another.
"That will never work," said an overly serious Sokka. "No way."
"It's the only way," teased Katara, not wanting to drop the act so suddenly now that people were paying attention, keeping her eyes on Zuko. If she looked at her brother now she knew she'd lose her nerve.
"There has to be."
"Well there isn't, so get hold of Suki and follow our lead."
"This is so wrong."
"Just do it Sokka," growled Zuko, and began walking himself and Katara away.
As the pair pulled ahead the rest of them just stood staring in shock, or sensing in Toph's case, not sure of how to react. Heads shaking they stared after them dumbfounded. Suki finally recovered, still not believeing what she had just witnesses but ready to go along with it all the same.
"I guess we better get going…" she said softly.
"That's my…that's my little sister!" hissed Sokka, still not quite comprehending. But before he could get started on his latest tirade Suki pulled him close.
"Yep, and we're going to do just like her," she whispered seductively in his ear. Without further ado she imitated Katara and put her hand around Sokka, clinging to his shoulders, stagger stepping in front of him, while he finally got the message and snugged her tight against him, walking in the same direction as Zuko and Katara. The remaing members of the group just gave a shrug, and with more playfulness than anything else started doing the same. To anyone watching they looked like three couples just looking for a good time, like every other sailor about to board again and looking for one last romp.
The lead couple eventually led them to a seedy looking dock, slightly run-down, but with a boat on that looked ready to head out soon. The dock master was leaning back in a lounge chair, calmly surveying the scene around him. Zuko staggered up to the man with Katara hanging off his neck, occasionally giving him light kisses around his neck, running her hands down his shoulders and chest. Zuko was likewise nuzzling Katara's hair and teasing her waist and sides.
"Mind if we…ah…show the ladies a little of what life at sea is like," asked Zuko, a swagger in his voice, and a hint of drunkness, "want to give my bunk a few memories before we cast off, if you know what I mean." He raised his eyebrows suggestively gesturing with his eyes towards Katara, was now facing the dock master, her back pressing against Zuko and holding his arms possessively in front of her. A pouting smile played on her lips.
Taking a glance back the dock master noted two more couples in much the same state, looking at him with hopeful expressions. The last pair looked young enough to still be school age but then again…well…they tended to start young in this town. With a leering glint in his eye, he looked back at Zuko.
"Well now, I might be inclined to let you slide on in, seein' as yer crew and all," drawled the deck master, not knowing otherwise. It wasn't his job to keep track of crews, he just watched the docks.
"Would you be inclined to keep quite too…no sense in disruptin' the cap'n or anything," continued Zuko in his effected accent. "he's not too keen on non-crew being on board."
"I don't know about that," huffed the deck master, smoothing his bearded face. Zuko quickly flipped him a handful of coins, silver glinted briefly before the man quickly pocketed the bribe. "Then again I'm feeling the urge to take a long, quiet walk down the shore," winking at Zuko before turning his back as the couples quickly made their way up the gangplank and below decks.
As soon as they were sure they were out of ear and eye shot everyone separated quickly and business-like demeanors fixed on their faces. The affect was ruined as they all burst into sudden laughter. Sokka was the only one looking slightly disgruntled.
"So is that what you two were up to all this time," he said accusingly, looking directly at Katara and Zuko.
"Hey it worked didn't it," said Katara, still laughing a bit from nerves.
"After you said that it couldn't be done," stated Zuko.
"Yeah…well…it still wro…oh forget it," Sokka sighed, throwing his hands in the air, while hanging his head. At least he had a good excuse to put hands in Suki.
With devilish grins Zuko and Katara glanced at one another before looking back at Sokka.
"Guess there's only one thing left to say," said the waterbender in an eerie voice., Zuko nodding in agreement.
"What's that? Haven't you beat me enough," whined Sokka. When he looked up at the two he could just tell whats coming.
"We told you so!!" they shouted in unison.
That story would circulate campfires for years to come.
I realize that it has been months since I updated but after the finale I decided to change things a bit. I don't know if any of my original readers are still out there but here's the latest. There is going to be one more chapter to conclude the story after this one, so enjoy. Don't forget to review!!
I corrected my previous mistakes! my thanks to those of you that pointed it out, I really appreciate it.